THE NEW SMART APPROACH TO HOME DECORATING

Part of a new series, this updated volume of a popular Creative Homeowner title covers the principles and practicalities of home decorating. By using scale drawings, furniture templates and sample boards, the authors encourage the reader to think like an expert by showing how to analyze space, shape and mood and use color, texture, lighting and other techniques to achieve a professional result. After an overview to planning and designing, chapters move on to lighting, flooring, wall and window treatments, furniture and room design as well as focusing on kitchens and bathrooms. Outside living spaces are covered with treatments for decks, porches and landscaping. Illustrated with more than 440 color photos with full explanatory captions, each chapter contains Smart Steps and Smart Tips to achieve each goal in easy manageable steps, and each concludes with a four-page Gallery of Smart Ideas that sums up each section. Rounding out the volume are a useful resource guide, glossary and an appendix of templates of furniture, fixtures, windows and doors to help readers draw up their own scale plans. With easy-to-follow text, coupled with instructive photos, the book provides a comprehensive overview and answers many queries the non-professional may have. (Mar.)