Remake Restyle Reuse: Easy Ways to Transform Everyday Basics into Inspired Design

by Sonia Lucano, Fred Lucano (Photographer)

Transform basic items into boutique-worthy home decor



• Transform just-lying-around things to sit-up-and-take-notice things!


• Transform junk into junque!


• Transform your friends’ skin tones from normal to green with envy!



We’ve all got the furniture and the home accessories we can afford. Our stuff came from Target, or Ikea, or Pottery Barn, or Dan’s Dent-and-Ding Depot. Wherever it came from, it’s pretty vanilla. Wistfully, we look through the windows at tony boutiques, admiring the little hand-painted chest, or the exquisite artisan vase, or the beaded curtains, and we ask, “Why was I blessed with such fabulous taste, only to be constantly depressed because these beautiful things are out of my reach financially?” Good news! With ReMake ReStyle ReUse , anyone can create 40 stunning, sophisticated home items, just like the ones in those high-end shops. Only the most basic craft skills are assumed, and everything is provided, including simple step-by-step directions, designs to trace or photocopy, and glowing photographs for instruction and inspiration.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Art, Design

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 29, 2008

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah.

[Amberwench · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not a remake guide (as in recycle/upcycle), but a 'how to' decorate plain functional items. Covers simple hand embroidery, stamping, and printing. Includes patterns for the projects shown. Simple styles for those who live the minimalist life.

Suggest this to: the friend who wants to be crafty and has no decorations at home.

[Marlena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some cute things, but generally not my style.

[Robin Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could buy this book. Loved the entire book.

[Juanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book offers some creative suggestions for transforming used items - whether it be by painting, sewing, or etching. These are projects that maybe i'd do someday, but i'm not really interested in doing right now. The patterns for embroidering linens were interesting, but nothing that really caught my eye and made me say "I want to do that".

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for that French flea market style where every piece is in the perfect state of disrepair. And although this book has got style in droves, there is something wrong with the concept. It's all very "you can be original if you follow these simple instructions and adopt our aesthetic."

[Celest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should be titled, "what to do with all the stuff you bought on sale at Ikea"

Some good ideas and simple designs for personalizing all that stuff that is plain in your home. Could work for "shabby chic" people, Asian inspired designs, or minimalistic design approaches.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great projects are included, and the style is simple, modern, organic...another inspirational project book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring decorating/crafty book. Makes me want to have only beautiful neutrals in my home. Some of the crafts are way too advanced for the casual crafter. Think glass-engraving.

[Jonnelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas, nice templates.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the simple stylings in this book. I don't get the random numbers on some of the projects but everything else clicks with my self.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you don't like HER style, it doesn't help much.