Defining a national style is a difficult task, particularly in the European realm. With a constant intermingling of cultures, as accomplished author Cheryl MacLachlan observes, "History gets in the way." Yet with careful study and an astute eye--both of which MacLachlan displays in abundance--it is possible to discover a country's distinctive style. In this case it means a skillful blend of rich woodwork, botanical motifs, and strong graphics; interiors replete with idiosyncratic visual detail but still beckoning with comfort. Brimming with gorgeous photographs, the volume gives us a scrumptious room-by-room tour (including that very English form, the garden), serving up concise lessons on the history of English design and excellent analyses of what makes each element in the photos work, along with generous helpings of very specific suggestions on how to incorporate all the elements into our own homes. "Idea notebooks" in each chapter offer helpful at-a-glance particulars of key elements in each room type. And charming glimpses of real life (children having a tea party; a cat snoozing on an overstuffed chair; bunches of magazines leaning against a sofa) highlight the fact that these are not designer showrooms, but actual homes that are truly lived in and loved. --Amy Handy