The authors believe that good decorating is more than creating something pretty. They feel strongly that a house or apartment should be cohesive and have smooth transitions between architectural or historical details and the stylistic or decorative elements that they apply. The book is organized around their firm's process and takes the reader step by step through the questions and problems they face for every project. They propose that there is no mystery to the design process, no sudden burst of creativity that enables them to implement their designs. Decorating a home is a rational process that can be put into practice by anyone willing to learn, whether he or she is renovating an existing home or building a new one and whatever the operating budget.Because they approach every project in a linear way, they have written this book to reflect the same steps, with clearly written discussions of the thinking behind their choices of forms and surfaces, with case studies of actual designs. Sidebars giving signature concepts, relevant information and advice appear throughout the chapters, which are arranged by rooms in the house. Of special value is a guide to creating and maintaining a Project Book, an important Cullman & Kravis tool for any project. Included are photographs of completed rooms that show the full effect, plus detail photographs of such elements as wall surfaces, rugs and textiles. Floor plans, drawings and renderings - important tools of our trade - are included as well.