“Consider it a translation tool with pictures—an alphabetical guide to interior design lingo, organized by themes such as windows or floors. Leslie Banker says the book grew out of all the confounding design terminology she ran across while working at her mom Pamela’s decorating business. “It was the book I wished I had when I started,” she says. So crack it open and get planning: You can impress and mystify your friends by telling them you’re doing your guest room in singerie—images of monkeys in human clothing that were incorporated in French designs in the late 17th century.” — Katie Maslanka, USA Today

“Ever wonder about the origins of paisley? Don’t know a bergère from a fauteuil? The answers are to be found in this mini-encyclopedia of design, separated into categories such as Furniture, Lighting, Upholstery, and many others. Smart, concise entries (by the mother daughter design team of Pamela Banker and Leslie Banker) are accompanied by Kirill Istomin’s illustrations, which will be of immeasurable assistance to the great many people who know design elements by sight but not by name.”— Jeff Turrentine, Architectural Digest

“For many people, anxiety about decorating stems from not understanding the language of furniture, fabrics and decorative styles. What exactly is a swag and jabot? What’s the difference between taffeta, toiles and twill? Does your couch have piping, tufting, a skirt, or all of the above? For answers, turn to “The Pocket Decorator,” a slim, paperback guide to decorating, design, and architectural terms by Pamela and Leslie Banker, a Manhattan-based mother-and-daughter interior design team. The book is the most user-friendly guide to the industry that we’ve seen in a long time. In addition to being a good working dictionary, the guide contains sketches of chairs, tables and window treatments, historical references and advice on developing that elusive feeling of style.”— Liz Seymour, The Washington Post

“Don’t let its pint size fool you, The Pocket Decorator is packed with knowledge that demystifies every item in the interior designer’s bag of tricks—from window treatments to furniture styles to floor coverings. If you’re interested in the field of interior design, undergoing a design project, or just looking for ideas and inspiration, designer Pamela Banker and her journalist daughter Leslie Banker authored the book with you in mind. So pick up a copy, and next time you need to use the word “toile” in conversation, you’ll be able to pronounce it with confidence.” — Better Homes and Gardens Quick & Easy Decorating

“Before a hammer and nails, the first tool I recommend for the ‘weekend renovation warrior’ is The Pocket Renovator. This indispensable guide is a resource that provides the fundamental knowledge needed to navigate the often tricky waters of home improvement.” — Thom Filicia

“The Pocket Renovator is a great resource for anyone interested in the field of interior design. Pamela and Leslie have thoughtfully created a great directory to navigate through all of the decisions necessary to know as a designer. It is beautifully organized and a must-have in anyone’s design library.” — Victoria Hagan

“For anyone planning to re-do an apartment in the city or a house in the country, Leslie and Pamela Banker have once again written a guide to acquaint you with everything you need to know, from the foundation to the roof—their expert advice coupled with the charming sketches will help you create the house of your dreams while saving you untold extra expenditures. You’ll be so grateful that you consulted this book first.” — Mario Buatta

…[A] portable primer…that is neither pretentious nor boring…” — Washington Post

“This is a handy directory, profusely illustrated…You’ll feel a lot less foolish navigating the aisles of the home center once you speak the language.” — St. Petersburg Times

“[an] indispensable glossary…a Rosetta Stone of sorts to cryptic contractor lingo.” — ELLE DÉCOR

“Planning a Renovation? Read This First. If you want to remodel but feel flummoxed by the thingamajig you’d like to add to the whatchamacallit, The Pocket Renovator will give you a leg up on the details. This guide to the lingo of home improvement offers jargon-free explanations of everything from roof styles to plumbing systems to terms used in staircase design. While some of the items featured are so basic they’re almost laughable (I think we all know what a toilet paper holder is), don’t skip the excellent chapters on building construction and cabinetwork, which will have you talking like a contractor in no time flat. Like home improvement itself, the book is a bit addictive—you’ll be tempted to preach its handy lessons to your delighted (or bored) spouse. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.” — This Old House,