In this straightforward, practical guide to redecorating, Ward, founder of the interiors firm Use-What-You-Have, Inc., and author of Use What You Have Decorating
, uses engaging real-life stories of home makeovers to demonstrate how to work with one's existing furniture, space and accessories to create great spaces. Diagrams, before and after photos, and bulleted lists that call out common decorating mistakes help to illustrate her points clearly—and give readers a peek inside other peoples' homes, appealing to the voyeur in everyone. Each chapter addresses a different decorating conundrum—moving to a smaller space, moving to a much larger space, dealing with an overstuffed home, childproofing, preparing to sell a home—and introduces the clients, their complaints, the diagnosis, the remedy and long-term recommendations. Descriptions of clients ("a leggy blonde with a huge, bright smile"; "a tall, slim man with boyish good looks") feel forced, but suggest the reality of the solutions described. (Oct. 3)
