book data
178 ratings,
3.65
average rating, 64 reviews
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published
March 28th 2006
by Bantam
binding
Paperback, 288 pages
isbn
0553383124
(isbn13: 9780553383126)
description
From not enough space and too many things to not knowing what color to paint the living room walls, many of us struggle with our homes. Now Maxwell Gi...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 343)
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5 stars (24)
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4 stars (86)
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3 stars (52)
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1 star (2)
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avg 3.65
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in January, 2009
An interesting take on home design and organization. I enjoy the apartmenttherapy website, and so had to take a look at this book. Gillingham-Ryan definitely wants you pare back what you have, and to plunk down quite a bit of cash on what you choose have. While I like the idea of choosing once and choosing good quality when it comes to larger items, his cost suggestions (for sofas, lamps, etc) seem high to me. But then, I'm really not in the position to buy or renovate.
On the other h...more
On the other h...more
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Read in June, 2009
It is not often that I read a book more than once - in fact, pretty much never. There are too many books in the world to do that! This book is an exception. It also catapulted me into action one Sunday. I rearranged our living room and reconfigured our guest room. Watch out, this book is dangerous!
The author is a consultant who calls himself an Apartment Therapist. He goes into peoples' homes and helps them create a home they are happy with. He has a very holistic way of looki...more
The author is a consultant who calls himself an Apartment Therapist. He goes into peoples' homes and helps them create a home they are happy with. He has a very holistic way of looki...more
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I found this book really useful, and will definitely be using it again when I move to a larger apartment. It made me think a lot about living spaces, and the creation of home. It has also inspired me to pay more attention to cleaning my kitchen!!
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Read in March, 2009
Although the specific tips in this book are mainly non-revolutionary, the author suggests a good system for a complete reworking of one's home to suit one's needs better, no matter how good or bad the home may start out. In other words...if you live in a home that more resembles a trash heap, you can use his advice. But if you live in a perfectly decorated home, you can also find helpful tips inside.
Most helpful, however, is the basic attitude of observing one's home in different w...more
Most helpful, however, is the basic attitude of observing one's home in different w...more
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Read in September, 2007
if you are twenty-something and interested in "nesting" in your apartment, this book is the guide. a great read and a great reference.
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Read in December, 2008
Really good! Apartment Therapy was as enjoyable to read as it was edifying.
I'd recommend this book to a person interested in improving his or her lifestyle via a living space revitalization.
While its language is at times a bit trendy, the basic message is really timeless - this isn't some Hippest Apartments of 2008 piece of trash that is going to lead you into creating some dated disaster. It's a sort of primer for making your home more "homey" and healthy for...more
I'd recommend this book to a person interested in improving his or her lifestyle via a living space revitalization.
While its language is at times a bit trendy, the basic message is really timeless - this isn't some Hippest Apartments of 2008 piece of trash that is going to lead you into creating some dated disaster. It's a sort of primer for making your home more "homey" and healthy for...more
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Read in May, 2009
there were a lot of reasonable design tips provided in a pleasant voice, but nothing was terribly useful to me and it included a lot of common sense doled out like as if it was advice. there were also a lot of tips that didn't seem particularly relevant or like the author was in any better position to provide them than anyone else (at one point he recommends gilette razors in order to enhance your bathroom and shaving experience). it's a quick read, though, and inspired me to clean up and purge ...more
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04/11/08
Kerri
added it
Read in April, 2008
recommended to Kerri by:
apartmenttherapy.comrecommends it for: anyone with a general, unidentifiable, dissatisfaction with their home
I'm not going to rate this book with stars because I feel it would be unfair. I've been a big fan of apartmenttherapy.com, and purchased this book as soon as it was released, which also happened to be right around the time that I purchased the townhouse we'd been living in for years, so I was really excited about bringing it to its full potential. Well, I forget about the book for a couple (few?) years, and just recently remembered it when it came up in discussion again. Since that time, I've ...more
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Read in March, 2006
This book balances precariously between being profound and precious.
