Book excerpt: 'Annie Sloan's Complete Book of Decorative Paint Finishes' explores all the decorative techniques you will ever need to decorate your home creatively, innovatively, and with professional results. Techniques from ragging and sponging to woodgraining and marbling, stencilling with brushes, rollers or spray paints, traditional and modern decoupage, staining wood, and distressing metal leaf are explained with step-by-step instructions and illustrated on walls, furniture, and accessories. Examples of how the effects look using different colours are also included, so that you can choose the perfect combinations for your project.