Young House Love

Do we really need another forum for glib and talented bloggers to instruct novice decorators? Yes, as it turns out, we do. The Petersiks, whose snail-mail address is Richmond, Va., and whose Internet address is www.younghouselove.com, splashed into the blogosphere when they decided to document upgrades to their dark, dated home. After the makeover, bright colors and light prevailed. While the couple has an obvious flair for transforming fixer-uppers, at first glance, the book’s projects look elementary. Stack books in the fireplace in its idle seasons? A voracious reader of shelter magazines could have thought of that. Still, the very simplicity of some of their ideas might be a virtue. Completing something far less than a full makeover—like a task that can be done in an evening—could be a genuine confidence builder. And the book is solidly apartment-friendly. There is some gold, like the steps to reupholster a chair, hidden in tips for framing and stenciling accessories. This book is a natural for beginners. Experienced do-it-yourselfers should keep looking. (Nov.)