On the profound side, it collects in one spot a great deal of useful information on arranging furniture, choosing paint colors, handling lighting, and decluttering. And it sets everything into a schedule to help you not bog down.
On the precious side, there are embedded assumptions that you're seeking an idealized lifestyle that involves tenderly cleaning your home with organic cleansers, strolling to the ...more
On the profound side, it collects in one spot a great deal of useful information on arranging furniture, choosing paint colors, handling lighting, and decluttering. And it sets everything into a schedule to help you not bog down.
On the precious side, there are embedded assumptions that you're seeking an idealized lifestyle that involves tenderly cleaning your home with organic cleansers, strolling to the ...more
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Read in October, 2008
recommended to Marcy by:
In a roundabout way, Kirstin -- it was on Amazon next to another
This book has torn my life apart for the last 2 months as I "flip" my whole apartment, go through everything I own and start over with a "NEW" apartment. It gave me the justification I needed to put some money into a rental and I think once the wood floors in my room are finished and the new countertop installed in the bathroom, (there are new floors, paint, lighting, and window treatments throughout!!!) I will feel like a brand new person. Even with all of the organize/fen...more
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Read in March, 2007
recommends it for:
anyone who lives in an apartment
This is a real neato book that can be applied to both apartment dwellers and home owners I think. This is great for anyone who wants to makeover their apartment and can benefit from an 8-week makeover plan. I participated in the Spring 07 cure and now I'm participating in the Fall 07 cure.
At times, the book can be a little hokey and "hippy-ish," encouraging readers to perform exercises such as running their hands along the walls of their apartment to determine "hot"...more
At times, the book can be a little hokey and "hippy-ish," encouraging readers to perform exercises such as running their hands along the walls of their apartment to determine "hot"...more
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12/01/08
Karrie
is currently reading it
I've been in this house for over a year, I have to shit or get off the pot. I love this blog so maybe , if I actually get motivated by the 8 week process outline in this book, I will button this place up! Ill keep ya updated on how that goes. ppft.
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recommends it for:
Anyone vaguely dissatisfied
This book changed my life-literally. One of the points Max makes is that what goes on in your home is going on in your life. In one of the first chapters he shares how his apartment was stuffed and so was his life-with a languishing relationship, an unfinished thesis, and piles of work-when he pared down his apartment so did his life-the relationship ended amicably, the thesis was finished, he had time for a social life. Each time I take the course I move within the 8-week period, this has happe...more
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Read in April, 2009
A good read for anyone in nesting mode, but especially young professionals in their first place of their own. If you enjoy the blog, you'll probably find the book useful. Still, the suggestions on budget seem a bit high at times.
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Read in April, 2009
"..."being prepared" can sometimes be a euphemise for bieng scared to let go. How much we carry-is often directly realted to how little we trust in life to guide us well, and in others to help us out in a pinch."
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Read in January, 2007
wonderful book! One of the first books I read that got me off on this home improvement/interior design/architecture obsession. Great, practical pointers and a casual, enjoyable read
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This was a pretty good book, but I got a little sick of "x is a luxury no home can afford to be without!" but the end of it. If anyone would like to borrow, let me know. :)
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01/17/09
Amanda
marked it as to-read
So... I have had this book over a year now, I think...perhaps it is time to actually read it as I do LOVE the AT website (www.apartmenttherapy.com).
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07/21/08
Laura
added it
I am currently making my way through the "8 week home cure" and really am finding this book provides a useful template for determining what to do with your home and how to do it so that your home is a place that you love. Although it is geared toward single or partnered urban professionals living in apartments (as opposed to say, suburban housewives or stay at home parents) that does not make it less useful. He draws on both his experience as a former Waldorf teacher and an interior ...more
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I loved Apartment Therapy. Someday I will tackle the one-room cure but, for now, I'm having a lot of fun attempting the deep treatment.
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