Decorative metallic effects are sleek enough to complement very contemporary interiors, yet luxurious enough for more traditional décor, while distressed or weathered versions work well with the ever-popular shabby chic look. In short, as we learn in Kerry Skinner's elegant guide, The Gilded Room, metallic finishes can add a wonderful accent to many styles of décor on many surfaces. With gold, silver, and copper leaf, metallic paints and powders, artists' oils, copper wire, wire mesh, and recycled metal plates, Skinner adorns walls, floors, desks, columns, screens, sconces, and much more. Although a few of the techniques can be handled by the novice, most are fairly labor- and materials-intensive, requiring a good deal of preparation and a fair amount of practice. Those who have some previous experience with metal-effect projects should achieve success through Skinner's excellent step-by-step photos and directions. In addition to the 20 projects, the author provides nine eye-catching pages of further painted-patina and patterned-metallic effects, as well as a helpful source list of suppliers. --Amy Handy

Many decorative techniques books include a project that involves either decoupage or gilding, in these two books the techniques get more comprehensive coverage. Skinner provides well-written instructions to projects that include furniture, walls, floors, and decorative accessories in an eclectic, modern style with photographs to accompany each step. The techniques in Gilded Room include metallic paint effect and gilding, concluding with swatches of the range of finishes and effects that can be achieved. Paper Decorator includes papier mache, decoupage, paper mosaic, and latex resist techniques. The wealth of projects contained in each will give an amateur and more experienced crafter plenty of ideas. Purchase where there is a continued interest in decorative techniques.
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