From the Inside Flap
In the discriminating world of interior design, France and Italy have forever commanded respect, setting standards of excellence with their fine furniture, regal array of textiles, delicate porcelains, stunning crystal and embroidered linens.

Bringing a bit of French and Italian style to our stateside chateaux, ville or palazzi-however humble or grand-is all a matter of understanding the European mind-set for creating artful, elegant interiors with an aura of romance and glamour. Betty Lou Phillips leads a Grand Tour, acquainting us with a classic approach to design-guided by intelligence, awareness and panache-while sharing social customs that make for inviting homes and gracious living.

Furnishings collected over several lifetimes, thoughtfully handed down, mixed with treasures gathered both at home and abroad lay the foundation for a look of one's own making, reflecting one's personality, priorities and the times. Here, then, more than two hundred photographs and ample text offer recipes for la dolce vita, the sweet life.

Betty Lou Phillips is the author of award-winning Villa Décor, plus French Impressions and Inspirations from France & Italy. Her eleventh book, The Allure of French & Italian Décor, joins The French Room, The French Connection, Secrets of French Design, Unmistakably French, French Influences, French by Design and Provençal Interiors: French Country Style in America. A professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers with projects from New York to California, her work has been featured in Veranda, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Southern Accents and countless other magazines. Additionally, she has appeared on the Christopher Lowell Show and the Oprah Winfrey Show. She lives in Dallas, Texas.