Homeowners who find themselves gazing forlornly at their plainly dressed windows or wondering how on earth to put curtains on French doors are in luck: this volume moves thoroughly yet gently through the window-dressing process. As House Beautiful
editor-in-chief Mark Mayfield says in the book's foreword, "[this] is a guidebook to working out what is right for you in your home." That's a key element of this glossy, photo-filled volume's appeal: Evelegh's clear, straightforward text does not attempt to convince readers there are any must-dos, and the photos don't dictate a particular color scheme or style (though elegant simplicity garners many more pages than does bohemian funkiness). Budget-conscious sorts shouldn't be discouraged by the semi-opulent feel of the rooms pictured throughout; in each chapter, Evelegh includes tips on saving money, such as making your own curtains from tea towels or using simple ribbons as tiebacks. Large photographs with detailed captions illustrate and inform, and pages containing definitions of the many curtain, tieback and ornament options leave no decorative option un-discussed. Historical tidbits ("with modern central heating and double glazing, we no longer need heavy drapes to keep out the cold") and fashion declarations ("Panels are the new drapes") add spice to discussions of linings and fabric selection, and explications of words such as "brass boss" and "lambrequin" will help even a novice sound knowing. (June 19)
