The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details

Product Description

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 décor.

Top Reviews

Pretty Spine for Styling
by Amanda T. (5 out of 5 stars)
January 6, 2019

Never opened the book, probably never will. Purchased for styling purposes only. 5 stars from an aesthetic perspective! Posting picture so others in my shoes can see what the spine looks like :)
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Interiors galore
by Amazon Customer (4 out of 5 stars)
April 1, 2017

Great book. Beautiful pictures. The best part about this book though is probably the details provided by the author. In terms of history as well as details regarding the artists behind the pieces/work that is included. Which makes this book a great resource for use by you or your friends should you be lucky enough to be able to afford to commission some of them.

Overall a great purchase. Not giving it 5 stars because of shipment issues by Amazon. The book arrived with tears on the spine and scuffed. Clearly not new. I would try some of the other third-party sellers to see if "new" books actually arrive in mint condition which is the expectation!
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Looks different in person
by DMorey (3 out of 5 stars)
January 28, 2019

Eh. I got this for a cocktail table book. The picture is really misleading. The color of the front cover isn't good shiny metallic. It's very muted. I flipped through it and it has good history and info. More tranditional styles, it wasn't worth the cost to me. Don't get it as a cocktail book. Only get it if your in the industry or die hard decorator and plan to read it. I may return it just because my sole purpose of getting it was for the shiny cover in the photo which it is not.
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YUMMY- Perfect Eye Candy for the Design-aholic
by Amazon Customer (5 out of 5 stars)
February 28, 2017

I studied architecture and design in college, and I have been working in the design industry for several years. This book should be required reading for anyone new to design. I cannot say enough good things about this book. It is extremely comprehensive, and Ms. Lemieux took 3 YEARS to research and compile the information.

The photographs are stunning. The book itself is thick and heavy, and just plain yummy. The author delves deep into each category of design, giving a history as well as telling you who is the best of the best in each category.

DON'T MISS THIS BOOK! (And anyone on your gift list would be THRILLED to receive it.)
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Depth
by MaggieS (4 out of 5 stars)
March 13, 2019

Quality addition to any collection of design books. It was certainly a great reference, full of rich and stunning photos, but also contained a very interesting and detailed history of how the components of decor developed over time. That background information is what really sets this work apart and make it well worth the purchase price.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it cover to cover
by Jenny G,Top Contributor: Home Renovation (5 out of 5 stars)
November 15, 2016

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it cover to cover. There are 5 main sections to the book: Walls, floors, furniture, textiles, and accessories. Each of these sections is further broken down. For example, walls covers wallpaper, paint, and framing. Each section has a short introduction, a 'past to the present timeline' giving the history of the particular subject, a brief section on 'how it is made' and a list of major players for the particular area. Other topics are included depending on the specific subject.

I found that I already have a good sense of quality materials, but I found the history and background fascinating I can tell that a lot of work went into this book. The photos are lovely as well.
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Don't do it
by Jenna Johnstone (1 out of 5 stars)
January 20, 2019

Do NOT buy this book of you're after that shiney, foil gold finish. The cover is simply a paper cover with a photo of the gold foil. No shine and very dull. Looks like a knock off.
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FABULOUS, if you're actually looking for a book
by Amazon Customer (5 out of 5 stars)
September 20, 2019

This book is awesome! The photographs are plentiful and gorgeous and there's just enough text that makes me want to read it cover to cover. I just received it and am so surprised at how much good info is in here.

There's a mix of photographs of interiors with text written about who you need to know, as in "recognizing the major players" in wallpaper, upholstered furniture, ceramics, etc. There's also info about how things are made, so when you look at a fine piece of furniture you know how it's actually created. Very useful information.

I was looking for a book that shows how to mix fine antiques and artifacts with some modern pieces. This definitely shows many many examples of this and way more.

There are reviews with comments about the cover and how it actually *looks* on your coffee table or bookshelf. It's very attractive, but I can assure you by morning mine will be filled with sticky notes and possibly some highlighting. Use it however you want.
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... wasn't sure what to expect but the reviews were good so I thought worst case scenario it would l
by JLM (5 out of 5 stars)
February 6, 2017

I really wasn't sure what to expect but the reviews were good so I thought worst case scenario it would look lovely on a coffee table.

Pleasantly surprised and totally in love with the book. I have affectionately started referring to it as my Bible and have been dutifully reading every evening.

It's a great reference book and while maybe not all inclusive, it provides a good starting point for more thorough research.
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So gorgeous !
by Bree S. (5 out of 5 stars)
December 7, 2018

Gorgeous book! The inside is amazing too I obviously got it for a coffee table book but I've begun reading it and it's even better than I expected !

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