DIY--My Way!

Looking for a DIY project with a shortcut? Pick up I Modify IKEA: Furnishings from Everyone's Favorite Store, Customized for Your Home by Elyse Major and Charlotte Rivers for some great ideas. The book includes over 40 creative modifications to furnishings for every room of the house. The projects range from easy to difficult with most being completed in under 6 hours.

If you like IKEA and want to have some design fun—this book is for you! DB

Small and Simple

Are you thinking about downsizing and moving to a smaller space or just fixing up an old one?  Browse through some wonderfully useful floor plans and home designs in Compact Houses : 50 Creative Floor Plans for Well-designed Small Homes by Gerald Rowan. You will be surprised at how well efficient yet open designs can complement each other. Even if you’re just looking for DIY project ideas—this book is loaded with constructive, practical information.The homes are suitable for various locations and family sizes. The author has owned and renovated over 60 small homes and cabins and taught art, architecture and design for over 30 years.  DB

Homes That Make You Smile

Looking for some inspiration for the home?  I just picked up Oxford's copy of Happy Home: Everyday Magic for a Colorful Life by Charlotte Hedeman Gueniau, a gorgeous book full of vibrant and whimsical design ideas.  From floral rugs to colorful place settings, you're sure to start brainstorming for your own space as you browse through this fun and beautiful book.  HM

Magic Marrakesh!

Do you watch HGTV? Do you love color and pattern? Take a vicarious trip to Marrakesh, Morocco with the book Marrakesh By Design,Decorating with All the Colors, Patterns, and Magic of Morocco.  Written by Maryam Montague who has a hotel in Marrakesh and a blog about living there, (MyMarrakesh.com) the book explores Moroccan style, decorating and where to find the sources for Moroccan style. There are many beautiful photographs of interiors and exteriors of houses and gardens in Morocco and explorations of Moroccan culture in tea, (mint tea, served sweetened in a glass.) pattern and color. Lovely! ML

Simply Irresistible!

Do you have a small space that needs some TLC? Check out Janet Lee’s Living in a  Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces for some striking projects. She is a veteran apartment dweller with bold sense of style. Although her style is based on her mother's vintage elegance, I love the modern quirkiness and innovative use of everyday items. Her suggestions are not only colorful and entertaining but time-saving too. Janet uses snappy shortcuts and inexpensive materials for a designer look. She really thinks outside-the-box. Fabulous---darling! DB

Home Sweet Home

This guide is full of ideas to inspire you to refresh your home. Home Decor has projects accompanied by photos for every room in the house, no matter what your style. Insets scattered throughout the book lend experts' words of advice and wisdom to assist you in your design process.