The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details

by Christiane Lemieux, Miles Redd (Foreword)

With a foreword by Miles Redd, this luxurious decorating resource trains the eye to recognize enduring, quality home goods and to use them to dazzling design effect.

Quality matters. Just as a home's foundation should be built to stand the test of time, so, too, should the furniture, objects, and elements of our rooms speak to an enduring sense of beauty and comfort. They should outlast trends and our loving day-to-day use. But how does one recognize quality and judge whether something is well made?

Christiane Lemieux set out to answer this question by interviewing the world's greatest experts. Weaving together the insights and guidance of dozens of wallpaper and paint specialists, textile fabricators, accessories artisans, and interior designers, Lemieux has curated an unparalleled education in recognizing the hallmarks of timeless, heirloom-quality pieces. Hundreds of elegant home interiors--both iconic examples from the past and stunning residences today--represent the range of luxurious and customized environments that can be created with fine d�cor.

Genres: Interior Design, Design, Coffee Table Books, Nonfiction, Art, Architecture, Art Design

416 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

Christiane Lemieux is an interior and household goods designer. She is a founder of The Inside, a direct-to-consumer home furnishings company.

Reviews

[J Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

428 page hardback, coffee table book. I learned about this book in Martha Stewart Living magazine, Jan/Feb 2017. A Resources section is included on pp. 392–404 which gives names and websites of all the companies represented in the book. These are listed by category (e.g., Window Treatments, Paints, etc.).

The book is a miniature education in interior design. Delves into processes and histories of textiles, wallpaper, furniture and so much more. Very interesting and informative book.

Author Christiane Lemieux sold her design studio, which eventually became Wayfair, the world’s largest online home furnishings retailer.

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absoloutely beautiful book. Gorgeous pictures and really well set out and easy to read. I want to own it, unfortuantely due to finances that might be a little way off. I have to continue to borrow the library copy for long periods of time (oh the joys of being a Librarian).

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful, and I learned some things.

[Caleb Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating and beautiful look into luxury and hand-made interior design features. Definitely increased my appreciation for high-quality decor and furnishings.

[Lena Späth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Great research with the right depth. Thank you so much!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pics and great history of variety of media

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christiane Lemieux did a GLORIOUS job with The Finer Things! Beginning with the beautifully designed cover, it speaks for itself, you just have to put your hands on it. Second, the photos throughout this entire book are phenomenally elegant. The author tops it off with great tips and tricks on decorating, including wallpaper installation tips. He also mentions famous designers, designing history, and information on major décor companies. A lot of hard work, dedication and compassion went into putting this huge book together. This item is not a disappointment by any means and whether you are a professional decorator or just love to look, this is definitely for you! I highly recommend this book to everyone, it also makes a terrific coffee table piece!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That's all I can say!

This book trains the eye to recognize enduring and quality home goods. You can use your knowledge to turn your decorating into something that would look like you hired a pro. This book helps a person, whether a designer or not, recognize quality in furniture, wallpaper, curtains...everything that makes a home wonderful. Christiane Lemieux interviews experts to bring you answers to all of your home decorating questions. The pictures are full color and amazing. Great ideas for everyone to turn your home into a spectacular masterpiece! Just loved this book!

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very impressive book! Its price is a little high, but it's definitely worth it if you can use it! It's about the size of a textbook, with tons of full-size, full-color, beautiful pictures! In addition to that, it give lots of tips on decorating, and it tells how to do things such as properly install wallpaper. For the design nerds out there, it gives information on some of the major companies for items like wallpaper, as well as information on famous designers, and histories and timelines!
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Mary-ann Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it had the history of ceramics and all the categories it covered. This was so fascinating! It also listed sources for buying quality interior design pieces. I am not a professional in this field, am enjoying reading about interior design though. A beautiful book that one would enjoy. Useful if you want to tweak your space or make major changes.

[J.P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say it is a book of excellent taste. After reading it I'm inspired to do some redecorating, but until then it will sit on my coffee table so my friends can browse through it when they visit.

[Debee Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Amazing, beautifully put together. Wow the photos are perfect. Is a great add to anyone's book collection.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely inspirational book that I enjoyed.The fabrics,colors and designs made it a wish book for any person like me that loves to decorate.