DECORATING

FARMHOUSES: STYLISH DECORATING IDEAS FOR THE CLASSIC AMERICAN HOME

Marie Proeller Hueston
For country-style decorating ideas, you can’t go past the humble farmhouse as a source of inspiration. Their rich history and simple, clean architecture are appealing features, but whatever your taste, this book is utterly fascinating to browse through. Today’s farmhouse interiors can be decked out traditionally or with a plainer, modern twist and with the six diverse approaches to decorating covered in Farmhouses, you’re sure to find ideas to delight you. From pared down ‘sophisticated’ styles to vintage-inspired ‘flea market’ looks, there really is something for everything. It’s distributed by Capricorn Link and available at bookstores now for $45.

THE FRENCH-INSPIRED HOME

As the owner of French General in southern California, Kaari Meng is uniquely qualified to offer advice on the combination of sumptuous textiles, vintage notions and one-off ephemera that are so important when decorating your home in a French style. She offers a wide range of affordable and practical ways to bring a touch of the European countryside to your house on the other side of the world, whether you’re scouring markets or making your own homewares and treats. We particularly love the recipe for lavender, sage and rosemary bath salts! The French-Inspired Home is published by Lark/Chapelle and available at bookstores now.

COUNTRY COLOUR COMBINATIONS

Kate Butcher’s new book promises decorating solutions for every room and it certainly delivers – from the deep rust and green tones adored by lovers of classic country to the soft pastels of the shabby-chic style, you’re sure to find inspiration in these pages of vivid photographs. The irresistible colour schemes have equally alluring names – doesn’t the thought of a room in rosehip and crab-apple hues make you want to break out the paint cans right now? There are handy tips and tricks for perfect finishing touches on just about every page, too. Country Colour Combinations is published by Hearst Books and available at bookstores now.

Your House, Your Home
Randy Florke with Nancy J. Becker

When living in this busy world takes its toll on you, all you want to do is come home to your own special haven. Randy Florke shows us how to realise our own personalised place to escape to by bringing the beauty of country into our rooms. Comfort, economy and colour are the most important elements in transforming any space and this book gives details on how to succeed with all three. It moves through every area offering quick-fix ideas and small tips on adding hidden treasures in them. Your House, Your Home is published by Hearst Books.

Romantic Touches
Gillian Haslam

With more than 25 projects, this book is sure to help give your place your own personal touch. Often it’s the small, simple pieces such as a pillow tied with ribbon or a gathered lampshade that turn a house into a home. If you don’t have the time to start one of the projects from scratch, Gillian has made the book adaptable so you can use the design ideas to spruce up the soft furnishings you already have. Beautiful full-page colour pictures and steps with tips along the way make it a must-have for a room makeover. Romantic Touches is published by Hearst Books.