Well-Worn Interior, The

The most comfortable rooms in the world are those that have aged gracefully. Bearing the traces of their owners' lives and tastes, these spaces beckon you to enjoy them, to make yourself at home. The Well-Worn Interior is an illuminating tour of these beautiful rooms, visiting older residences and historic houses in the United States and throughout Europe and exploring the evolution of these special places over time. There is much to learn from these timeless interiors.

Evocative photographs explore the warmth, charm, and beauty of faded and gently decayed interiors-the peeling paint, vintage fabrics, worn floors, and other testaments to a place's history. This "lived-in" look will appeal to anyone seeking the comfort of home. As subtle as the loving wear of decades can be, there are simple strategies for achieving such an intimate aura without working, or waiting, all those years. The Well-Worn Interior is the essential guide to helping you make decoration decisions that are sensitive to your existing home. A reference section illustrates how long-neglected techniques such as limewash, graining, and gilding can be applied to today's interiors, and a directory points you toward the right materials.