New Decorating Book, 10th Edition (Better Homes and Gardens) (Better Homes and Gardens Home) (Better Homes & Gardens Decorating) - Softcover

Better Homes & Gardens

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470887141 ISBN 13: 9780470887141

Publisher: Better Homes & Gardens, 2011

Synopsis

A revised and updated edition of the flagship guide from the authorities on home decorating

The Better Homes and Gardens New Decorating Book has been the decorating resource readers have turned to for more than half a century. Like its predecessors, the Tenth Edition features solid instruction, hundreds of examples, and clear interpretation of design guidelines that generations of readers have come to expect. But this new edition of the classic decorating book also reflects today's approach to decorating—mixing styles for personal expression with an awareness of budget.

Organized in two parts, the first section is filled with room-by-room decorating guides and home tours to cover broad sweeps of decorating topics. The second section is organized by integral design topic: color, furniture arrangement, flooring, lighting, etc. Plus, inviting photography is complemented by workbook-style illustrations to help novice decorators understand the application of design concepts to specific rooms.

• Advice for making smart color choices
• What you need to know about mixing colors and patterns
• How to select and hang window treatments
• Ways to make smart use of wall art
• The essentials on color theory
• Trade secrets and tips from real designers

Whether you're a new homeowner, an apartment dweller, or looking to spruce up any tired space, Better Homes and Gardens New Decorating Book shows you how to give a real home high-impact style—without breaking the bank.

About this title

Review:

Excerpts from the Book

Living Room Basics (Click photo for excerpt)

Room Elements: TV Center (Click photo for excerpt)

Kitchen Style (Click photo for excerpt)

Exclusive Bonus Photos

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From the Editors & Experts: Decorating Tips

Inspiration

Editors' Favorites
Use the palette of a striped rug to inspire your choice of room accents and furnishings.

The back of a fabric, curtain, comforter, or area rug is sometimes more interesting—and toned down—than the front. If no telltale signs like hems will show, go ahead and flip it.

Look to nature for perfect color combinations—the landscape, flowers, and vegetables. Animal coats are always perfectly hued. You could do a living room around your calico cat’s coloring!
—Elaine Griffin

I love white walls and neutral furnishings with pops of colorful accessories and accent pieces.
—Annette Joseph

Swatching

Editors' Favorite
Consider how much light a room gets before picking colors. South-facing rooms get more sunlight, so use cool colors such as blues and greens, to soothe the room. North-facing rooms beg for red or yellow tones to warm things up.

Looking at a fabric or paint swatch six inches from your eye is different than seeing it in a room. If it’s going on a horizontal surface, look at the swatch horizontally. Or drape it over a chair. Step back six feet and look at it from a distance.
—Janie Hirsch, Interior Designer

Always do paint test swatches with two to three coats first to make sure you love a color.
—Elaine Griffin, Interior Designer

Grouping

Editors' Favorites
Break up a room of matchy-matchy wood furniture with one painted piece. It doesn't have to be a bold color. Or try black. It balances nicely with natural wood.

Buy vases, pitchers, or decorative boxes in shades of one color and group them to add an easy, impactful pop of color in a room.

Corral a stack of books and the remotes in a colorful tray to create an eye-catching decorative display on a coffee table.
—Grant K. Gibson

About the Author:

The iconic BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS brand is one of America's most trusted sources for information on cooking, gardening, home improvement, home design, decorating, and crafting. Today, the brand encompasses books, magazines, and digital media.

About this edition

• Publisher: Better Homes & Gardens
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0470887141
• ISBN 13: 9780470887141
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312