Nell Hill's, Mary Carol Garrity's home furnishings and accessories store in Atchison, Kansas, has become something of a legend to thousands of loyal shoppers. Here, and at her two other stores, G. Diebolt's and Garrity's, Mary Carol combines furniture and fabrics, pillows and plates, lamps and mirrors with a flair and imagination that are the essence of the "Nell Hill's look," one that is stylish, innovative, and, best of all, easy to achieve.

In Nell Hill's Decorating Secrets, Mary Carol shares the many insights and ideas behind her approach, gathered over years of talking with shoppers and friends. She reveals her tips and secrets on everything from personalizing a collection to creating a striking centerpiece to choosing the right lighting. Also included are the following:

• Quick ways to make your front door as inviting as the rest of your home.
• Simple tricks to give new life to a sofa or armchair.
• Imaginative approaches to "creating" and displaying art.
• Little touches that dress up a plain room.
• Steps to make choosing the right fabrics and colors easier.
• Novel solutions for window treatments.
• Three ways to dress a bed, use candles, and decorate a mantel.

The real secret behind the Nell Hill's look is that it is both inspiring and accessible. With the aid of Decorating Secrets, you can make over an entire room or add the perfect finishing touches to a table setting.