While I’m at it – another reading tips! The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions. 2000 Decorating Ideas for Windows, Bedding and Accessories by Charles T. Randall. Having this book in my possession, I need no more cry for curtain-inspiration. It has everything. And I mean everything: it’s an encyclopedia.

The book contains historical window treatments (from the Renaissance onwards), current styles, creative solutions for especially challenging windows, cost saving styles to designer treatments, glossary of window decorating terms, yardarge charts, fullness charts, an absolutely fab and extensive visual index etc, etc…Everything you need to know about window treatments, and more! A glimpse from the treasure chest:

“When striving for success, one must first strive for knowledge” [introduction of the book]

Hiya! Today I have a reading tips (or might I say a review, of):

A Girl’s Guide to Decorating by Abigail Ahern.

Abigail Ahern is an internationally renowned designer and stylist. Her blog is one of my absolut favs; she has the ability to transform any home to an interesting, attractive, stylish, bold, fun (insert any positive word)…place. She has an incredibly inspiring style and taste! A Girl’s Guide.. is probably the very best book in its compartment. For sure. If you shall read only one book on interior design, it must be this. Ahern invite us to think outside the box: The book gives many ideas and good advices, but is never dogmatic in that “this is right” and “this you must not do”. Inspiration and *setting minds free* is the main purpose though she is a driving force for dark colours; particularly well worn is the blue-gray wall colour featured on the book cover.

I can not list all the ideas and suggestions I got by browsing the book, it simply must be experienced..!

And hey, don’t be discouraged by the girl-emphasis in the title – it is a great book about interior design, for men and women alike. For All Mankind. The gender-biased approach do run through the entire book and although it is not without some irritation I note the approach to, and perceptions of, women’s and men’s (technical) skills – but it does not outrule the great contents of the book. Just mind you have to bear with a (non-significant) old-fashioness when it comes to gender. Because: the contents of Aherns book is everything else than old-fashioned and dull. It’s sparkling, fresh, instructive and bold – very 2010 and beyond.