The Ultimate Home Style Guide [antikvár]

Introduction ^ j» »hen reading about interior design it's easy to get the impression that W W there is a set of rules that one is obliged to follow, some sort of list of prerequisites for getting it right - put this here and that there, add a touch of such-and-such and everything will be perfect - and that when it's done, you mustn't alter a single thing, move a book, add a side table, reposition a vase, in case it will then be 'wrong'. This book is not about that. I firmly believe that decorating a home is a matter of purely personal preference, a means of expressing one's own style, taste and individuality and, most of all, something that should be done for pleasure and enjoyment rather than any sense of obligation. And I also believe that it is important to recognize the everyday constraints that affect most ordinary people when it comes to decorating our homes. Huge budgets and blank canvases are often out of the question, with most of us limited by time, money and the presence of existing furnishings, so that the process is one of working with what we already have and using ingenuity and creativity to make the best of it - a process that can, however, be enormously satisfying. In this book you will find descriptions of some of the most mteresting and achievable styles of interior decoration, with explanations of how and why they evolved and guidelines on creating a similar look in your own home. Those who wish to reproduce a historically authentic interior, or a highly accurate global 'look' will, I hope, find enough information here to give you at least a very good start. More details can be found in the many excellent books which speciaUze in the areas that I have outlined here (Further reading, page 220). For those who are happy simply to emulate the feel or spirit of a certain period or place, I hope that this book covers most of the essential areas, giving inspiration and ideas for you to develop that will suit your own taste and lifestyle. The emphasis of this book is, necessarily, on the rooms which are the most likely candidates for decorating in a particular 'style' - sitting rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. Tips on creating the look in kitchens and bathrooms are given where appropriate, as are some hints for hallways, stairs, studies, children's rooms, conservatories and so on. I hope, however, that the ideas here will provide a starting point for you to develop as you feel appropriate, to decorate any room in your home. Historical styles If you are lucky enough to live in an old building, then decorating in a complementary style is often the best option. On the other hand, owners of modern homes may find that adding period touches is a wonderful way to provide extra character and interest. An historical theme may vary from an utterly authentic recreation of a certain era, perhaps at some expense, to the evocation of atmosphere with a few junk-shop finds. This book aims to give enough ideas to enable you to create the look of a particular period to whatever level of detail you prefer, while at the same time recognizing that the demands of modern life may mean a few compromises along the way. While we wouldn't want to live without efficient plumbing, electricity, hi-fis and TVs, for example, such contemporary conveniences won't immediately fit in with many historical styles. The key is to disguise as much as you can - by hiding the CD player and videos in cupboards or cabinets, covering fitted carpets with rugs, boxing in radiators, adding loose covers or throws to furniture and painting over inappropriate architectural detailing - and then to give an overall impression using colour, fabrics and a variety of accessories.