Never before has the market for faux flowers been so updated and qualitative. Many times, they actually look better than the real thing…Needless to say, when time flies they do .)

Personally, I really look forward to visit Abigail Aherns Flower shop (above, some pics from the online shop) These faux flowers are not just any, they look factually blooming marvelous:) Flowers are really key in home decorating.

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. 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. 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 – 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.

|photo: Mads Mogensen for Sköna hem|

It is easy to spot that these chosen gray-blue hues have many matching-options. Other blues, beige/light brown,- white, copper, wood…it makes an elegant and friendly look.

|photo: Mads Mogensen for Sköna hem|

…and not least, a great combination with attention-grabbing red and yellow (complementary colour of blue) details:

|left photo: Mads Mogensen for Sköna hem, right photo: ATELIER Abigail Ahern|

The book on international colour trends 2010 pointed out a variety of shades of blue along with the light airy Colour of the Year 2010. From airy and optimistic – lifting the spirit and lighting the darkness – to soulful teals and turquoises and rich, clear ultramarines. Personally I am particularly fond of spiritual and creative blue in a home office/study room, but blue is a colour that fits any room. Below are two dining room-examples: Pale blue crispy walls with white and crystal…a modern quirky look. And white furniture and accessories against a pale blue-greenish background and rustic floorboards.

|photos: HouseToHome|

Calming blue is of course great for bedrooms. Though, the shade and decor does not need to be sleepy. Below, a french country style bedroom with pink roses and turquoise details, – and a strong lively shade of blue together with green and gold in a Spanish inspired sunny bedroom.

|photos: HouseToHome|