I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH THIS BOOK I ORDERED ONE FOR A FRIEND WHO IS AN AUSTRALIAN DESIGNER.SHE IS OVERJOYED WITH IT AND STATES THAT THERE IS NOT A SINGLE PAGE THAT SHE DIDNT FIND FASCINATING AND I CAN ASSURE YOU SHE IS A VERY DISCERNING PERSON SO FOR THAT SORT OF ACCOLADE THE HIGH STANDARD OF THIS BOOK IS VERIFIED

Once I knew that Bunny Willams would be coming out with this book, I had no doubt that I would buy it. I proudly own and display both of her other books and find myself looking through each of them again and again. I happened to be in the library and noticed Point Of View there, so I decided to check it out before ordering from Amazon. It was sheer luck that I was able to look through and read this book before purchasing it! I so wanted to like this book but it was very disappointing to me. There is nothing, and I mean nothing practical in any of the pages of this book. I love to shop and feel that I have a beautiful and well loved home, but the houses in this book were beyond inspirational. It smacked of affluence at it's most over the top and displayed excessive consumtion of any object to fill every single table, space, etc. I found the rooms to be over-decorated even knowing and appreciating Ms. Williams style. I didn't see room on any of the tables to even put a cup of coffee! The rooms lacked any editing and there was much too much everywhere! The houses appeared to be enormous by any standard and crammed full of "stuff". Who could possibly be inspired to create several seating areas in one room to seat 8 people in each grouping. Come on! Way too much money sometimes equals absolutely no restraint.

What I did like was the writing. I also enjoyed the rooms which showed a television in them because so often these remain hidden. The reality is that everyone watches some TV. An Affair with a House was hard to top, I'll say that as well. Bunny and John's style seemed more personal there and the adorable pups in all the pictures were heart warming.

I wanted to like this book, darn it. But I didn't. Please look before purchasing. Sorry.

I love having the chance to learn from the best, which is what I get with such great books as this one . Thank you Amazon Books..........

Bunny Williams has a great eye and this book is chalk full of great photos. Great inspiration for any designer.

Bunny Williams is a significant figure in the realm of interior design, a distinguished apostle of a style that she learned from Sister Parish; and Williams' prior book AN AFFAIR WITH A HOUSE was tremendously inspirational to homeowners of both the aristocracy and the bourgeousie. Much was expected of this new book POINT OF VIEW, and while there are things to be learned from a close reading of the text, the dark photographs detract and indeed render the book less significant than it could have been.

-E.P. League

I absolutely loved "An Affair with a House" and Bunny's gardening book. I can't tell you how many times I've gone back to the affair book and poured over it. The gardening book is full of tips and ideas for the serious gardener. I'm very disappointed in this book. Evidently, many other people are disappointed in it judging from the fact that Amazon has reduced the price to $12.00. (I see Amazon has changed it back to $24.00 now.)

Unlike some of the other reviewers here, I did not like the photography. I found it too dark---even a room which is bright and sunny looks foreboding with the sort of lighting this photographer used. The details are hard to see. As expensive and rarefied as the furnishings and accessories in this book are, I find them a bit dated and passe. Bunny talks about taste evolving---but I just don't see it here. So many of the rooms have the same feeling---almost as if everyone gets the same look when they hire Bunny. One bright spot is the text---there is a lot of good decorating advice in these pages.

Hopefully, this will not be Bunny's last book. I would like to see her come back from this one with another book worthy of her talents and personality.

This is my honest assessment of the book--- which is written by an author I have really enjoyed in the past. The book has an excellent text--which will be very helpful to many. I know my perspective may differ from others---but is the way I see the book.

I absolutely loved "An Affair with a House" and Bunny's gardening book. I can't tell you how many times I've gone back to the affair book and poured over it. The gardening book is full of tips and ideas for the serious gardener. I'm very disappointed in this book. Evidently, many other people are disappointed in it judging from the fact that Amazon has reduced the price to $12.00.

Unlike some of the other reviewers here, I did not like the photography. I found it too dark---even a room which is bright and sunny looks foreboding with the sort of lighting this photographer used. The details are hard to see. As expensive and rarefied as the furnishings and accessories in this book are, I find them a bit dated and passe. Bunny talks about taste evolving---but I just don't see it here. So many of the rooms have the same feeling---almost as if everyone gets the same look when they hire Bunny. One bright spot is the text---there is a lot of good decorating advice in these pages.

Hopefully, this will not be Bunny's last book. I would like to see her come back from this one with another book worthy of her talents and personality.

