The New Curtain Book
Master Classes with Today's Top Designers
By Stephanie Hoppen 
Photography by Fritz von der Schulenburg

     This decor book expounds on the use of curtains as a design focal point. The author, Stephanie Hoppen, provides a simple introduction. This segment explains the need of a new design perspective of curtains, given advances in modern design.

     Chapter One, called First Considerations, examines how the design of a room is determined by its function. Window proportion and position is the next major factor in decorating the space. The writer then points out that a room's design is "framed" by curtains. The choice of curtains may be delineated by size, fabric pattern, layering, headings, and swags. Ms. Hoppen goes on to provide many style examples, such as Classic, Simple, Dramatic, Tailored, Country, and Romantic. Each style chapter features a number of internationally known interior designers. The designers include Jacques Garcia, Sera Hershan Loftus, Nancy Braithwaite, Kit Kemp, Stephen Falcke, Jamie Drake, and Emily Todhunter. These designers summarize their design philosophies and photographs of their finished room designs are provided. The final section of the book is a curtain directory detailing various fabrics, fastening styles, and embellishments.

     The style examples, while extragant, do offer a basic guide for designing living space. The photography is excellent and the design text is well-structured. The end result of this celebration of the curtain is an effective manual for room design in general.