A Girl's Guide to Decorating by Abigail Ahern

Abigail Ahern starts off her book by saying that 'style has nothing to do with money' and indeed it hasn't but it can, of course, sometimes help button down that elusive fabric or accessory to complete the look. Casting that aside and anyway, these are still credit crunch times, A Girl's Guide to Decorating is without doubt a useful book. Full of Enid Blyton gung-ho - us women will be gun toting our power drills at dawn at this rate.

For those not in the know, Abigail Ahern runs an atelier in Islington stuffed full of gems to make your interiors pulse with style. She is well-known in the world of design and many a star seeks her uber-cool advice and styling. Elle Decoration says that her shop is 'one of the most definitive, hottest places to shop in the UK,' whilst The Times calls Abigail a 'style spotter extraordinaire.'

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE

However, you do not have to be a star to benefit from Abigail's know-how as ideas, hints and tips are all clearly laid down in her new book, A Girl's Guide to Decorating. With clear diagrams and easy-to-follow room analysis, you can plot the decorating changes needed in your own home. The book is about injecting your personality into your home, whether it's tarting up some shelves or putting up cornicing and a ceiling rose to bring back character to a soulless room.

Abigail deconstructs a room showing you how to get to grips with layout, improve the visuals and make the most of the space available, whilst turning bland and boring into snazzy and super cool. Abigail makes bold statements and the rooms featured in the book are vibrant.

DECORATING IN HIGH HEELS

Overalls and heavy boots aren't on the list of basic equipment, you'll be relieved to hear. This is a gentle, lady-like kind of DIY. The jobs here can generally be done without too much mess. Follow the useful reference section and kit yourself out with the basic tools. The blow-by-blow account of decorating techniques ensures that you become an expert in no time. There are top tips interspersed throughout this richly illustrated book with advice on arranging artwork, how to create the feeling of space in a small kitchen and more.

Abigail Ahern certainly has a knack with interiors and a pile of books and magazines that would look like a pile of tat in most homes, takes on an artistic edge in Abigail's. The most important thing to remember is that when the girls are in charge, the job gets done. There's no stopping halfway through to watch football.

Publication details:
Quadrille Publishing Ltd
Photography by Graham Atkins-Hughes
£16.99
ISBN 1844007308
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