When used well, pastels have a rich intensity or a subtle sophistication, keeping them on the cool side of sweet. They allow us to fill a home with subtle colour, making us feel cosseted and safe. In Pretty Pastel Style, Selina Lake shows how to use pastels to create spaces that are sophisticated, quirky and colour-rich without being garish.  To start, she looks at different ways of decorating with this versatile palette by dividing it into four styles. There’s Modern Pastels, which are are contrasted with pops of stronger colour and sharpened with statement furniture, while Vintage Pastels are more nostalgic and elegant. Handmade Pastels highlights creative touches and simple crafting ideas that showcase pastels in candy stripes, polka dots and floral prints, while Simple Pastels work with neutrals and off-whites for an elegantly minimal look.  Next, the Details section looks at everything from furniture and lighting to display and decoration, with inspiring ideas on how to put the style together. Finally, the Spaces section of the book showcases a series of beautiful rooms that use pastels with stylish effect.

First published in 2013, this is a new edition.

Our homes are more important to us than ever before, and heritage style harks back to the reassuring comfort of traditional interiors. Panelling, wallpaper, floral fabrics and heritage paint colours provide a backdrop for house plants, artworks and contemporary crafts, while upholstered and wicker furniture, pretty decorative detailing and plump cushions feel warm, welcoming and familiar. It’s not only a comforting style, but also a sustainable one, built around pre-owned and vintage pieces sourced at online auctions or on Instagram and given a new lease of life in modern homes. Heritage Style shows how to create a home that feels both modern and nostalgic at the same time – inviting, easy to live in and full of intriguing personal touches.

In Natural Living Style, Selina Lake reveals how to create a beautiful and stylish home that is as natural, plastic-free and sustainable as possible.

In Inspirations, Selina starts by revealing the concepts that inspire her: natural decor, living simply, mindful consumption, recycling, upcycling and reducing plastic waste. She looks at materials suited to the natural living look, including wood, bamboo, cork, recycled glass and upcycled materials. In Textures, she focuses on organic fabrics, fibres such as coir and rattan and eco-friendly paints. Finally, she shows how to style the home using lighting, decorative objects, vintage pieces, garden flowers and house plants. In the second section, Natural Living Spaces, Selina shows how sustainability and style can go hand in hand in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices and even utility rooms. In The Natural Garden, she steps outside to discuss green gardening, growing your own produce and venturing further afield to camp, travel and explore. Throughout, eco-friendly tips and hints will inspire those who want to lighten their footprint on the planet. Last but not least, the Natural Resources section will help readers get the look and create a sustainable, eco-friendly home of their own.