From information on essential colors and the use of different paints, to an unequaled step-by-step section on a vast range of decorating techniques, Kevin McCloud's Complete Book of Paint and Decorative Techniques is a definitive guide to the subject, showing how to decorate any home with originality and style. From the earthy hues of Italian farmhouses to the cool elegance of Scandinavian interiors, color has always played a crucial role in decorative schemes. In the first section of the book a unique cut-out color selector illustrates the eight essential earth colors on the decorator's palette and shows how to create and combine them successfully by clever intermixing of pigments. These essential colors, together with five secondary colors, are then used in the techniques throughout the book, so that all the stunning decorative effects can be easily recreated. The techniques section that follows contains instructions and step-by-step photographs for more than 35 glorious decorative effects, plus countless variations. Each technique contains a list of essential ingredients, step-by-step photographs and a close-up of the finished surface or object. All elements of the home are covered, from walls, floors, and woodwork to furnishings and even individual objects such as lamp bases and picture frames. As well as the basic technique, further swatches illustrate a range of alternative colorways. Many of the effects featured in the book can be equally at home in contemporary or historical, sophisticated or informal settings, and to illustrate this versatility further, inspirational photographs show the techniques in different settings.
Studied Art & Architecture at Cambridge, trained as a theatre designer, then set up his own design, lighting and manufacturing business. Today he concentrates on television work, journalism and product design. He is best known for his series Grand Designs and Grand Designs Abroad which have spawned a monthly magazine of the same name.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, an ambassador for WWF and has a number of honorary degrees and is second on the leaderboard .04 seconds behind Jay Kay on Top Gear's Star in a Reasonably priced Car.
