LIBRARY UPDATES

Three of the best decorating books to buy this month

Annie Sloan Paints Everything

(Cico Books, £14.99) includes 40 DIY projects from the chalk paint expert: from hand-stencilled cushions to painted chandeliers and cabinets, and dyed vintage lace curtains ( yes, you can use Sloan’s chalk paint to dye fabric, diluting it to create the colour required – genius!). Whether you love plain colours or pattern, there’s inspiration for everyone.

Modern Living: How to decorate with Style

(Teneues, £29.95). One of a series of new books (the other two, on chalet style and Scandinavian living, are to follow) penned by former ELLE Decoration homes editor Claire Bingham. She explores some of the world’s most inspiring interiors and offers DIY tips to get the look yourself.

The Stuff of Life

by Hilary Robertson (Ryland Peters & Small, £25) is a perennial decorating classic that we love for its invaluable tips on how to style and display your stuff – all the disparate but treasured possessions that we all slowly acquire. You’ll discover how to make the most of a multitude of storage and surfaces around your home, from blank walls to mantelpieces and windowsills. It’s perfect advice for an instant home update.