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kathykekmrs's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads Program for an honest review.
This book is a home decorating book to show ways to decorate one's home by lessening the affects of allergies on family members. It is little things like taking one shoe's off to avoid traipsing in pollen and dirt that can really help. What she does not address is whether or not one can have a pair of shoes used exclusively in the house to protect feet while cleaning or cooking. I do not like dropping hot grease on unprotected feet. Now, I have not been fully tested for all of my allergies either. I have lived in a few homes in my life and know that allergies are based on many factors. Age of house, neighborhood pollutants such as trees and grasses, seasons of the year, and fireplaces. All of this has a major impact on family members with allergies. I do not know if I fully agree with keeping knickknacks and books to a minimum. Some knickknacks are necessary to show the inhabitants' personality and homes without books show a sense of ignorance. It is impossible to have a dust free home, but I do like clean furniture lines as opposed to the heavy furniture of yesteryear.
I decorate with books. As an avid reader I like having stacks of books that fit the mood of each room of my home. Cookbooks belong in the kitchen, glossy books belong in the living room sitting on a coffee table to be perused by visitors, serious books should be in the main entry way because they belong to the whole family. Personal books should be with each family member. Robin Wilson due to her allergies keeps the books in closed cabinets and that does not look homey to me.
I enjoyed her chapter on cleaning products, though. It seems that many store brand products do not work and she gives many natural recipes that really will clean the home and freshen the air. As a user of many bath and body products I find it hard to believe that these are things to keep out of my home. I enjoy perfume scented lotions and shower gels an would be lost without my morning ritual. There is no closet in her design for these items since she does not approve of them as they are asthma triggers. She uses baskets and shelving for most clothing items and tells how to find eco-friendly furniture that is good quality. This is a plus as much of the furniture is not well made on the marketplace.
Wilson gives a lot of advice on lighting and appliances. Appliances are expensive to run and the total electric bill needs to be taken into account when purchasing new appliances. Lighting was a good read for me as I do not understand all of the new light bulb options that are available on the market. This will help me to pick out lamps and tables as I need them in my life.The homes shown in this book are very white. That maybe because paint dyes are bad for allergies, I need a little color in my life, and this book does not show how one can incorporate color with allergic family members. The walls are too plain for my taste also. Pictures are somewhat important to me and this book only has one in the entryway.
This book is well-written and informative, but I could not see myself decorating my whole house in this style. I like the entryway ideas, but my new place does not have the space for one so it may only be a n umbrella stand. We will have to see.
This book is a home decorating book to show ways to decorate one's home by lessening the affects of allergies on family members. It is little things like taking one shoe's off to avoid traipsing in pollen and dirt that can really help. What she does not address is whether or not one can have a pair of shoes used exclusively in the house to protect feet while cleaning or cooking. I do not like dropping hot grease on unprotected feet. Now, I have not been fully tested for all of my allergies either. I have lived in a few homes in my life and know that allergies are based on many factors. Age of house, neighborhood pollutants such as trees and grasses, seasons of the year, and fireplaces. All of this has a major impact on family members with allergies. I do not know if I fully agree with keeping knickknacks and books to a minimum. Some knickknacks are necessary to show the inhabitants' personality and homes without books show a sense of ignorance. It is impossible to have a dust free home, but I do like clean furniture lines as opposed to the heavy furniture of yesteryear.
I decorate with books. As an avid reader I like having stacks of books that fit the mood of each room of my home. Cookbooks belong in the kitchen, glossy books belong in the living room sitting on a coffee table to be perused by visitors, serious books should be in the main entry way because they belong to the whole family. Personal books should be with each family member. Robin Wilson due to her allergies keeps the books in closed cabinets and that does not look homey to me.
I enjoyed her chapter on cleaning products, though. It seems that many store brand products do not work and she gives many natural recipes that really will clean the home and freshen the air. As a user of many bath and body products I find it hard to believe that these are things to keep out of my home. I enjoy perfume scented lotions and shower gels an would be lost without my morning ritual. There is no closet in her design for these items since she does not approve of them as they are asthma triggers. She uses baskets and shelving for most clothing items and tells how to find eco-friendly furniture that is good quality. This is a plus as much of the furniture is not well made on the marketplace.
Wilson gives a lot of advice on lighting and appliances. Appliances are expensive to run and the total electric bill needs to be taken into account when purchasing new appliances. Lighting was a good read for me as I do not understand all of the new light bulb options that are available on the market. This will help me to pick out lamps and tables as I need them in my life.The homes shown in this book are very white. That maybe because paint dyes are bad for allergies, I need a little color in my life, and this book does not show how one can incorporate color with allergic family members. The walls are too plain for my taste also. Pictures are somewhat important to me and this book only has one in the entryway.
This book is well-written and informative, but I could not see myself decorating my whole house in this style. I like the entryway ideas, but my new place does not have the space for one so it may only be a n umbrella stand. We will have to see.
carka88's review against another edition
3.0
Good tips, but some would require more effort than I am interested in investing. We don't deal with the same health concerns as she does.
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