In my career as an Interior Designer and a Teacher of design I have found a very common question is “what is a really good book to read that will give me everything I need to know?” Well if that one existed it would be on the top of the best-seller list every week as Interior Design and Decoration is so popular and plays a major role in how we feel about our day. If you were to rely on one book it is like putting the blinkers on to what is happening all around you.

What I am going to show you though is books that have a great source of information for certain areas. No one book will solve your problems but you will be able to take a lot of information out of these to be able to understand what you can do to make a difference in your home.

Interior Design Course by Mary Gilliart

This book gives an overall summary on history of design, space planning, soft furnishings and colour. Every area is covered with detail in an informative text with detailed pictures. Subjects looked at include Elements of Design, Style, Flooring, Window Treatments, Furniture and Finishing touches. IF you were after just one book, this would be a great one to start with.

Close Up by Kelly Hoppen

If mood is your motive then this is the book for you. Kelly Hoppen is an English designer and has designed for luxury homes, retail stores and airlines. This book gives you an insight on how texture and light play a large role in creating a mood in your home. The author relies heavily on beautiful photography and detail of grouping and finishing touches rather than text but is inspirational in how she puts together unusual decorating items in a simple and sophisticated way.

The Bathroom Design Planner by Vinny Lee & Maggie Stevenson

Styles and space planning is always in mind when looking at your home but this book also covers surfaces and lighting, storage and furniture and fixtures. Taking your time when planning your bathroom is most important as this is an area of large expense and where costly mistakes can be made. The Kitchen Design planner is also available

Inspired Interiors by Judith Miller

Covering specific styles such as country, minimalism and the 60’s and 70’s this book discusses what influences are used to transform and produce these styles. Colour, pattern and architectural features are discussed and show the reader how you can recreate these styles yourself.

Sense of Style and Colour by Shannon Fricke

Shannon Fricke has been an Interior Stylist and television presenter in Australia and draws on her experience to bring a colourful and exciting book on colour. Shannon shows how we are influenced by colour and how it affects our moods and choices of what we put in our homes.

Using books help you look at Interiors as a more permanent solution to your decorating than just a fad. Books can be purchased on-line at www.taltradebooks.com, www.amazon.com or your local library is a great way to feel and see before you buy.

by Shaynna Blaze-Vaughan
blankcanvas INTERIORS
www.blankcanvasint.com

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