Design Recent Picks

September 2010

The underlined titles will take you directly to our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.

Exquisite fabrics : traditional weaving and embroidery patterns in China = Jin xiu wen zhang / by Gao Chunming with a foreword by John Vollmer.
"This book presents an exquisite compilation of over one thousand Chinese traditional designs found in weaving and embroidery. Known as 'zhiwen' or 'wen' in ancient China, these traditional patterns are the products of brilliant artistic skills that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Available in a beautiful slipcase, this book presents a wide and comprehensive range of classical design motifs that include: dragons, phoenix, birds, auspicious animals, floral patterns, insects and fish, figures, religious, and allegorical motifs." (Amazon)

500 years of Italian furniture : magnificence and design / a cura di = edited by Luigi Settembrini, Enrico Colle, Manolo De Giorgi.
"This exhibition catalogue shows the evolution of taste in the Italian and European courts from late mannerism through to the first decades of last century. Writing desks, tables, beds, chairs, thrones, mirrors, vases, and objects made of or decorated with precious materials, such as gold, silver, semiprecious stones, or mother of pearl are reproduced in the book. Detailed captions assist the reader in understanding and appreciating the technical craftsmanship of engravers, cabinet makers, bronze workers, as well as the creative genius of architects, such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Filippo Juvarra, and Pelagio Pelagi, at the service of the courts. A volume that collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts of the decorative arts cannot miss, it's an essential book for anyone interested in the evolution of aesthetics and style through the ages." (Syndetics summary)

Color by Kristin : how to design your own beautiful knits / Kristin Nicholas.
"Don't fear color--embrace it! That's the message woven all through this illustrated guide to knitting with multiple colors. Aimed at advanced beginners through intermediate knitters, the 20+ projects provided here include clothing, blankets, bags, and lots of home decor items, each bursting with rich hues and textures. Lavish photographs showcase each of the required techniques, while designer Kristin Nicholas's text explains the theory behind using colors to maximum effect. From the magnificent Fair Isle Pullover to the coordinated Mother-Daughter Mittens to the fun and fabulous Snowflake Pillow, these projects will bring color to every aspect of a knitter's life." (Syndetics summary)

Universal principles of design : 125 ways to enhance usability, influence perception, increase appeal, make better design decisions, and teach through design / William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler.
"Whether a marketing campaign or a museum exhibit, a video game or a complex control system, the design we see is the culmination of many concepts and practices brought together from a variety of disciplines. Because no one can be an expert on everything, designers have always had to scramble to find the information and know-how required to make a design work--until now. Universal Principles of Design is the first comprehensive, cross-disciplinary encyclopedia of design. Richly illustrated and easy to navigate, it pairs clear explanations of every design concept with visual examples of the concepts applied in practice. From the "80/20" rule to chunking, from baby-face bias to Occam's razor, and from self-similarity to storytelling, every major design concept is defined and illustrated for readers to expand their knowledge. This landmark reference will become the standard for designers, engineers, architects, and students who seek to broaden and improve their design expertise." (Syndetics summary)

Presentation zen design : simple design principles and techniques to enhance your presentations / Garr Reynolds.
"In his first book, "Presentation Zen," Reynolds gave readers the framework for planning, putting together, and delivering successful presentations. Now he takes readers much deeper into the design realm and shows how to apply time-honored design principles to presentation layouts." (Syndetics summary)

New restaurant design / Bethan Ryder.
"Interior design for restaurants is ever-changing, as one trend replaces another in attempt to seduce sophisticated diners the world over. This book is a celebration of the most inspirational and beautiful contemporary restaurant spaces. An introduction includes interviews with 11 of the world's most influential interior designers, who talk about their design philosophy and approach, their own favourite eateries, and what makes a great restaurant space. This is followed by four themed chapters: Global Views, Modern Classic, New Baroque, and High Concept. The 45 featured projects include work by Patrick Jouin, Christian Liaigre, Karim Rashid, and Jean Nouvel. Fans of Bethan Ryder's earlier books will not be disappointed by this colorful and exciting survey of the latest trends from the cream of the international design world." (Syndetics summary)

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