New homeowners and renovators: if you're wondering how to spruce up your place, stop right here! Gain confidence as you move through different aspects of decorating a house, referring to drawings that guide you through techniques and color photographs that illustrate what you can achieve. Examine the less tangible, more subtle areas of decorating, such as the architectural shell itself and the role it can play, lighting, displaying objects and collections, and soft furnishings. Planning revolves around deciding on color schemes, putting furniture layouts on paper, and considering storage. Prepare for the work ahead by stripping surfaces, filling holes, and renovating floors, doors, and windows. Then learn techniques for painting, including effects like sponging and wood graining; hanging and repairing wallpaper; installing tiles and decorative wood moldings; and laying carpeting, linoleum, and sheet vinyl. If you have big plans, this is the guide that will help you carry them out.