>>> BlackFriday Design*Sponge at Home
One thing I love most about the Design*Sponge blog is that it makes home decor and renovation so accessible and affordable. We don't all need to be rich to beautify and transform our homes; we don't have to be serial DIYers or spend buckets of money to turn our homes into unique spaces that reflect our personality and style; we can do much of the work ourselves and there's plenty at the blog to get us going.
And now finally a lot of that good stuff is in print! Design*Sponge at Home is nearly 400 pages of creative fun and do-able ideas. I loved seeing the different styles and tastes of people reflected in their homes; and the photos tips and suggestions are so inspiring and helpful - my creative juices are overflowing!
The book brings to print some of the blog's best-loved features (while some of the content is taken from the blog a lot is now published for the first time):
** Sneak Peeks takes us on tours of 65 apartments and houses of varying designs and styles across the US and as far away as South Africa Singapore and Australia. The photos are enough to bring on a serious case of home-envy but with the decorating and renovating tips it's possible to try replicating all that gorgeousness.
** DIY projects. I like the fact that the cost time needed and level of difficulty are indicated. The 50 projects featured include practical things like tea towels and display jars as well as decorative accents like window films and pressed botanical specimens. There's a chapter on DIY basics although for some items it'd help to already know things like how to use a sewing machine or a glue gun. But there are plenty of easy projects for complete beginners. Among the simplest are map-covered boxes and a cake stand which basically involves glueing a plate to a candlestick.
** Before and After: Again the cost time required and difficulty levels are indicated for making over furniture and spaces. There are lots of projects almost anyone can tackle with a bit of paint some glue and a hammer. And a big plus: at least 10 cost less than $50 to complete.
Additionally there is a chapter devoted to flower arrangements with guidelines on the basics and instructions to create 20 arrangements inspired by some of the homes featured in the book.
I think this is a book to have and hold for both D*S fans and anyone who's into decorating DIY and design - or would at least like to get started. There's a lot to enjoy and absorb - and it'll keep me busy until the second book is out. Can't wait!
[ this review is adapted from a longer one at my blog liberal sprinkles ]
