Great New Home/DIY Books to Get Inspired in 2009

It’s almost time to ring in a new year. But rather than just adopting the whole “New year, new you” approach, why not strive to improve your greatest asset—your home? 2008 brought a batch of fabulous new home design/repair/DIY books to bookstores and libraries, their pages packed with inspirational ideas and practical pointers. Be sure to snag these books before they’re checked out or sold out, and get ready to welcome 2009 with a fresh look for your home (or apartment, of course!):

Domino: The Book of Decorating, by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro (272 pages, Simon & Schuster, Inc.). You know that old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover?” Well it certainly doesn’t apply to this book. Wrapped in a green floral design, this book’s beautiful cover is the perfect complement to the smart content inside.
    Would you describe your bedroom decorating style as “romantic modernist” or “masculine bohemian”? Regardless of your personal taste, this book has you covered. Packed with creative ideas for every room in your house, from using different-color wall frames on the wall to avoid a dull look to establishing an entryway by placing a chest and chair near your front door, it’s every decorating guru’s dream.  (Heck, even if you’re not into decorating, I dare you to put this book down and walk away without any glimmer of an idea to change up your home décor.) And I’d expect nothing less, because it’s written by the editors of Domino magazine, who share expert advice and personal experiences in a friendly tone.
As a girl who often struggles with determining what items look best together, I especially appreciated the “How to Mix and Match” sections found in each chapter.
Also check out the manufacturer in the “Big Black Book” decorating resource guide at the end.

Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly Choices for You and Your Home, by Renée Loux (416 pages, Rodale Books). Before reading this book, my approach to green living consisted of faithfully recycling my newspapers and magazines, turning off the lights when I left the room, and unplugging unused appliances. But this book proves there’s so much more to truly living a green lifestyle—it extends to the way we furnish our homes, prepare meals, clean, and much more.
Perhaps best of all, this all-encompassing book stays true to its title. Loux—host of the TV show Easy Being Green—proves that eco-friendly living really is easy and affordable. My favorite part? The abundance of engaging facts, such as this one: Scratched or cracked plastic containers leach more chemicals into food and drinks than new ones. I walked away with all sorts of practical knowledge, and it’s information that really makes me want to make a difference in greening my daily routine. Another bonus: Loux lists green products and companies in detail, so you’ll know what to look for when you head to the store. Oh, and speaking of the store: You know how we’re bombarded with all sorts of labels nowadays, from “Fair Trade” to “Certified Organic”? Loux dishes on what these labels actually mean to us consumers.

My Home, My Money Pit: Your Guide to Every Home Improvement Adventure, by Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete (256 pages, Knack). I may not be a homeowner yet, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book, written by the hosts of the popular syndicated radio program “The Money Pit.” Why? Tom and Leslie present every morsel of information—from obtaining the perfect patio to planning your dream kitchen—in a clever yet practical manner. The comprehensive book is organized in a room-by-room fashion, so every inch of your home is fair game. And it addresses common issues faced by homeowners: Should I tackle the project myself or hire a pro? How do I successfully survive a home inspection? Whatever issues you have with your home, rest assured: Tom and Leslie will help you make informed home decisions every step of the way. As my good friends gradually start buying their first homes, this book is going to be my housewarming gift to them. Learn more about My Home, My Money Pit here.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All