book

BY MERVIT BASHI

firm in New York City.
Gomez doesn't categorize her
style as strictly traditional or con-
temporary. Rather, she opts to find
the perfect balance between the
two so that the result is pleasing,
but not easily labeled. "The deli-
cate balance may be serene but it
should not be boring," says
Gomez.
Whether you've simply decided
to redecorate that spare bedroom
or perhaps have taken on a bigger
project like that old cottage Up
North that's been in the family for
the longest time, there are admit-
tedly feelings of excitement and
anxiety that come with the great
amount of planning that's involved.
The book deals with every
aspect of decorating each room in
the house and answers questions
all novice decorators ask: What
will this color really look like once
it's on the walls? This chair is
great, but will it tie in with the rest

T

hose in search of styl-
ish, yet practical,
advice on interior
design, need look no
further than Michigan native
Mariette Himes Gomez's first
book, Rooms (Harper Collins,
$39.95). Originally from Alpena,
Gomez is an award-winning interi-
or designer who heads up Gomez
Associates, her cutting-edge design

of the room? From assessing the
space to the finishing touches,
Gomez shows the importance of
each detail.
She also gives practical advice
for creating the room of your
dreams: "Check out the show-
rooms, flea markets and auction
houses to see what's available—
and what you can afford."
Rooms is a helpful addition to
both the professional and everyday
decorator's library. As the subtitle
suggests, the book intends to
demonstrate the process of "creat-
ing luxurious, livable spaces."
Gomez stresses that everyone
should seek to find and exhibit a
personal style when designing a
room.
In the end, this experience
proves to be one of trial and error.
The satisfaction, however, comes
with seeing it all come together.
Now, she says, "You're ready to
build a room of your own."

Contact us for your into
design consultatio

AN EXQUISITE

EUROPEAN DESIGN STUDIO/SHOPPE.

o

atter what the size of you
home or your budget, you
deserve a customized home.

Tortue's design services range from
a whole-house approach to that oft.
rearranging your existing treasures.

ue is like a Paris marketplace
where you can always find that
erfect something for your home.

DIANE M. CREASY

OWNER & MASTER DESIGNER

HOURS: MON THRU SAT 10 AM TO 6 PM
CLOSED SUN
ALSO BY APPOINTMENT

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• OCTOBER 2003 • STYLE Al THE JN

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