Abode a la Mode: 44 Projects for Hip Home Decor (Paperback)

~ Jeanee Ledoux (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ledoux's guide to funky apartment decorating on the cheap proves even the most dramatic overhauls can be achieved with a little fabric, creativity and, of course, a glue gun. This cheerful over-sized paperback packs a mod punch on every colorful page, giving DIYers easy to follow instructions for such projects as an adjustable ceiling globe echoing shades of Noguchi, as well as a sunny atomic clock that makes those vintage George Nelson versions look dour. Ledoux emphasizes retro, and quickie projects like an idiot-proof fabric-covered roller shade help transform even the dreariest room into a mid-century haven. Though some readers may be too busy to decoupage a dresser with '50s reproduction fabric, even time-strapped urban hipsters will delight in projects like the "mostly no-sew pillows" that add a colorful edge to a dumpy sofa. Ledoux's southern roots show as she helps readers create a Warhol-like "celebrity triptych" using a photo of Elvis. Fun, fashionable and, best of all, easy, Ledoux's projects will provide even the least crafty of young adults with ideas to jazz up their humble apartments.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Aimed at hip, young renters on a budget, this craft title combines an overview of basic interior--design principles with cheap, high-style home-decor projects. Ledoux's conversational text begins with a long opening section filled with excellent, practical decorating advice: "If you have a paint chip in your hand, drop it immediately. . . . Starting your room with a wall color and then trying to find everything else to match is backward." There are more than 40 projects, which are divided into categories--windows, lighting, furniture, and so on. The projects vary in complexity, but most assume some familiarity with tools and aren't for those dipping their paintbrushes for the first time. Still, Ledoux's instructions are clear and easy to follow, her materials inexpensive, and the finished projects--the kitchen backsplash made of dominoes; a light sconce made of blueprints--are unique and inspired. Fans of ReadyMade magazine may be the biggest audience for this, but Ledoux's whimsical, stylish ideas may easily lure some of Martha's devotees, too. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (December 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402713436
• ISBN-13: 978-1402713439
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #716,845 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like the Boy Scout Handbook, except much cooler., November 29, 2005

By	Christopher J. Geronimos (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I sighed as I looked in the bag and saw what my girlfriend brought home, but this book is something I actually enjoyed using. I am too lazy to even shop for home decorating stuff, much less start diy projects, but these were easier than being dragged to all the stores. And they appealed to my frugal side, as well. As for style; I'm no expert, but when we have people over, they are always impressed. Definitely worth it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Hip Home Decor Projects, May 28, 2006

By	Sonya "readaholic" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

What an unexpected project book. Oftentimes, when I see "hip" or "homemade" in book titles, my expectations of the quality of the projects presented is suspended. What a nice surprise. The majority of the projects are so well done that it makes this book worth your time and money. Even though my decorating style is not "hip", I definitely would recommend this book.

I think the best section of the book was the lighting chapter. Many projects were assembled using regular household or easily obtainable objects. There were several projects that popped out at me and really caught my eye. My favorite was the Domino Art on page 12 and 117. Wow! Other items I liked were:

* Art paper Shade Tube, pg 61
* Bowl brush holder lamp, pg 69
* Amoeba Light, pg 72
* Rolling 2-Tier coffee table, pg 97 (have seen this built on decorating shows)
* Crate Ottoman, pg 101

If you like "hip" modernistic décor, you will find this book an inspiration.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! If you like modern & funky interiors, check it out, November 26, 2006

By	Chris "Chris" - See all my reviews

I thought this was a great book. The photography, in particular, is stellar.

I probably won't get around to building any of the projects in the book exactly as the author created them, but it is one of my favorite books of the year in terms of providing a great design influence. By that I mean that I really liked the feel and style of a lot of the projects, so that was where its value is for me. I also really like design that has a re-use & recycle slant to it, so this was up my alley. The book won't be all things to all people-- which one ever is?-- but if you like ReadyMade magazine, for example, and if you appreciate DIY modern design with a funky flair, I definitely recommend this book.