Past Present: Living with Heirlooms and Antiques

Loved the book and the homes shown. Beautiful photos. I liked the write-ups about each home and the antiques that the homeowner incorporated into their home. I liked the range of homeowners, from those who inherited antiques to those who are dedicated collectors. Could have used better copyediting--words left out here and there.

I enjoyed the book, beautiful photos

one of the best decorating books ever

Beautiful photos and great ideas.

Love this author!!. Beautiful and timeless interiors and information. You can't go wrong with Susan advice.

Enjoyed reading and looking at the pictures. I learned new things about decorating with antiques.

My friend loved it

The author categorizes people as either collector, curator or inheritor and I suppose that method of organization is as valid as any. But, the true value of the book may be lost in the sometimes distracting clutter of viewing other people’s things and their various decorating styles. The how or why the items are in their possession is only of passing interest, but displaying possessions in an eye-pleasing way, while not brain surgery, still can befuddle otherwise competent people.The book is about ideas, but sometimes it can be difficult to see past a style or the items being grouped if these specifics hold no appeal or interest. If not a collector of books, clocks, porcelain figures or plates, etc. or with a post-modern or industrial style, it may be a struggle to relate to the ideas presented in the book.This is a common problem and why real estate agents stage houses to create an inoffensive generic look, and dread showing empty homes. Everyone cannot see past the current owner’s cow salt and pepper shaker collection and envision themselves in the space. And, if empty, a blank slate can appear just as daunting with questions like where to position a couch far from obvious.So, whether the book is enjoyable and useful will depend upon, not necessarily on the reader’s decorating style or specific collections, but rather expectations about what the book can do for them. It is not a step-by-step guide but rather a starting point for engaging the imagination. It excels at reflecting how objects we love can be incorporated into the space we inhabit instead of being boxed away.I have few inherited pieces, my main issues revolve around books and unplanned collections -- like the copper bowls that I admire and regularly find estate and garage sales. I saw a magazine photograph of a wall of plates and realized that instead of keeping my growing collection of bowls hidden in a kitchen cabinet where they were not being enjoyed, they could be displayed in a similar fashion.Their half-sphere shape, unifying color and the variety of sizes added an unexpected architectural element to the space. So, the result looks quite different than the quaint plates in the magazine, but that picture served as the genesis of the idea. This book operates in a similar way, igniting creativity, but if seeking a blueprint to follow, the book may disappoint. It is all about expectations.This sturdy hardback book is constructed with a good weight glossy paper and attractive dust jacket. The photography and book design are smartly stark. There are already so many images saturating the pictures themselves, that keeping the page layout simple is wise. Every time I pick up the book and page through it I see something else. There is too much contained within the pages to absorb it all in one sitting, indicative of its value as an on-going resource.