This is my honest assessment of the book--- which is written by an author I have really enjoyed in the past. I know my perspective may differ from others---but is the way I see the book.

I purchased this book along with another new release at the time, Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint by Curtis Heuser - and almost over dosed on all the inspiring and creative content I found in both books! Though the historic interiors depicted in Heuser's book were a lot more attainable and easier for me to relate to - Bunny's stylish way of assembling a room leaves much to be learned from. Though I don't claim to be anywhere near as talented as this duo, there is amazing unique and enriching faux and mural how-to's intermixed with great decorating perspectives in Heuser's book, while William's eye for detail and balance is unsurpassed. Rarely do I attain such pleasure and excitement from books - but the beautiful photography and easy read in both are remarkably interesting, and I have referred back to both again and again for continual inspiration. Treat yourself to both of these enchanting titles ...just don't get too high from the intoxicating and envious creative talent these wonderful authors/artists bring to life and so generously share with the lucky readers!

I love this book; it is really wonderful eye candy........I haven't read it from "cover to cover" as yet but I am afraid my daughter is going to abscond with it before I get my turn! Many of the accessories/furniture/fabrics are out of my reach, financially, but it's fun to look and dream.

Jones

This book is wonderful!
Bunny Williams is someone who will be studied as an iconic designer of her era.
No one who is interested in interior design should be without this.

This was a birthday treat for me and what a treat it is - a visual feast with great words and pictures...just a joy to own! Have read it from cover to cover but I just know it will become an "old friend" - dipped into forever! It is beautifully laid out and the personality and philosophy of Bunny shines on every page. Lovers of antiques, art and gracious warm interiors will adore each and every page.

Bunny Williams is not only a fabulous decorator and accomplished author, she is a warm and charming hostess. She made me right at home with her new book "Point of View". Filled with beautiful pictures it is true, but practical and applicable information can be gleaned in every chapter. She generously shares her experiences and knowledge with the reader, which are extensive to say the least. I will return for a visit often with "Point of View"

Okay, to be honest I'm only halfway through it, but that is because this is the first one I have ever read every single word of, over and over! I'm trying to go slow and savor every section. As a middle-aged, middle-class woman with "more in my head than I have in my pocket" I have found this to be the best book ever! There are a couple of magazines that I love, but the homes are very grand and while I may get a few ideas, they lack practical advice for me. While this book has beautiful photos and many of rooms are pretty high-end, the advice she gives is applicable to every budget, so it is great for your first apartment or your dream home. It is like having a decorator to consult with because I have finally gotten answers to a few questions I've had for years. This book will save you time and money because it will save you from mistakes. The added bonus is that she shares enough of herself that you will feel like you have made an adorable new friend!!

Bunny William's exquisite taste is evident throughout this wonderful book. It's full of large photographs that showcase Ms. Williams' work and that act as a clear guide to do it yourself decorators.

Bunny Williams' writing is an easy read and interesting in its autobiographical moments. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Ms. Williams' house in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

My mother-in-law had me order this for her granddaughter, she loved it so much I had to order another for her!

This book offers practical advise when it comes to decorating your home. It takes each area, such as floors, windows, ceilings, drapes, furniture and layering and shows you how to put it all together to create an elegant yet comfortable room. Many books offer beautiful pictures to copy, but this book offers advise that you can actually use. I highly recommend you read this before beginning any floor to ceiling decorating projects.

I was fortunate enough to see Miss Williams give a lecture on this book, complete with slideshow presentation. It was a delight to hear this funny and engaging woman relay the stories behind these interiors.

That personal touch doesnt really come through in the book. It's telling that the most interesting parts are about her own NYC apartment and her home in Costa Rica. Her previous book--about her Connecticut farmhouse--is like sitting down with an old friend (it even has recipes). This isn't in the same vein, and thus all the disappointed reviews on here.

Still, Williams is a legend, and the work she has done for her clients is worth studying. Many of the interiors look as though they have evolved and been collected over time, which is a hallmark of her style.

Her rooms are at least more interesting than the sterile, joyless snoozefests featured lately in Architectural Digest and Elle Decor.

Her best advice: pick neutral finishes for your kitchen cabinets, and above all a neutral backsplash, using accessories to satisfy your color cravings. Your tastes will (or should!) evolve over time...and that expensive turqouise backsplash wont be easy to replace. All Americans need to read that chapter and sign it!

