Leslie Banker

Interior designer Leslie Banker grew up learning the trade by her decorator mother s side. The most important thing her mother taught her was that thinking like a decorator means focusing on developing the story of the space and its inhabitants. That story is what gives a place style, depth, character, and its own unique look, as well as most importantly makes the people who live there happy. Think Like a Decorator shows readers how to do just that. Banker teaches readers how to drill down and articulate what appeals to them. She explains how to drop anchors for the project, whether it s a favorite paint color or an inherited family piece, and what is essential to living comfortably in a home (hint: enough chairs at the dinner table). Banker also covers how to identify what is not working currently (the pile of backpacks that grows at the end of each day in that neglected corner) and how to solve the inevitable issues that will arise (the paint color that turned garish on the wall). Witty and entertaining, with Q and As from noted designers including Alexa Hampton, Tom Scheerer, Amanda Nisbet, Katie Ridder, and Christopher Spitzmiller, Think Like a Decorator is, ultimately, about how to live happily and well at home.

When it comes to Britain, most Americans don't know (Union) Jack. Fortunately, now an Anglo-American husband-and-wife team are here to help with a smart, funny, and handy guide that minds the gap between fact and fiction. From Whigs and Windsors to wankers and Wales, this spit-spot-on reference covers all manner of British history, society, culture, language, and everyday life, including - the class system, title envy, and a thumbnail sketch of British dynasties- highlights of the social season (yes, they have a social season)- Parliament, prime ministers, and a wild variety of political parties- British sports 101, including football (by which we mean soccer), cricket, rugby, snooker, and darts- answers to the pressing question: What's on the telly?- British culinary delights, from Marmite to late-night tikka masala - odd pronunciations (e.g., how "St. John" becomes "Sin Jun")- cockney slang, or why you should never get caught "telling porkies on the dog" - Londoners' pride in the Tube and the truth about trainspotting So whether you're traveling to England on business or for pleasure, dating a Brit, hoping to comfort a homesick Londoner (whip up a treacle tart, recipe included), or simply curious about life across the pond, Britannia in Brief is the perfect companion.