“The Complete Book of Curtains, Drapes and Blinds: Design Ideas and Basic Techniques for Window Treatments,” by Wendy Baker ($24.95, St. Martin’s Griffin)
Anybody can slap up a curtain rod and some store-bought sheers. But when you really want a room to have that finished, put-together look, it’s hard to beat well-thought-out window coverings. This handy reference was written by an international design expert with an eye for cool casements. She schools readers on the tools available to them to transform blah windows into alluring decorative elements, and includes copious tips and decorating dos and don’ts, making the book both handy and easy to navigate. Elana Ashanti Jefferson
“The Knot Ultimate Wedding Lookbook: More Than 1,000 Cakes, Centerpieces, Bouquets, Dresses, Decorations, and Ideas for the Perfect Day,” by Carley Roney ($40, Clarkson Potter)
Couples know as a go-to resource for all things matrimonial. Now its editor in chief, Carley Roney, and her staff of editors have compiled ideas and advice designed to guide and inspire the wedding-planning process. The book offers a wealth of wedding help, from the big choices such as flowers and a gown to more easily-overlooked tasks, such as stocking the bar. It’s a great first stop to help couples define their style and narrow their choices. In addition to more than 1,000 photos, the book contains tips and other helpful information to ease the preparations. Mary Beth Breckenridge/Akron Beacon Journal
“Lars Bolander’s Scandinavian Design,” by Heather Smith MacIsaac ($40, Vendome Press)
It’s not so much that readers of this gorgeous coffee table book need to be well-versed in the work of Lars Bolander, one of Sweden’s foremost interior decorators. What really makes it useful is the fact that so many of us aspire to the clean lines and delicate color schemes that characterize Bolander’s elegant, modern spaces. These are not sparse, ultra-minimalist settings but well-edited, eclectic rooms full of interesting decorating ideas and techniques. And if you want eye candy, that’s here, too. Consider the kitchen in which cabinets and walls are faux-finished to match a prized porcelain collection, or the tiny family dining room that comes alive, thanks to artisan furnishings and vivid artwork. Quite simply, this book is a visual feast for design enthusiasts. Elana Ashanti Jefferson
