Recent years have seen a surge of interest in interior design, decoration and furnishing, but not everyone can afford to employ a professional designer or spare the time to attend a comprehensive practical course. This book aims to fill that gap, with a step-by-step guide through the practical knowledge, professional skills and tricks of the trade needed to develop and apply individuality and style. Each chapter covers a specific subject in detail, from the basics of planning and measuring a room, through colour considerations, decorative materials and techniques, soft furnishings and lighting, and down to the finishing touches which can turn the most ordinary house into a home to be proud of. At the same time, practical projects - presented just as they might be in a specialized course - are offered with a view to helping readers to build up a personal design portfolio and a source of inspiration and ideas for transforming their own homes.