First Digs: The Quasi-Adult's Guide to Decorating with Style---Without Blowing Your Budget

Sun, founder of digsmagazine.com, a ""home & living guide for the post-college, pre-parenthood, quasi-adult generation,"" compiles her design and decorating knowledge in this nifty book that deserves to be on the short list of college graduation presents. Sun rushes through pre-move-in decisions (go solo or find a roommate? Live in sin? What's more important-location or size?) before plunging into a bevy of budget-minded decorating tips. Some of the information, like shopping at thrift stores and estate sales, is common sense, but little tips like bringing a blanket, bungee cord and rope to ensure large items make it home in one piece set the book apart. It's chapter four that will end up the most dog-eared, as it's home to a multitude of tips on thoughtfully decorating apartments: finding focal points, paring down to the essentials and planning it out on paper first will all be of tremendous help for novices. By artfully walking the line between open-mindedness and a knowledge of one's own decorating style, those following Sun's advice will be rewarded with an affordably decorated, unique and comfortable home.