Every home needs repainting, updating or repair work to keep it looking fresh, stylish and in good condition. Whether renovating an old house or looking for decorating ideas, this book provides all the guidance, expertise and inspiration needed for complete success every time. There are more than 280 projects and over 95 techniques to transform your home. These are shown in over 1800 photographs and 160 diagrams - perfect guides and professional tips for everyone from the novice to the experienced enthusiast. Within the book are the key skills required for any practical home improvement schedule - simple-to-follow instructions for painting, paper-hanging, tiling, laying floor coverings, making soft furnishings and instant makeovers. The first half of this book outlines how to assess the existing decor and condition of the home, how to plan the work and choose new decorating materials. Practical chapters contain all the instructive and problem-solving information needed to complete any given task from shelving, painting and paperhanging to tiling, insulation, and ventilation. The second half contains masses of instant makeover tips to quickly transform your home without spending a fortune. Projects include creating stylish new window dressings or revamping furniture - all self-contained, easy-to-follow ideas that are achievable in a weekend. This book covers all the essential do-it-yourself skills and teaches all the decorating tasks so that you can make the very best of the projects you are planning: with its wealth of professional instruction and its intense visual approach, it is the only house maintenance and home improvements book you will ever need.