Scandinavian Home: A Style Sourcebook

by Heather Smith MacIsaac, Lars Bolander

"The Scandinavian Home" is the first book devoted to the signature features of Scandinavian design past and present. Over 350 colour photographs cover every aspect of the Scandinavian design aesthetic, organised by type of exteriors, front halls and staircases, living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. Pages of design inspiration are accompanied by useful paint swatches and an extensive list of sources for Scandinavian design. This book will be an essential addition to the shelves of everyone who has ever admired the subtle palette of a Gustavian room or enjoyed sitting in an Arne Jacobson chair.

Genres: Interior Design

192 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Heather Smith MacIsaac writes on design and travel for Elle Dcor, Travel & Leisure, and other publications. Formerly Architecture and Design Editor at House & Garden, Creative Director at Travel & Leisure, and Home Editor at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she is also a design consultant for hospitality, real estate, and retail clients."

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the word sourcebook in the title is a little bit misapplied here. Aside from that, this is exactly what one can expect from the genre, for lack of a better descriptor, of Scandinavian design books. My less than enthusiastic rating in this case has mainly to do with the fact that I've literally seen it all before. Over familiarity with the subject bred, if not contempt, than at least a mild aversion to repetition. Obviously this isn't the book's fault, but merely an effect of falling where it does in the grand scheme of things in regards to my reading habits. One last thing: Bolander uses the pronoun his to refer to all homeowners in general, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm going to start knocking off stars in the ratings for such infractions. I don't want to see certain language keep moving into the future, even, or especially in non-fiction. Collectively, readers are entitled to more.

[Marita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat over flowery language, but nice clear pictures. I enjoyed seeing familiar historical pictures and comparisons and some contrasts of those 4 countries and their styles.