I would never get cable TV, (I strongly believe dull television programming is the key to a productive life) but the one channel I covet is HGTV.
I’ve seen bits of shows on the television at work, and for me the decorating shows are truly riveting.
Gotta’ love those makeover shows.
So what’s a broadcast TV gal to do?
Library books.
I really like the books of Lauri Ward. Queen guru of the Use What You Have interior design company.
And really, what’s more Non-Consumer than using what you already own to create a pleasing new look?
Lauri’s books explain certain key principles of interior design, such as having living room furniture close enough for conversation, and facing the couch towards the room’s focal point.
It’s not just about having your home look pretty, but how to have it function better.
One book of hers that I’ve really gotten a lot from is Home Therapy: Fast, Easy, Affordable Makeovers. This book not only explains Lauri’s principles, but has great before-and-after photos.
(Although, I just saw on her website that she has a new book out. I’m gonna’ put that bad boy on hold at the library as soon as I’m done writing this blog!)
So if you’re craving a fresh new look for your home without spending a dime, put Lauri Ward’s books on hold at your local library.
Because even a cursory glance at any thrift store will quickly demonstrate what tremendous amounts of waste is generated in the name of redecoration.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for the tip. I searched her books at the library and found she’s just written one for living well in small houses. I live in a small house (by US standards and I like it!), but it’s kind of a challenge for me to figure out how to organize things to make it efficient. I’ve scoured the library for interior design books on small houses but this particular book wasn’t categorized that way.
Hello Katy,
Thank you so much for your kind remarks about my books, etc. You have a wonderful blog and philosophy.
Like you, I feel passionately that we use less, waste less, and appreciate whatever we do have, more.
When I started Use What You Have Interiors in 1981, getting the word out was a pretty lonely job. Now, that you and others are raising awareness of this serious issue it’s a lot more fun.
Cheers,
Lauri Ward
http://redecorate.com/blog/