House Thinking: A Room-by-Room Look at How We Live (P.S.)

I have decorating books replete with full-color illustrations of ideas, and I have New Age-y decorating books that explain Feng Shui and how to use essential oils, but this book is a really nice bridge between the visualizing your space and analyzing the psychology behind how you use it. It's strategic vs. tactical, but since there are so few books for laymen that tackle the former, it's a welcome addition and brings interesting insights as to how to think about our homes and make them more liveable.

I first heard Ms. Gallagher interviewed on NPR and found her to be interesting and articulate.The book is just as wonderful! Informative, interesting and beautifully written. I urge anyone who is thinking of buying a house to read this book FIRST - then start looking at the real thing. Ms. G. provides us with a mini architectural degree and a phd. (small case) in the phsychological aspects of our most important space - our homes. Thank you for a great book. I have bought several copies for friends and family about to embark on this important mission and they have all been delighted to be exposed to Ms. Gallagher's knowledge and insight.

a thoughtful look at rooms!

House Thinking focuses on each room and its function, historically and personally. One example is how a "Great Room" came about and how people in the past used such a space and how your own family activities and needs might fit with one. Gives a different and useful perspective on home space, room by room.

Fascinating look at how architecture and interior design influence our mood and behavior. You gain general priciples and insights into what makes an space inviting or unappealing. This is a great book for an architect or interior designer with an interest in environmental psychology. This is NOT a "how to" book for consumers who want remodeling ideas.

I don't actually hate this book, which is what giving a book 1 star means, however, I do think it is awful because it is so poorly written. Did this book have an editor assigned to it? In the first 15 pages, which is as long as I stayed with this book, there is an abundance of incomplete sentences, syntax errors, and random, seemingly unrelated ideas jumbled together. Several times I picked the book up and tried to read it only to put it down because a lot of it was nearly incomprehensible to me. In the Praise section in the front of the book I was surprised to see this book was recommended by the Chicago Tribune, New York Times Book Review and Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big House, which is a highly readable, well written book and one that I highly recommend. Did these people really read House Thinking? I'm going to ask for my money back.

I always thought that we are all psychologically affected by the space we live in, and this book expands on that theme. This is a great book for anyone who seriously thinks about their homes beyond mere decorating. I wish I had written it.

I chose this rating because of the quality of the books,the price, and the speed at which it arrived. I purchased multiple books for my clients and staff and felt good about handing them out.Great quality

Room by room Gallagher describes the effects and functions of rooms and their contents. History, psychological and sociological studies topped of with personal accounts and annectotes. This was so much more than I thought it would be. Fortunately.