Called 'a master of timeless American style' by Vogue, Markham Roberts is renowned for his boundless creativity and ability to work in a wide range of styles. In this, his second book, he examines his working method, identifying the key elements of a project and explaining how he addresses them. He begins with his top priority - taking into account his clients' point of view by interpreting their needs and reflecting their style, rather than imposing his own vision. In the process, he helps them focus and edit, respecting their wishes while making it work. Other elements include establishing a sense of place, layering and embellishing to make spaces more personal and interesting, acknowledging the need for practicality in the choice of materials, and doing the unexpected, from upholstering walls to mixing disparate materials and styles of furniture.

Throughout, specially commissioned photographs of an array of his latest projects illustrate his solutions to the challenges each of the elements pose. He concludes the book with a chapter on a single project that encompasses all of the elements, making this book a must-have resource for anyone interested in interior design.