Interior Desecrations by James Lileks (2004, Hardcover)

Entertaining for those of us who grew up in the senseless 70's, and educational for the younger generation who mistakenly think the 70's were cool. This book combines Lileks' humorous prose with images of awful interior design from that era. The book is a fun read and the images are engaging, vibrant, and in unparalleled bad taste.

Some of the pictures have to be seen to be believed. One highlight includes a room done in plaid. Entirely in plaid. From floor to ceiling. Including the drapes and the lampshades. It's important to remember that these are images held up as the ideal in that time period. Did people really live in homes that looked like this? It doesn't matter. These rooms existed, and somebody, somewhere, thought they were a good idea.

His humor is good-natured and light, and keeps you turning the page to see what he'll lampoon next.

You can see some examples of what the book is all about at James Lileks' site:
http://www.lileks.com/institute/interiors/index.html