Furniture design is a complex art. Traditionally, techniques of the craft have been passed down from master to apprentice, but these days that is less and less the case in contemporary design. Students are now required to take courses and figure out much of it themselves. This book, as with others in the Design Secrets series, takes readers into the studio and reveals tips and techniques as well as the inspiration that brought the concept to life.

Many graphic and product designers are crossing into furniture design, including Karim Rashid, a designer of product, space, light, and fashion, and Todd Oldham, a photographer, graphic designer, product designer, interior designer, and influence in film/video and TV. Oldham is now the star designer at Lazy Boy-a company that has experienced a remarkable rebirth and revamp.

Design Secrets: Furniture shadows similar success stories by showcasing award-winning furniture designs from around the world. Each profile is complete with sketches, notes, and interim iterations revealing how the final piece came to be.

This book will contain a brief history of how and why stone has been used in structures throughout the world. It discusses stonework projects for the home and how to create them, whether they are do-it-yourself projects or ones that require masons and contractors. It will include sketches and discussion on a wide range of possibilities, including freestanding walls, retaining walls, patios, steps, ponds, seats, firespaces, and sculpture.