Rustic Elegance Hardcover – September 1, 2010

Although a beautiful book indeed, it is too much of the same. A better title would have been "The Big Rustic Houses of Larry Pearson" since all of the houses are designed by him, and all look (and feel) about the same with the same fireplaces, same beams, same posts, same doors, same chandeliers, same white/red tulips, same ceilings, same roofs, etc. The only exception is that there is different furniture and different paint colors in the houses. I use the term houses, not homes, because these are big (some 8,000 sq. ft. +), second (or third) vacation (most likely) houses, that even though rustic and built of natural materials, exude a contradictory feeling of conspicuous consumption - burning up fossil fuel all year long, even though they are most likely visited only a couple of times a year, and placed in once pristine wilderness. In such times, and with such environmental concerns, does one need to totally dwell on the people that always need to out-do everyone else simply because they can?! Ralph, I love your books and own most of them, but this is my least favorite. Variety is the spice of life, but this is all fennel - a little goes a long way. I love seeing houses of the rich as long as they're balanced with some of the not-so-rich. I like to see different rustic homes, big and small, rich and modest - all artistic and well crafted, but with different ideas and approaches. Money can make a house more impressive by size and labor, and more opulent, but not always more artistic or appealing. Elegance comes in many forms. Larry Pearson is indeed an artist, but I'm sure there are hundreds more out there (maybe not with such wealthy clients though)- you even gave them credit in your Dedication. Why not start giving them more credit with features in your books?

This book practically sings out loud its song of adoration for rustic homes. All the homes in the book were designed by the same architect, Larry Pearson, but that doesn't detract from the variety of homes and their settings. All the homes are in the rustic style. The book is absolutely gorgeous! It's also huge; it's an oversize, coffee-table book of 256 pages. There are lavish pictures of the homes and their furniture on almost every glossy page. The text is descriptive and a little quirky, too (e.g. the book has a lengthy dedication to William Dawes, the unsung hero who rode out the same night as Paul Revere to alert the colonists of the impending British attack). These homes are in the most gorgeous locales: mountains and foothills out West and also in Connecticut, Wisconsin and Minnesota. It is in the same style of the Kylloe's other books such as  Rustic Fireplaces  and  The Rustic Home , but it is well worth it to see the homes in this book if you have any interest whatsoever in mountain homes, lodges, and other homes that incorporate such a wealth of natural materials and high level of craftsmanship. Also, there is a list of resources such as furniture builders and suppliers, furniture galleries, painters and plasterers, architects and interior designers for creating the rustic home. This is a beautiful book!

yea. Um I guess its personal prefrance. I Like the book But do perfer other types of books like the getaway home or patterns of home.

Rustic Elegance is a large, coffe-table book capturing thirteen U.S. homes designed by Larry Peason, AIA. These homes apparently were built by millionaires without any budgetary constraints whatsoever. Many are called "cabins" but that is truly stretching the concept. All are on very large properties in wilderness areas that are magnificent sites offering views and seclusion. Many offer a "lodge" ambience with one-of-a-kind furnishings that are evocative of the outdoors and nuture. Each home is expertly photographed and the book if full of big, glossy, inviting photos that truly draw in the reader. This is the perfect book for picking up unusual furnishing ideas and for just sinking into on a cold, snowy winter day.

Used as a gift for decorating ideas. Well received.

Really enjoy this book... using it as a reference as we renovate our (2200 sq ft) "Cabin". Great ideas! Beautiful shots and commentary.

Poorly written and the added touches to the interior decor by the stylists looked extremely amateurish. Many of the house shots were done in the winter season making the houses appear cold and uninviting.The author put in pieces of personal information such as he needed to take a shot on via a jet ski. Who cares, just stay professional. The editor of this book should have caught this simple style and polished or omitted the personal accounts involving the authors family. I purchased it used, and I was very disappointed with the book. Many of the homes were constructed by the same group of professionals, more varied examples and locations would have served the reader better. I have owned bookstores in the past and I would never have stocked this book.

I really like this book. Lots of ideas for rustic homes. Love the bigger pictures in this book compared to his earlier books.

Every thing is wonderful. Good book

Excellent book & arrived promptly

My daughter and her partner built a natural log home in New Zealand and I bought this book for them as a Christmas present.