Complete Home Decorating Book [Hardcover]

Nicholas Barnard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1994

Learn how to achieve a professional look without using a decorator.

The Complete Home Decorating Book is a new kind of interior decorating book. It is a practical reference guide and an inspirational sourcebook to every decorative technique that today's homeowner needs. At every turn of the page you will find eye-catching, irresistible ideas explained through step-by-step photography -- from making curtains and edging pillowcases to papering ceilings and using patterned tiles. Not only will you find all the principal instructions arranged easily for quick reference, but also a wide variety of finishes to suit every taste. The Complete Home Decorating Book begins with all the essential equipment and and sewing techniques. Following this are step-by-step instructions for innovative projects such as piped and corded cushions, decorated shades, and paper- and fabric-covered lampshades. there is advice on choosing fabric types and their suitability for different uses. The second section of the book deals with hard surface decoration -- from wall papering, tiling, and putting up shelves to ideas for lighting and types of flooring. Techniques for painting walls, ceilings, and woodwork are covered in detail. There is a comprehensive section on special paint effects, including dragging, rag-rolling, stenciling, and glazing. Throughout there is a strong emphasis on choosing the appropriate techniques for the situation, and on proper preparation and fault-correction methods. The Complete Home Decorating Book is the homeowner's ultimate decorating reference book. It's never been easier to be stylish and creative.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Nearly encyclopedic in its approach, this volume can teach you everything about home decorating, from sewing a bedspread to upholstering a chair to tiling a bathroom. The superb directions and extremely clear photographs--along with thorough explanations of all tools and materials needed--make all the projects seem very approachable, and each chapter's introductory section on choosing a style can help lay to rest the fears of even the most intimidated would-be do-it-yourselfer.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT (September 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1871612497
• ISBN-13: 978-1564586674
• ASIN: 1564586677
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #831,862 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a good book about techniques for doing your own deco, August 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Complete Home Decorating Book (Hardcover)

This book is about the techniques involved in doing your own decorating, such as hanging your own wallpaper, doing stencilling, covering your sofas, etc. It really isn't an idea book, there aren't any room layouts, etc. But if you have an idea of what you want to do, this helps with the techniques to do it yourself. LOTS of pictures.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic resource, August 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Complete Home Decorating Book (Hardcover)

Great resource for home decorators. Shows how to make different styles of curtains, tablecloths, bedspreads, etc., faux finishing painting techniques, wallpapering, staining, etc.

I borrowed it from the library and am now looking to buy it - it's that good.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great step-by-step teaching guide to decorating your home, March 21, 2002

By 

Judith Miller (Bluemont, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Complete Home Decorating Book (Hardcover)

This book starts with the sewing basics that many of us may not have been interested in learning until we actually had our own place that needed to be decorated. So, if you don't know the first thing about sewing, but would like to learn you may want to purchase this book. I think it has the best sewing instructions of any book that I've ever seen before. Or, if you want to know the proper way to wallpaper, paint or set tiles, the instructions are all here.

The excellent attention given to detail, and the clear pictures makes this one of the very best practical teaching guides on the market today. There are chapters on Curtains, Shades, Bedding, Cushions, Simple Upholstery, Tiling, Table Linen, Lampshades, Painting, Wallpapering, Lighting and Houseplants. The directions are concise and the photographs show all of the projects step-by-step.

This book is so good that I've purchased two to use as gifts.