Book excerpt: "The first step is to understand how the French see -- blending rich tradition with whimsy to achieve interiors that are as comfortable as they are stunning. Within these pages, stylist Erin Swift offers a look at the exquisite homes of renowned designers, architects and artists, simplifying the elements that define each room, such as colour, art and furnishings, objects and accents, structure and texture. Sharing the homeowner's visions, she also highlights hundreds of fascinating and unconventional decorating details from which you can draw inspiration. Galleries featuring dozens of choices for moulding, stone and tile flooring, frames, paint colours, doorknobs and textiles offer even more ways to add a French touch."--Publisher description.