Style and Substance: The Best of Elle Decor

As an ardent fan of SO CHIC for its depiction of private lives and private homes, I ordered STYLE AND SUBSTANCE (kind of) expecting more of the same. The book is a delight to the senses and the interiors are elegantly charming and beautiful. I realize that the homes shown in it are ones previously featured in ELLE DECOR, but I was hoping for more of the details of the decorating and just a little more biographical info. These are not intended to be disparaging remarks; instead, they are personal opinion. It is an elegant book that I have now begun reading for the second time since I got it just about a month ago. Ms Russell has done a marvelous job in the editing. You'll once again be inspired, intrigued, and feel glee in peeking into the beautiful private worlds of some very elegant, charming people.

WHAT IS BRILLIANT ABOUT THIS BOOK-- THE BEST OF A SUPERB MAGAZINE -- IS NOT JUST THE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY AND INVENTIVE INTERIORS BUT RATHER THE IDEA LIVING IN A PLACE THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTIONS ABOUT HOW WE USE OUR PERSONAL SPACES."STYLE AND SUBSTANCE" HELPED ME DECONSTRUCT THE BEAUTY OF SPACE AND MY CONNECTION TO IT.BENEATH THE GLORIOUS BEAUTY OF THE BOOK, THERE ARE DEEP IDEAS THAT TAP INTO HOW ALL US HUMANS NEED A COMFORT SPACE -- INSTEAD OF CRAWLING INTO BED, PAINT THE ROOM AND BUY A RUG -- IT TRULY CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE -- BE BOLDBRAVO MARGARET RUSSELL --

I can't stop looking at the pictures over and over again, and reading Margaret's fab and do-able tips and advice! Style & Substance is chock full of images that always contain something groovy to copy or to inspire you, whether you're going for the real McCoy or the econochic, recessionista, look-for-less version. There's a room for every style, whether modern or traditional, and every page just oozes style and chic. It was also fun to revisit many of my all-time favorite rooms from the Elle Decor magazine (and having them in one place, not 10,000 little sheets of torn-out pages! LOL) -- like seeing old friends. A must!

Because my design taste is more exotic and glamorous than many of the pictures in this book, I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. But, there are some WOW pages, as well--enough to make me happy to have purchased this book.

Condition: Used - Very Good - The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.Above is description of item. Condition description above is fairly accurately except back hard cover is heavily dented and no sleeve. Not sure if I would recommend this seller.

I own and review many interior design books, and this one by far is the most comprehensive I've seen in terms of different styles. Whether you're into modern, traditional, country, apartment-living, you'll be able to find something inspirational in this book. And if you haven't discovered your style yet, this book will serve as a wonderful guide. I've given copies of this book to friends who are about to buy properties or renovate their homes.

I recently purchased this book and really enjoy flicking through the pages for ideas and inspiration. The book highlights different rooms in a house and shows lots of different styles. Worth the purchase.

Best of Elle Decor is a nice compilation of work.

I didn't see the book myself but the feedback from my 20 year old niece who has just moved into her own home was that she loved every room in it. So I take that as a successful purchase. Plus it arrived earlier than the expected date so was in time for Christmas.

I had seen this book advertised in the American version of Elle Decor which is better than the UK version which seems to have nothing in it. So it is mainly American and other international fabulous homes.If you like looking at beautiful pictures of fabulous homes for inspiration and ideas then this is the book. Gorgeous photos and lovely glossy paper. I love it.

J'avais longtemps craqué sur la couverture de ce livre, me donnant l'impression qu'il serait intéressant avec moult photos de beaux intérieurs...Malheureusement, à peine acheté je regrettai déjà cette démarche. Le contenu est insipide, les images rares et la promesse d'un livre attrayant a été rompue... On ne peut même pas se consoler avec les photos vu qu'elles sont peu nombreuses... Pourtant, l'auteur est rédactrice en chef de "elle decor" on se serait donc attendu à mieux de sa part... dommage ...

Many books on decoration I ve bought were interesting but useless for regular home decor. Too posh, too queeny, too glamour. But this book is a treasure. No regrets on buying it.

Wonderful! And arrived os time!