Summers in France

Home decorating has never been more simple and easy than Summers in France. Come along to Europe with designer Kathryn M. Ireland who celebrates summer living and entertaining in the French countryside. Ireland introduces readers to the town of Montauban, which is near the farmhouse she renovated and remodeled in her classic shabby chic style. Kathryn shares inside details of her remodel along with tips and ideas about entertaining, and how to make guests comforable.

Through family photographs, journal-styled entries, and detail shots of the bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchen areas, readers are treated like family as they discover how Kathryn makes a room come together. Using her signature fabrics-seen in draperies, linens, cushions, duvets, bedding, and more-Kathryn shows what she did to brighten and enliven the atmosphere of each room. Kathryn's style also illustrates how easy it can be to decorate while on a budget by combining fabrics with antiques and vintage decor found at local flea markets.

Summers in France is an eclectic decorating book overflowing with country home design inspiration. Kathryn presents her favorite summertime recipes and entertaining tips as well as stunning before-and-after photographs of the remodeled and decorated rooms. Also included are centuries-old charcoal drawings of the various buildings on the property; lists of guest room must-haves; tips for house gifts; even several recipe ideas and marketplace shopping lists.

Kathryn M. Ireland is among House & Garden's "10 to Watch" architects and designers expected to influence 21st-century style. For the last decade, House Beautiful has named her one of the top 100 designers in the United States. She is the author of Creating a Home and Inspired By. . . . She divides her time between Santa Monica, California, and Montauban, France.