Ros Byam Shaw reveals the secrets of design professionals and shows you how to be your own interior designer. Getting Started guides you through the creative process and shows you how to draw up a design 'brief'. Complete Schemes and The Rooms then present over thirty stylish homes. These case studies cover entire homes, as well as designs for living rooms, kitchens, hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and work rooms. While diverse in style, they all marry style with function perfectly. For each, Ros quizzes the designer on how he or she found inspiration and realized their vision. Practical expertise is imparted throughout, and Trade Secrets, the book's final section, provides a summary of professional wisdom to ensure you choose the best colours, flooring, lighting, fabrics, furnishings and finishing touches. Lastly, there is a comprehensive stockists list.

Ros Byam Shaw, a former Features Editor of The World of Interiors, writes for The World of Interiors, House & Garden and the Telegraph, among others. She lives in Colyton, Devon.