Trade Secrets from Use What You Have Decorating

This book has lots of easy, inexpensive tricks that only professional decorators know about. I purchased it along with Use What You Have Decorating because I wanted to fix up my house but could not afford a designer. The results were amazing! Now my home looks more open, feels more comfortable and is really pretty! Even my husband says it looks great, which is a first. The best part is that the only purchases I needed to make were new pillows for my sofa and a big urn for my dining room. If you are short on money but want to give your home a whole new look this book along with her first are must-haves.

As a practicing designer, I read everything I can get my hands on regarding design/decorating. This book is not the usual "designer picture book" with focus on one particular style. And it is not yet another "crafty person with more time than money book" either. Loaded with practical decorating advice you can actually use, this book is unique. Ms. Ward's advice on children's rooms was particularly insightful. Her color suggestions in lieu of the "primary colors" were right on target. This book is a great resource.

Read this new book by Lauri Ward and you will be able to walk through you home and make significant changes today! Ward's new book provides her readers and many devotees with her years of experience as an interior designer and founder of the successful Use What You Have concept. Her tips and "Trade Secrets" offer valuable information for the creatively challenged as well as the experienced decorator. Perhaps most important, in this book, she teaches us all how to have a more peaceful, meaningful, stress-free home. Today, who doesn't strive for that?

It is so refreshing to find a decorating book that you can use! I don't know about anyone else, but the "eye candy" variety of decorating book leaves me feeling frustrated and dissatisfied - much like a high fashion magazine!! Lauri Ward's new book may not be goregous - but after reading it, I made a few adjustments that made my home look a whole lot better. The section on outdoor furnishings was particularly helpful - and timely! Anyone who has approached a flooring showroom with the same trepidation as a used car showroom will feel better equipped after reading her chapter on floors! This book is a great resource.

Lauri Ward's book is the perfect little weapon for all decorating problems, especially non-obvious ones! After reading her first book I was thrilled to get my hands on her second book and learn even more. I'm so glad someone out there has made me feel like I can take my home into my own hands. It's very rewarding to beable to fix my decorating problems in minutes whether I'm just taking a break from my work, or in an artsy mood. Thanks!