The English Room By Chippy Irvine
Photographer: Christopher Simon Sykes
Bulfinch Press - September 2001
ISBN: 082122705X - Hardcover
Nonfiction / Interior Design / How To

Reviewed by Brenda Weeaks, MyShelf.com
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The English Room is a wonderful, picturesque read about English homes. Included in the book are 2 sections: Town and Country. Each has an introduction with 4 chapters to follow. The author points out what has brought about the changes of the English character in the houses, such as architecture, geography, climate, politics, technology and more. As you can see in the list below, the chapters move from the front to the back rooms, up the stairs, to the garden rooms and outside. The styles range from old fashion to modern and are designed from simple, to eclectic and to extravagant.

TOWN
FRONT ROOMS: Entrance Halls, Drawing Rooms, Dinning Rooms and Living Rooms
BACK ROOMS: kitchens, Workrooms & Studies
UPSTAIRS: Landings, Bedrooms & Bathrooms
GARDEN ROOMS: conservatories, Patios, Verandahs & Terraces

COUNTRY
DOWNSTAIRS: Entrance Halls, Sitting Rooms, Libraries & Studies
BACK ROOMS: Kitchens & Dining Rooms
UPSTAIRS: Landings, Bedrooms & Bathrooms
OUTDOORS: Conservatories, Lofts, Stables & Follies

Besides informing readers about the history and changing customs of the English homes, it is packed full of decorating and design ideas -- even though this isn't the main purpose of the book. Color is used in many of the rooms. Anyone who fears using color as the main subject will admire the use of it in some of these rooms. The ideas along with the richness of the colors are truly exceptional. They not only make the room pop but make one want to step into it and settle down.

After reading The English Room and admiring the beautiful pictures, I think the last place it belongs is on a shelf. The proper place for The English Room is a side or coffee table within reach of visitors.