[.ca] Easy Decorating Makeovers (ISBN 0696217228)

Remarkable Results!:
I have read a ton of interior design books, and for the most part, I kept thinking I would learn through osmosis, by looking at the beautiful pictures and hoping for inspiration. Unfortunately, my home did not reflect my love of interior design, which for me, is the ultimate test of effectiveness. This book takes Lauri Ward's "Use What You Have Decorating" book, which had some good ideas, and goes much further in showing you in each photo how you can arrange your furniture and accessories into a beautiful home. It tells you the basic rules, how to balance items visually, and why these tips work. Since I bought the book, I've been moving my furniture and rearranging my tabletops and I am amazed at how beautiful the results are. I'm ready to toss all of my old decorating books, and just leave this book on my shelf. I am surprised at how well this book has worked for me.

Neither affordable nor "easy" makeovers:
This is just another picture book with no practical information. Like so many others, it has photos of expensively furnished rooms that are beyond the means of most people. It is a disappointment, as decorating with unlimited funds is easy, but with limited budgets it is not. Better Homes and Gardens publishes book after book that all look alike... if you've read one, you've read them all. Nothing original nor innovative. If you really want to transform your home easily and inexpensively, buy Lauri Ward's Use What You Have Decorating books instead.

Disappointing:
Like so many other decorating books, this one is beyond the reach of people on a budget. Unfortunately the ideas are not terribly original nor are they geared towards those of us who are of the do-it-yourself school of home design. If you are interested in quick, home makeover ideas look for another book.

Before and After Pics!:
I really love this book because of the clear before and after pictures. They take a room and rearrange it using the existing furniture and describe what was done. It is amazing what placement can do. You really get a sense of why certain rooms work and you take away furniture/object placement techniques to improve any room. If you are into furniture layout, you will love this book.

A book to help you give your rooms that complete look:
This isn't a book for people who are starting from scratch with absolutely nothing. This is a book to improve the look of what you already have by just adding a few simple accessories. The examples they use are rooms that need the the finishing touches and the book gives you the explanation to complete the room. For me it is always easy to start the room but not complete the overall look. This book is a very useful source to complete your look. I finally found the book to help me in this area.