Things I Learned: Dark paint can help a wall or ceiling recede, thus making a space appear larger. Mirrors reflect ight and make a space appear larger. Opening up a floor plan, either with dividing walls, cutouts or knocking down walls altogether, will give a small room more space. Storage space can be found vertically, in unused corners and under furniture.

Comments: For some reason, I retained the information in this book better than the other design book I read ("The Apartment Book"). Actually, I found this book more helpful and realistic in its approach. The interiors represented did not all have the same "look" - each place had an individual stamp to it, from art work and collectings, to color and furnishings. In that respect, it offered more variety than the previous book ("The Apartment Book").

The writing was clear, the presentation was helpful most of the time, and the book has some unique features, including a grid and templates for furnishings and accessories and architectural elements, etc. I thought that was really cool and helpful.

The book is divided into three chapters. Chapter One, "Principles," talks about design principles. Chapter Two, "Room by Room," shows how to put those principles to work in solving design and decorating challenges. Chapter Three, "Whole Houses," shows how an entire house was designed using those principles.

I would recommend this book for someone planning a DIY job, or planning a renovation or remodel to add more storage or space. This book can show you how to better use the space you have. I would also recommend it for someone with a beginning interest in design. ( )