I had such positive feedback about ROMANTIC PRARIE STYLE --from all over the world (really), that a review on Amazon made me remember that it is indeed a fact: You can't please everybody. But what really puzzles me about this review-- which I will post below together with my response to the gentleman who wrote it-- is how so many "get it" and one lone individual can be so far off the mark.
The fact that he defines my text in such terms as "poor writing skills" and "flimsy descriptions" is not what bothers me. What does bother me is twofold:
*His complete lack of understanding of what the book represents: family, home, and the earth. He completely misses out the spirit of Prairie.
*His lack of sophistication regarding photography and more specifically Mark Lohman's acclaimed photography skills. If he had any knowledge of photography he would not compare Mark's stunning images to those of Pottery Barn or L L bean catalogs. This is in no way a put down on my part where these 2 companies are concerned. In fact, I love how Pottery Barn photos are styled and the locations they choose. And LL Bean is right on target for their products. What I am saying is that comparing Mark's photos to catalogs' is comparing apples and oranges. They are simply different styles for different purposes.
Actually, there is one more thing that bothers me: When you go to that fellow's website
http://www.grovehousedesign.com/Site/Home.html
instead of showing his full portrait the fellow posted only the lower part of his face. Why hide?
I would really love to get your feelings on his review. Thanks for all your wonderful encouragements!
Here is the Amazon review and below you will see my response.
Country? Yes. Inspiring? Maybe., March 29, 2011
ByGrove House Design (Oak Park, IL) - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from: Romantic Prairie Style (Hardcover)My copy just arrived this weekend. I settled into reading the book, and almost immediately regretted ordering the book. The decorating style wasn't interesting. The prose seemed to be there just to prevent it from being a simple picture book. "Major dud," I thought. "Who can I pawn this off on?"
I just couldn't believe that I'd been convinced to order this book, even if it was only $16.85. So, I went back for another look - and I'm glad that I did. The book is about country decor. And, as it turns out, it's a lot like country antique stores. Tons of worthless debris, with gems tucked away in niches and corners.
Take for instance, this advice on paint color:
"A chalky palette gives the farmhouse that cozy, old-world feel compared to white, which would have made it more modern that it really is."
Ignore the poor writing. Ignore the flimsy descriptive skills. This is still a very sound piece of advice for achieving a look that suggests history. Chalky colors = good. White = bad. I get it. I can use it.
Sometimes the advice falls just a hair short of useful:
"Caroline is also partial to the right mix of 'new antiques' and true antiques, something that she was exposed to while growing up in the Netherlands. 'When you have too many true antiques, the look can become heavy and oppressive and too many Modernistic pieces run the risk of creating a sterile and cold environment," she notes."
Ok, again I get the point. Designers like Darryl Carter have made careers on just this aesthetic. But, what is "the right mix"? How do I distinguish between a "new antique" and a "true antique"? Are we talking about reproductions? Or contemporary classics? Questions that the book decides not to answer.
The book does offer some beautiful photos. But, more than a few could have been pulled from a recent Pottery Barn catalog (or LL Bean, for that matter). I don't consider that a compliment.
Net net? If country is your thing, you'll find a couple of interesting ideas. The rest of you should put this back on the virtual bookshelf and keep looking.MY RESPONSE:So sorry to see that you missed the whole point of the book. If you really read the text you would have understood that Romantic Prairie Style is first and foremost a lifestyle, as spelled out in the introduction.
"PRAIRIE STYLE embraces simple pleasures, comfort, and the long-cherished ideals of natural beauty, simplicity, and harmony with the earth.
You needn't to live on the prairie to love PRAIRIE STYLE. It's a style that says "home" wherever it lives because, more than anything else, it's a mindset. It's gentle but strong, welcoming and lasting, durable yet sophisticated, it's the resilient spirit of "making do".....and, over all, it's real."
What you refer to as "Tons of worthless debris" are the meaningful items that the homeowners cherish for their symbolic values.
As for comparing some of the photos to a Pottery Barn or LL Bean catalog it's obvious that you are not familiar with either.
I don't mind the fact that you call my descriptions "flimsy" or that you are unable to tell the difference between a true antique and a "new" one because my hope is that maybe one day you will be able to grasp these meanings.
No doubt that if you feel qualified to review a book from both the text and photography perspectives you must have yourself produced one? Yet, looking at your website I get the impression that you have not.
Though you are entitled to your opinion, it would only be fair if in the future you would take the time to really read a book before attempting to come up with an educated review. Sadly the meaning of Romantic Prairie Style eludes you.Fifi O'NeillDoes this look likePottery Barn or LL Bean?
