Mad about the House: The budget how-to guide for smart home decorating with style

A lovely book. Written in the author's inimitable style which is friendly and funny - she has a knack for making you think you are sitting round a kitchen table together. Agree with another reviewer's comment re it perhaps feeling "light" to some readers. But in some ways this is part of the charm of the book - it takes you back to basics and puts the focus on the things you should really be thinking about for your home. Unlike most interior books, it is not another glorified Pinterest board full of images and has very few glossy pictures. Instead it is one of the few such books that I have actually READ. It is also very refreshing in that - while its principles would apply to all - the book appears to be aimed at people without extravagant budgets and makes one realise that having a lovely home is achievable.

Just received this lovely book a few days ago. It's got lots of great advice and says "This book will help define your style". Because frankly most homes are functional when you have a family and you don't want to make expensive "mistakes". Our kids are grown up now, so I want to get "my style" put back in our home. The book hasn't stylised photos but has a few drawings and photos but that's the point. It's a guide to find what YOU like and WANT to live with, not what an IKEA or Habitat catalogue suggests (love both shops though).

I liked this book but didn't agree with all of it. I liked the part about including things that have emotional value like gifts you receive along the way and family memorabilia. These help to make a home. But I do think that people should have more confidence and treat this book as a general guide. I didn't agree with using black in a room, nor looking at the colour of clothes in your wardrobe. Mine is full of blue, a lot of it navy blue but that would not suit my style of home at all. So it is really interesting to read and pick up hints and tips, all of which are useful.

I love this decorating book. The author is funny and very helpful about layout of the room and house. She is not a designer and states that, but she has interviewed and written for loads of interior designers. So she brings all of her knowledge and personal insight to the book. Its a great book to have handy when decorating or considering rearranging.

The second book from interiors journalist Kate Watson-Smyth ticks all the boxes. At a time when Pinterest is our go to inspiration tool, guiding us through all our renovation and styling projects, Watson-Smyth realises that the overload of information can actually result in our taking long to plan and even longer to execute projects of all sizes. So where should you turn to before making expensive interiors choices? Watson-Smyth thinks that fashion can help and that by looking into our wardrobes we can get a feel about the colours that we like overall. A small section of the book is dedicated to colour, its historic associations and psychology and how each one is perceived or can be used. This will be a great reference guide for those who embark in their journey into interiors but may feel 'light' to those who live and breathe interiors on a daily basis. The book is then divided into chapters, each one dedicated to a different room in the house. Handy checklists help readers focus on key takeaways. With a good sense of humour (the book is written in the style of the author's interiors blog) and beautiful illustrations throughout, this book will be the perfect reference point for those embarking on a renovation project, first time home buyers looking to make changes and have no idea where to start. Everything has been covered, from storage to bedside tables to finishing touches like the light switches. I wish I had this book when we bought our home. And when you're done with the renovation, it will look brilliant on your coffee table too.

Liked the book - writing is good. Much of the info an be found on the blog. Personally I would have preferred real pictures instead of the sketches/drawings throughout the book.

In a world where we are totally over whelmed with interiors porn whether it's Pinterest or Instagram, here is a book that offers some really great practical advice on decorating your home. No, it's not jam packed with images of gorgeous to die for interiors but you can get that anywhere these days. This is the voice of reason, it's like having your own personal interior designer talk you through your house projects to get you to really think about your personal style and how to approach your decorating without making expensive mistakes. I love Kate's warm, chatty style and the book is so informative and insightful about how we actually live. My favourite chapters are the Perils of Pinterest and the chapters on the Spare Room and the Hallway. I'm already pitting Kate's sound advice to good use. Go buy the book - it's an investment piece you won't regret!

Amazing Book, highly highly recommend if your an interior enthusiast or a complete beginner about to tackle your home decor but feel a little daunted. Kate makes it very simple by writing about each room of your house, providing amazing tips & ideas she’s gained from her years of experience. What shines from this book is reality, not everyone owns their own home, not everyone has tons of money to kit their house out like an Instagram dream... that’s why her book & blog are so popular. It also looks amazing sitting on your coffee table!!