Kate Watson-Smyth

Kate Watson-Smyth is a journalist with over 15 years of experience writing about interiors for publications such as the Financial Times, the Independent and the Daily Mail. Her blog, madaboutthehouse.com, is the UK s number-one interiors blog, winning Vuelio number 1 UK Interiors Blog in 2015/16 and 2016/17, Amara Interior Blog Awards Best Design Inspiration in 2015, and Domino top 16 interiors blogs US/UK 2016. Kate s first book Shades of Grey was published in 2016 and translated into German, French and Italian. Kate lives and works in London and regularly hosts talks forecasting future trends for clients including ELLE Decoration,

How to decorate your home with style

Mad about the House

Crammed with fascinating facts, expert advice, and a wealth of essential information, Shades of Grey will guide you through the minefield that is choosing exactly the right shade of gray paint. “Grey is the cooler, chicer cousin of white that we can't help lusting after” Elle Decor There's no doubt about it, gray is the shade of the moment. On-trend restaurants, shops and homes are covered in it. There's not an interior decorating program that doesn't feature it. However, despite its popularity, it’s not quite as simple as buying a gallon of gray paint and slapping it on the wall. Make the wrong choice, and a gray room can be be cold and dark, even energy-sapping. Get it right, however, and your home will look inviting, sophisticated, and modern. So how to find the perfect hue? In Shades of Grey, Kate Watson-Smyth explores the current popularity of the shade and consults experts—scientists, paint brands, interior decorators—who reveal their favourite grays (as well as other tricks of the trade). She looks at the huge range of grays on offer and, via a simple process of elimination, will help you track down the shade that works perfectly for you.

Decorating with the most elegant of neutrals

Shades of Grey

Interiors expert Kate Watson-Smyth brings you the Mad About the House Planner for everything you need to know when renovating your home. With more and more of us working from home and spending more time in the house, it's more important than ever that our homes are adaptable and welcoming. Packed with Kate's knowledge and enthusiasm, this journal offers you ways to renovate your home room by room, with a focus on sustainability and money-saving tips. Also included in this handy planner are accounts pages to note down what you're spending money on – and when – as you renovate, an address book for useful contacts and tradesmen, checklists for all the essentials in each room, grid pages to draw your own floorplans and space to jot down your favourite shops, inspiration and websites. Beautifully packaged with ribbon markers, this is a journal to treasure and keep a record of your home's journey. Chapters include: First Things First – planning your home: who will be using the space, when, where and how? Plus tips for the big move-in day The Entrance Hall – how to create the perfect hallway; stairs, carpets and storage solutions The Kitchen – planning the space, kitchen appliance tips and how to upscale a cheap kitchen The Bathroom – where to spend and where to save, carrying your style into the bathroom The Living Room – making the best use of the space, tips for flooring and rugs; buying vintage and salvaging preloved furniture The Main Bedroom – reflecting your sleeping habits in your colour scheme, ideal storage and lighting solutions The Second Bedroom – how to create the perfect nursery or spare room, how to adapt the room as your family grows up The Third Bedroom – how to create the ideal room for teenagers and guests The Home Office – working from home is here to stay, so decorate to create the best working environment for you. Your Home, Your Lists: packed with Kate’s tips for upscaling your home and go-to places, plus space to add your own favourites, make lists and budget sheets.

Your Home, Your Story

Mad About the House Planner

Crammed with fascinating facts, expert advice and a wealth of essential information, Shades of Grey will guide you through the minefield that is choosing exactly the right shade of grey paint.

Kate Watson-Smyth

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