With all the excitement surrounding the Royal Couple, all things British have become quite chic on this side of the pond and interiors are no exception. Welcome Farrow & Ball's Living with Colour, written by Ros Byam Shaw.

Now a freelance writer, Shaw has held editor positions at W Magazine in the UK and The World of Interiors. The first part of the book is a collection of paint and wallpaper case studies in 16 different homes across England categorized by style (Classical, City, Modern Country, Country House and Cottage). The second part of the book features interiors grouped by colour and includes palettes and coordinated wallpaper and paint schemes to make getting the look easy.

I had the chance to see Shaw speak and present some of her favourite interiors from the book at Farrow & Ball in Toronto. Her stories about and descriptions of each residence alongside a projected image from the book made you feel as if you were there — and as if you could create the same look in your own home. I particularly enjoyed interior designer Sophie Conran's (daughter of designer Terence, sister of fashion designer Jasper) historical country house featuring a family room built in the 17th century.

You'll like it if:

• You love classic British style
• You're ready to experiment with colour
• You want simplified palettes you can easily find and buy

You may not like it if:

• You're looking for decorating tips. This book shows interiors but is all about colour
• You like really bright colours. Farrow & Ball does colour but it's often muted or deep and sophisticated. You won't find a royal blue accent wall in this book (but you will find a rich red)
• You like modern, minimalist design
  
  

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