Country Living Decorating Vintage Style: Using Romantic Fabrics and Flea Market Finds

There are about as many versions of vintage as there are types of fabrics. So British textile firm proprietor Strutt audaciously promotes her vintage as one of the real things, backed by acres of colorful interior and exterior photographs. Consider the text as accompaniment; in truth, lessons are learned more by the visuals than the words. On the other hand, each chapter imparts at least one decorating tip; living room design, for instance, must take into account the comfort of its residents rather than aesthetics. On the whole, colors should reflect creams and yellows, greens and browns, not the psychedelic hues beloved by such designers as Tricia Guild. And there is absolutely no harm in mixing to one's heart's delight a cheery combination of fabrics, of furniture styles, and of accessories. Expect few instructions, but many visual ideas. Barbara Jacobs
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Capture this popular and pretty look with the help of Christina Strutt, owner of the renowned design firm, Cabbages & Roses. She takes a tour of town and country homes to showcase, with beautiful photographs, hundreds of decorating ideas. Comfy living rooms feature patchwork cushions and oversized family sofas. The style is beautiful and timeless.

This book evokes an easygoing Summer feeling, and inspires you to fill your home with sunlight, fresh flowers and "Shabby Chic" style flea market finds. I absolutely love, love, love, this book! If you love the "Shabbby Chic" style, then you'll truly enjoy this lovely book. Written by the owner of Cabbages & Roses, based in England.

Multitudinous country decorating ideas are captured in these two books from Country Living magazine. Former House Beautiful editor Butcher takes nature as inspiration for her color combinations, with themes such as field and woodland or slate and stone. Color photographs of interiors are accompanied by sidebars full of tips on the use of color, light, texture, and fabric in ways that mirror the outdoors. Strutt, owner of the fabric firm Cabbages & Roses, provides decorating tips for using vintage items-glass, ceramics, furniture, and particularly textiles-throughout the house. Butcher's book is recommended for any size public library, as its advice on the use of color will be helpful to amateurs; purchase Strutt's book where patrons can't get enough of vintage and country decor. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.