Wednesday, December 28, 2022

by Joanne Mengel

The holidays will be over soon and after you put away all the festive decorations those rooms in your home are going to look pretty plain. The library can help with that. We have oodles of decorating books, with ideas for everything from paint techniques to repurposing attic or flea market finds. Here are just a few that caught my attention, but check out the 747 number area on the second floor for many, many more.
 

 Restore, Recycle, Repurpose (747.1 Florke 2010) 

Find something cool in the attic while putting away your decorations? This one is full of repurposing ideas. Color photographs show examples of rooms, all radiating country charm, created on a budget, and designed with the three “R”s in mind: restore, reuse, and repurpose. The author clearly explains why going green is so important, how to use what’s already there, find a focus for every space, and determine what makes something environmentally friendly. 
 

 Lovable, livable home (747 Petersik 2015)

Sherry and John Petersik are the married duo who chronicled their home improvement adventures on the hit DIY blog Young House Love. Packed with thoughtful advice, doable DIY projects, and inspired spaces, let them help you create a home filled with beauty and meaning that works for everyone under your roof.

 House beautiful: 500 makeovers : great ideas & quick changes (747 H816bf 2008)

The 500 professional-quality ideas found in this comprehensive, lavishly illustrated book will help clarify your decorating vision and make the task ahead seem wonderfully manageable…even enjoyable! 

 Real-life decor: 100 easy DIY projects to brighten your home on a budget (747.1 N231 2010)

Real-Life Decor brims with ideas for repurposing, reusing or replacing your accents and furniture to keep your home fresh and functional as well as wallet-friendly. 

 Salvage style: decorate with vintage finds (747.1 Linsley 2017)

I just love the cover on this one. Salvage style is brimming with ideas and shows you that by reclaiming honest materials and collectibles, large and small, you can infuse your home with warmth, charm, and individuality.

 Home office solutions: how to set up an efficient workspace anywhere in your house (747.73 Peterson 2021)

Whether you've been working from home for years and want to refresh your office space, or you're brand new to telecommuting and have lots of questions, Home Office Solutions holds all the answers and inspiration you need to create a workspace you'll love! 

 150 ways to dress your windows (747.3 On2 2011)

Country Living knows their stuff when it comes to decorating tips. Sure to inspire, this beautifully photographed book showcases many drapes, shades, and window treatments, explaining the different styles, fabrics, colors, and finishing touches that are available today. 

 Better Homes and Gardens real-life decorating : your look, your budget (747 R229 2010)

This is your source for real-life ideas and inspiration for creating a living space that matches your lifestyle and your budget. Learn how to make decorating decisions about color, pattern, furniture arranging, small spaces, storage, and more.

 Apartment therapy's big book of small, cool spaces (747.1 G415 2010)

The perfect book for those apartment dwellers looking to spruce up their space. Most of the “therapy” involves minor tweaks that can be accomplished on a limited budget, such as dividing a room with sheer curtains, turning a door into a desk, or disguising electrical boxes with art displays. 

 Home from the Hardware Store (747 An88 2010)

Feeling really ambitious? Take simple hardware store finds and turn them into something special. And the best part - the book has beautiful full-color photos, including how-to pictures along with clear, concise, yet friendly instructions, accompanying every project.

Joanne Mengel works in the FDL Public Library Reference department.