Reviews for Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style

The average rating for Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2010-03-02 00:00:00 Carol St. Jacques I suppose it is time to include design books in my goodreads. Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler tells how she creates "the elegance of the unexpected". After reading her text and studying the photos, I can tell you her signatures--bold color (often green and yellow), high contrast (black and white), white and black painted furniture, animal sculptures, Carrera marble, metal furniture, embroidered emblems, etc.--are expected. I understand that high end designers need such an ego to make it in the business, but seriously, seeing so many posed shots of scantily clad Kelly made me wonder if she wished she has pursued modeling. I about died when I saw the topless photo of her on vacation in Capri (Thanks heavens she was lying on her stomach!) I only say this because I think the photos detract from her as a professional. If a certain Interior Designer wants to be taken as seriously as an architect or other professional, then some business dress code needs to be used. I did see some inspiring photos and I think she has some great ideas. (Giant tassels on door knobs, books covered in fabric (how would one read the titles?), sofas instead of dining chairs (how is one to eat when the table is a foot away) and limes in a bowl on a conference room table (before we get started today, would anyone care for a lime?)are all examples of impractical and silly ideas I wouldn't categorize as "good".) She saved the best project for last--the Trousdale Place estate was gorgeous! I won't feel so silly if I show my sketches to anyone now. Hers were just about on my level, and she wasn't afraid to show it. Ha, ha.

Review # 2 was written on 2009-10-28 00:00:00 william j bryant Inspired to read this by a recent New Yorker profile on her, which isn't usually their thing. It's amazing how less outrageous her designs are when you actually see them in photos. She uses plenty of colors and motifs that I don't care for and yet that doesn't stop the arrangements from being striking and gorgeous. Most of the text went over my head with the professional details but will be useful for aspiring designers. This came from the library but I'll be buying a copy for re-browsing, along with her other books.