A Decorator's Secrets

The promise of trade secrets revealed is a surefire attention getter: who wouldn't want to learn the insider tips on how the pros do it? Carolyn Warrender is indeed a pro, and she has filled this beautifully photographed volume with some essential decorating information, from a summary of the basic principles (establishing a design plan, working with color and light) and raw materials (paints, window and wall treatments, storage, furniture, lighting, flooring) to a design overview of various rooms in the house. These "master classes" examine the elements that go into decorating each room, explaining what to consider when deciding on theme, lighting, furnishings, decorative accents, and more. Supplementing these discussions, detailed captions dissect dozens of photos to illustrate exactly what makes each design work. By and large the featured style is clean contemporary, with a muted palette and spare use of accessories, though readers whose tastes run to other styles will still find useful advice. A troubleshooting chapter in question-and-answer format briefly tackles such practicalities as dealing with small spaces and transforming old furniture.--Amy Handy

Carolyn Warrender is a noted British interior designer, lecturer, broadcaster, and design consultant. She has worked for Laura Ashley, Colefax & Fowler, and Debenhams and now runs her own interior design business. Among her other books is the best-selling Color Style: How to Identify the Colors That Are Right for Your Home.