Living with Light takes its inspiration from the northern hemisphere, where winters are long and light is at a premium, and techniques have been developed to make the most of every available second. The style of Scandinavian interiors has evolved from the people's connection to the seasons and nature. Pale, painted rooms with bleached floors reflect as much light as possible, even in winter when deep snow acts as a reflector during the short hours of daylight. Windows are solidly triple-glazed to keep the heat in so, with no need for heavy curtains, they can be simply swathed with fine fabric. Chapter by chapter, Living with Light elaborates on creative ideas for decorating the Scandinavian way, using pastel colours as well as the traditional muted palette, unusual fabrics and display techniques that focus on everything from flowers to kitchenware. The homes featured in these pages are traditional or crisply contemporary, and some have interpreted the look in a uniquely personal way, but all are based on a central theme of making spaces light and airy.

Gail Abbott is an established interior designer, stylist and writer with over twenty years' experience. Gail contributes regularly to home-style magazines, including Homes & Gardens and Ideal Home, and was instrumental in setting up Angel + Blume, the Cambridge-based interior design company. Her other books include Decorating with Blue and White (ISBN 978-1-906094-64-5), Living with White (ISBN 978-1-906525-24-8) and The Newlyweds' Guide to Setting Up Home (ISBN 978-1-906525-73-6), all published by CICO Books.