"Today more and more of us are striving to bring personal meaning and beauty into our lives and homes. African style is the perfect way to express that joy in living, whether your look is formal, traditional, minimal, casual country, or eclectic," writes Sharne Algotsson in her stunning new book,African Style: Down to the Details. Following on the success of her first book,The Spirit of African Design, written with Denys Davis, Sharne now offers a gorgeous, hands-on guide to decorating any home with the richness of Africa. Bursting with hundreds of full-color photographs,African Style: Down to the Detailslooks at a full range of home decorating options, with chapters on Color, Paint, and Pattern; Textiles; Furniture; Accessories and Display; and The Mix, which reveals how to coordinate all the elements to create a harmonious whole. Sharne offers a number of simple, inexpensive but exciting how-to projects that can revitalize a room, such as an African-Style Padded Window Cornice, as well as dramatic before-and-after photographs of quick makeovers for chairs, tables, mantels, and more. Written by the leading expert in the field, this book is a treasure trove of practical advice, decorating tips, and insider shortcuts for incorporating the vibrant beauty of Africa into any home, on any budget. In addition, an extensive resources section makes it easy for readers to locate hard-to-find specialty stores and suppliers of textiles, furniture, and accessories. Whether you want to redecorate your entire home or simply add a few fresh accents,African Style: Down to the Detailsis a dazzling celebration of the continent's unparalleled aesthetic.
I was given this book as a gift...inspiration in my quest to add African design to my new home. Initially, I presumed it was a book of templates I could use in my home. Not at all! This author teaches you how to design and consistently encourages you to "interpret Africa in your own way". She expounds on the differing design styles in north, south, east and west Africa and the influences that explain the wide variety of styles. Should this author publish another home design book, I will purchase it. Guests in my home are in awe of the beautiful African designs!!!
African adaptability
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I purchased African Style hoping it would help me decorate my Master Bathroom in an African theme. Although there is not a decorated bathroom in this book, that didn't matter. I was able to adapt all of the elements I admired into this room. Therefore , I find the book to be highly adaptable for any room in anyone's home. The listed resources and contacts remind the reader that there is a real, tangible person on the other end who is willing to help!
in love with this book.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Hats off to Sharne Algotsson. I love This second book. The color palettes are breathtaking, the design ideas are easily digestble anf the text was clear and to the point. What a great book.
Beautiful and practical
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Sharne Algotsson has managed the feat of writing a book that is both a coffee table book, thanks to the beautiful color palettes and G. Ross' magnificent photography, as well a a useful how-to book. This book will be attractive to anyone who would like to beautify their interior, even if they are not specifically searching for "Africanness": the color combinations are so elegant and warm, any home will benefit!
What a wonderful book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
After reading the first book "The Spirit of African Design," I thought a design book could not get much better. However, George Ross's beautiful photography, paired with Sharne Algotsson's creative styling proved otherwise. The "how-to's" were simple to follow and helped me create beauty in my own home. The gentleman who also reviewed the book here commented that this book was not mainstream enough. He is right, it is not mainstream, but mainstream would defy the very nature of African style. This book provided visiual and creative stimulation and I would reccommend it to anyone looking to add a personal flair to their home.
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