The Interior Living Room

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Not much gets me overly optimistic these days. The economy has tanked, the Taliban is closing in on Pakistan, and even Ms. California can’t say that marriage belongs to men and women alone – without being tarred and feathered by a very strange and amoral media.

Yep, it would seem that the world is going to hell in a hand basket, but for me it has little to do with terrorists, the depressing Dow Jones, or even the Vancouver Canucks losing to Chicago in 6 games. It’s mostly because I’ve seriously neglected The Interior Living Room for at least a month, maybe more. Of course that’s not anywhere near the disaster of an earthquake, but it still makes me frustrated knowing that I may be letting down people who consistently return here for advice and other such meandering.

Reasons for failure are excuses with nice packaging. I think I’ve heard that before, if not I submit that I have just authored my first inspirational quote. The thing is, just after I began my Asian Inspired Design series (in mid-February), I was commissioned to write a book for a regional publishing company. We’re not just talking about any book now. I’m talking about a genuine Coffee Table Book. For those not familiar with that description, a coffee table book is one of those huge “boat anchors” that everyone buys to weigh down their living room furniture in case of tornadoes. It’s the kind of book that should you inadvertently drop one on your big toe, a brief trip to the emergency room would be in order (as well as some extra strength pain killers).

Ok, so, since I’ve already been given a cash advance – one that has paid my car insurance for the next 5 years – I admit I have neglected this little home on the web in order to do a good job on the book. Alas, The Interior Living Room is on burner # 3, simmering in hot sauce, waiting for my renewed spirit an strange observations.

Having made all these excuses, I wanted to at least add something of lasting value here in my temporary absence. Last week I received a book to review, this one being of regular size, of no danger to toes, knees, or hairstyles, and one not written by me. It’s called “The Ultimate Tuscan Home Decorating Guide“. Having read and reread it I have to say – it is the cat’s meow. The Bee’s Knees. It is to interior design as Picasso is to art. (OK, that maybe reaching a bit)

I haven’t the time necessary now to properly speak for it’s positive aspects, nor do I have the appropriate words to describe for you how it basks in it’s own exclusive sea of coolness. None the less, I have asked the author if I could make it available here on the blog for my readers. If this link works, or you see it available in my sidebar (up and to the right) then the author has either agreed to include it of his own accord, or I have sent rather large ex wrestlers to intimidate him into a merciful compliance. (of course I’m kidding on that last part… maybe )

Two words. Buy. It. It’s a remarkable book offering some killer insight and explaining the theory of designing and decorating in Tuscan style, in such a way that you will not need a PHD and a headache to understand. Simply put, I could have had my pre-teen son read this, as well as my Great Uncle (87 years young, God love him) and they’d both understand the insight expressed in this tome. It offers great advice for novice designers and decorators, as well as for those of us who think we’re beyond all that noobie stuff. It’s really just a great read and worth far more than the ridiculously small price.

So like I said, hopefully it has been included here for sale (look up and to the right) If it’s not there, google it for yourself and grab it. Do yourself a favor. You will not be disappointed. It’s only slightly more than you will pay for a weeks worth of Starbucks Lattes, and less than 1 full tank of gas.

Presto! In my temporary absence – here at the interior living room – I have still managed to leave you with something to peruse and add to your book collection for the betterment of your home interior. And they say there’s no magic left in the world. Pffft.

Now back to regularly scheduled programming:

For those faithful readers and subscribers, here’s a quick progress update. I have long since finished the home design in Singapore and have already returned to Vancouver (just in time to see the Canucks lose ). Once my coffee table/anvil/boat anchor/toe-killer book is finished and submitted, I’ll be whisked away to New England to redecorate a 250 year old house. This project has me more excited then an 8 year old child prodigy sneaking a peak at the grand piano underneath his Christmas Tree. At some point (with the home owners permission of course) I will post pics and other such blurbs regarding the progress. And yes, I still have my Asian Inspired Design series completed. I haven’t begun posting that series yet since I can’t properly spend quality time answering emails and comments. So do look for that up coming in June.

In the mean time, keep stopping by The Interior Living Room! I have an archive of new and up coming designers that I’ll be adding over the next while. The talent I’m seeing these days is unbelievable!!