Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes (Giveaway)

Today I’m going to tell you about one more fabulous book, but first of all I have to thank Cico Books for this wonderful opportunity. Not only they have invited Decor-Art blog to be a part of a colourful and stylish blog tour, but they’re also offering you to win a copy of a brilliant new book!

Read on and find out how simple it would be to get Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Style and Colour – interiors bible, that she has written together with her son Felix  Sloan, delivered to your house.

If you are planning some major changes in your home don’t be in a hurry to do anything – I would suggest you have a closer look at  the nine room recipes Annie and Felix Sloans have described in their new book.

There are plenty of ideas to choose from, simply decide what would work for you and turn your rooms into Neoclassical, Traditional Swedish, Modern Retro, Bohemian, Vintage Floral, French Elegance, Warehouse, Rustic Country or Coastal havens.

An example of Bohemian style – a great display of
seemingly clashing cultural objects

I’d say this book is a brilliant manual for an amateur decorator. Just like a cookbook it tells you the main ingredients, gives basic instructions and reveals all kinds of how-tos – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more comprehensible interior design and styling book!

Illustrations based on bergère armchairs – furniture that should be chosen if you love French Elegance

Most of us can imagine rooms that have been decorated in Coastal or Rustic Country spirit, yet I’m sure you’d fail to describe an interior that has been given a Neoclassical or a Bohemian look. After reading a few room recipes you’ll turn into an expert. You’ll be able to name collectibles that would look good in a room that has been turned into a Vintage Floral kingdom and give advice on the colour scheme for someone who is fond of Modern Retro.

Neoclassical design is influenced by a mixture of different ancient civilizations ( photograph by Mark Scott)

Seek inspiration and enlarge your knowledge – this book is a perfect first step into the vast world of interior design.

I really love the fact that every chapter describes one particular style in detail and even provides historical background. I must admit it’s much easier to understand the way these styles evolved when you know what was happening across the world at the time they originated.

A typical Swedish country dining room

For e.g. did you know that Traditional Swedish style is also known as Gustavian and has been named after Gustav III, who, inspired by a visit to the Palace of Versailles, adopted the French neoclassical decor but gave it a Swedish twist? The look became more rustic as the style moved down the social scale and out to the country.

An good example of Warehouse style – industrial feel is a must

Or that the Warehouse style started with artists, designers, writers,
and printmakers moving to storage and factory lofts in New York and
London in the late 1960s? It’s probably the only style where battered is good, it certainly isn’t cute or charming, yet extremely functional.

An example of Modern Retro – colours used on the drawers Barcelona Orange and Greek Blue

For me as an aspiring artist it was also very interesting to find reference to various art movements and artists.

For e.g. the above piece of furniture was inspired by the Swiss artist Paul Klee, from a small painting he did in 1922. He was one of the Bauhaus painters, a design school that hugely influenced postwar design and, not least, Annie Sloan’s approach to painting.

French Elegance in  a young artist’s Alex Russell Flint’s home

By the way, we certainly shouldn’t forget the fact that Annie Sloan is paint effects guru and colour expert. She has shared a lot of her painting techniques and is encouraging you to paint your own walls or furniture.

If you decide to use Annie Sloan’s unique and versatile decorative paint Chalk Paint®, you can easily achieve all of the shown effects – for e.g. you will even find what colours you’ll need to mix to create such beautifully washed wall (image above).

Burgundy Red (Primer Red would do), Greek Blue, and Old White,
possibly with a bit of Aubusson Blue.

Annie Sloan’s book with room recipes will become your companion. I don’t think it will get a chance to gather dust on your shelves – there’s so much inspiration that can be used on so many various projects!

A dining room that has been given a Rustic Country feel

If you would like to win a copy of this wonderful book simply leave a comment telling us which of the design styles you liked the most. I will announce the winner on Friday (Nov 14).

Also don’t forget to visit the other three lovely blogs that are taking part in this blog tour – Lobster & Swan, Remodelista and Such Pretty Things.

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Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Style and Colour by Annie Sloan and Felix Sloan, photography by Christopher Drake, published by CICO Books rrp: £25