Author(s): V&A; Ros Byam Shaw (Notes by)

Design | Textiles

Interior decorators have long used specific colors and palettes to evoke strong moods--the right mix of browns, greens, and oranges can easily bring you back into the 1970s. Here, in this highly original and digestible book, color palettes from the fifteenth century onward are analyzed and explained by interior design specialist Ros Byam Shaw. The colors used in each wallpaper and fabric are presented in proportional grids, giving a clear understanding of the hues that have become emblematic of their era.

Each wallpaper and fabric, carefully selected by Here Design from the V&A's collection, is arranged chronologically with its own double-page spread with extended captions that explain the significance of the palette. A color grid is shown beside each pattern, in which the colors in the original piece are shown in proportion to their use, and with their CMYK references to enable designers to replicate these colors in their own work. The result is a book that offers fascinating insights into color that will be of interest and use to designers working today, whether specialists in interiors, products, or graphics. It will also appeal to a more general audience as a beautifully designed book that offers inspiration to those interested in interior design.

Review: 'A great decorating source for understanding the history of colour' - ELLE Decoration
'[Gives] a real insight into the minds of print designers and the colours of the time' - Period Living
'Delve into the history of colour palettes used in furnishing fabrics and wallpapers from the 15th century to the present day' - Metro
'A soothing, inspiring book in which you can lose yourself for hours' - The Lady
'True fabric devotees will devour this book with relish' - English Home
'Perfect for pinpointing the moment your favourite shade of dusky pink or sage green first found popularity' - House Beautiful
'A fascinating insight into what makes a compelling design, and how our palette returns time and again to certain combinations' - Town & Country
'This valuable sourcebook is a fascinating visual history of colour' - House & Garden
'Every day, I turn a page to discover a whole new world of design, pattern and colour ... it's become something of a daily affirmation' - Today's Quilter

Contents: Introduction * About this book * About these objects * 15th century * 16th century * 17th century * 18th century * 19th century * 20th-21st century * Further reading

Author Biography: Ros Byam Shaw is a journalist who writes on design and interiors for The World of Interiors and House and Garden. She is the author of Farrow & Ball Living with Colour and Farrow & Ball Decorating with Colour as well as numerous other books on historic houses and interiors.