I love Point of View but before ordering a second copy as a Xmas gift I read seven Amazon reviews. I was persuaded to order the book on John Fowler but found it's small, dark, dated photos a huge disappointment, as did the giftee, who preferred Point of View. Bunny Williams has assembled a coffee table book of glorious photos supplemented by decorating guidelines for those of us less talented. If you recognize good design but can't create it from scratch and you don't want to hire an interior designer, this is an inspiring, delightful and enlightening place to start. Point of View is what it is and it is wonderful!

I adored Ms. Williams first book -- so this new book was on my Pre-Order List as soon as it was available. But this book turned out to be more a sales book for her clients than a design book. Her first book was warm and charming -- as is her wonderful country home that it portrays in its pages. BUT this book is cold as the rooms it shows --- mega-mansions for the uber-riche!

I own both this book and "An Affair with a House", and because they are such different books, I don't feel they should be compared. "Point of View" is definitely not the sequal to "An Affair with a House". Although I certainly enjoyed "An Affair", I eagerly anticipated this new book because of it's promise of sharing the designer's methods and inspiration. It does exactly that - perhaps not in a tutorial format, but certainly in its own narrative and personal way. The organization of chapters into the various elements of a room helps this book stay on point. The advice is sage and more than worth the price of the book.

Unlike several of the other reviewers, I plan to revisit this book again and again. The insights, paired with the photos, are insprational and informative. And although the rooms are grand, the principles Ms. Williams shares with us are universal. They could be applied to any room in any home (even a plain bedroom with 8-foot ceilings). When I purge my library of the fluffy but pretty coffee table books (which I do almost annually), this book will stay put.

I saw the less-than-stellar reviews on here and decided not to buy the book. Well....during Christmas shopping, I saw the book at a bookstore and decided to take a peak. So I grabbed the book and found a comfy chair. Well, I'm glad I did. I bought the book and read it cover to cover.

I found it interesting to read how her childhood experiences led her to become a decorator. Her art classes taught her to see the "whole composition" and helped her to understand color and light; Her early job at an antique store helped to educate and train her eye; Tours of historic homes taught her about furniture arrangement and serve as a source for inspiration and art museums serve as the inspiration for color combinations.

This book also offers an interesting look at how she approaches a project, where she always starts, where she gets her inspiration and what guides her when making design choices.

While the homes in the book belong to the uber rich and many of her design choices are way beyond most peoples budget, the underlying message is to educate your eye to good design and create a comfortable home for the way you live.

I highly recommend it.

I would have to agree with the previous reviewers that, compared to Ms. Williams' previous book, "An Affair With a House" this book disappoints. I think the interiors are beautiful which we've come to expect from Ms. Williams, but what disappointed me most was the fact that there was not one bedroom, similar to most peoples', which was about 12 x 15 feet with 8-foot ceilings. To see Ms. Williams' vast talent in a room like that would have been something to see. Also, I think her other books were so personal whereas in these interiors, she had to keep the clients tastes in mind. But what is truly wonderful about this book, as with the others, is Ms. Williams' writing style, which is straighforward and never disappoints. Overall, I would recommend this book; it's her "point of view" and one has to take it as that.

I was really surprised by this book and not in a good way. Spacing errors and typos in expensive books really drive me nutso. Also the stuff just looks plain "old" and tired. Her previous book was better but the only real interesting thing in that publication was the barn - and I think that was mostly her husband's Point of View!
A real disappointment.
Stylemaven

I have liked Ms Williams other books a lot, those about her own home and garden and I own both. Here she seems to have had the need to showcase a few nouveau riche clients' houses in the form of a thrown-together book of glamour (?) photographs of little merit and text with almost no worth. This was a REAL let-down and what's more it sadly shows how she'll use her talents to, what one terms, "whitewash a pig" .......the new, empty caverns of her recently rich Wall Street clients.

Regular readers of decorating magazines will have seen most of this before; probably about 90% of these projects have been previously published. And within the book many of the rooms are repeated several times, adding to the feeling of deja vu all over again. Despite the decorator's talent and the attractive photos, most readers will not feel satisfied after thumbing through this book. Undoubtedly some clients declined to have their homes in the book, but it hardly seems like three decades worth of work. It looks more like a decade and a half presented here. And besides, if she worked for over 20 years with Parish-Hadley and about 20 years with her own firm, how were the first 10 years spent -- answering phones, getting coffee, and returning samples? If the same effort spent to publicise this book had gone into the development, one cannot help but think it would have produced a much better result. While the architecture of the houses and apartments is generally top notch, and nothing about the decorating is objectionable (well, with the exception of some hideous taxidermy prominently featured in one project), there is not much substance to either the decorating or the text. This is not necessarily a book one would return to over and over to pick up subtle nuances of design. But it would be an attractive additon to any coffee table.