By Betty Lou Phillips
From treating windows in a cozy boudoir to arranging art in a finely crafted sitting room, Betty Lou Phillips’ The Secrets of French Design helps any modern decorator add old-world French appeal. Phillips, an award-winning author on this subject as well as an esteemed member of the American Society of Interior Designers, adds a broad perspective for an entire domesticated look in her new installment. This book provides an excellent comparison between French and American décor. Every room of the house gets a loving French makeover right down to the carpet and curtain tassels.
Each chapter tackles a different aspect of designing to fit individual styles. “Les Couleurs de France” teaches tricks and tips of using paints and colors around the house for an elegant touch. The bold earth tones seen in small villages as well as calming cooler shades often used by Parisians are both highlighted in this section. Phillips demonstrates how the French add comfort and texture to their walls with discreetly sophisticated touches such as books, trinkets, family heirlooms, or a memorable sconce. These embellishments end up looking as if they were always part of the house rather than simply clutter built up over years. According to Phillips, this style of decorating comes over time, as an art. The French even go so far as to use only the finest Egyptian cotton for sheets and best woods for their bedroom furni-ture because this is the way the ancient kings and queens lived in luxury. Along with explanations, nearly every other page presents a full-color photo of French décor and detailed acknowledgements to help readers get the look they are striving to achieve.
80 pages/Gibbs Smith
Reviewed by Amber Goodwin
