An essential resource for any designer, crafter, artist, or historian, THE COMPLETE PATTERN DIRECTORY is the most comprehensive, practical, and beautiful directory of patterns throughout history, covering all periods, styles, and cultures. Throughout history, patterns have come in countless permutations of motif, color, and scale. From the first rhythmic marks pressed onto clay vessels, to the latest digital design, pattern-making has been an essential part of the decorative arts since time immemorial. With 1500 illustrations of patterns from all ages and cultures, THE COMPLETE PATTERN DIRECTORY is not only a visual feast, it is the most comprehensive resource available on the subject. The book is arranged thematically according to pattern type, with chapters on Flora, Fauna, Pictorial, Geometric, and Abstract designs. Each pattern includes the name of the pattern, the year of its creation, and a brief description. The categories are supplemented by in-depth features highlighting the work of key designers including William Morris, Sonia Delaunay, Charles and Ray Eames, Lucienne Day, and Orla Kiely, as well as sections detailing the characteristic motifs of key period styles from Baroque to Art Deco.
Elizabeth Wihide Books
Elizabeth Wilhide is an accomplished author whose work delves into the realms of design and interiors, alongside her contributions to fiction. Her novels are known for their intricate narratives and insightful explorations of the human condition. Wilhide's prose is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into richly imagined worlds. Her unique perspective offers a compelling blend of aesthetic appreciation and storytelling.






Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh is renowned for his architectural achievements on a public and domestic scale, interior designing, and furniture design. This book aims to review his work in context, and consider how his ideas can be interpreted. His handling of colour, use of materials, and graphic approach to form are explored, and photographs show original designs and plans.
The Repair Shop: Crafts in the Barn
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
The second specially photographed book from the BBC's Top Ratings Hit The Repair Shop, in which theexperts explain the importance of heirloom restoration crafts.
The Repair Shop
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
The first specially photographed book from the top ratings hit The Repair Shop, in which the experts explain the love for their craft and tell the inside stories of their popular repairs.
The Mackintosh Style. Design and Decor
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Now in paperback, this celebration of one of the world's most popular and innovative modern designers is a reasonably priced, comprehensive, and thoroughly illustrated survey of the artist's life and work. Here we are treated to magnificent Mackintosh sketches, paintings, and etchings, as well as photographs of his buildings, interiors, furniture, glasswork, fixtures, ironwork, tile, sculpture, kitchenware, fabrics -- even such novelties as a tea room menu, a grandfather clock, and a rustic garden gate. Author Elizabeth Wilhide explores the artist's early days, his inspiration and education, and his later works of mastery, as well as many of his lesser-known pieces. In addition, she includes a valuable list of Mackintosh sites to visit abroad. With interest in the Arts and Crafts style at an all-time high, and major exhibitions of Mackintosh work touring throughout 1998, this is a solid addition to any design and decor collection.
William Morris Decor and Design
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Rich, natural colours, light airy rooms and simple wooden furniture are all radical principles of the Arts and Crafts movement pioneered by Morris. This guide presents a variety of simple and cost-effective ways of creating a "Morris" style that will complement any modern living space.
Surface & finish : a directory of materials for interiors
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Elizabeth Wilhide presents a complete compendium of materials for home design - from the familiar to the cutting edge. Each entry looks at the different domestic uses for the material as well as providing information on wear and tear and advice on care.
Design: The Whole Story
- 576 pages
- 21 hours of reading
Takes a close look at the key developments, movements and practitioners of design around the world, from the beginnings of industrial manufacturing to the present day. Organized chronologically, this book locates design within its technological, cultural, economic, aesthetic and theoretical contexts.
Period Decorating
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
This guide to period decorating gives an introduction to the great stylistic movements, from early styles to Georgian and Art Deco. It describes the best methods of recreating each one using architectural details, fabrics, finishes, colours and furniture, as well as ornaments and artworks.
Instant Decorating
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
A series of projects aimed at those with little time to spare for decorating.



