Kathy Peterson's Great Outdoor Decorating Makeovers: Easy, Elegant Transformations On a Limited Budget [Paperback]

Kathy Peterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2004

This decorating resource shows how to transform outdoor spaces on an extremely limited budget - [pound]250 or less per project - using paint, castaways and thrift store finds, easy crafts and sewing projects, and lots of creativity and elbow grease. Readers are taken through the entire transformation: preparing a space for a decorating overhaul, finding inspiration, achieving decorating goals within a tight budget, planning and organizing a project, and quick fixes and crafts projects that can refresh and beautify any outdoor spaces. Eighteen makeovers are profiled, showcasing a variety of spaces, including patios, porches, pool sides, balconies, sunrooms, decks, and courtyards. Each of the projects describes the homeowner's decorating dilemmas, his/her goals for the space, Peterson's proposed solutions, a shopping list, and how the makeover was achieved - all supported by full-colour before and after photos.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kathy Peterson's work has been published in numerous craft and women's magazines. She is also the host and producer of her own television show, Town & Country Crafts with Kathy Peterson, which appears on GoodLife TV and FamilyNet TV. The author of Creative Wire Jewelry and Sew Simple Squares,

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; 1st edition (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823026124
• ISBN-13: 978-0823026128
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Decorative Arts

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Budget Makeovers for Outdoor Living, March 12, 2006

By 

Virginia Allain "(retired librarian)" (Poinciana, FL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Kathy Peterson's Great Outdoor Decorating Makeovers: Easy, Elegant Transformations On a Limited Budget (Paperback)

If you aren't using your outdoor space much, it may be time for a makeover. This book takes rather blah patios and turns them into inviting outdoor living spaces. The best part is the price, as the author tries to keep each project under $250.
She is helped by the fact that most had decent furniture to start with, so her job was adding some cushions, plants and accessories for a polished look.
Probably the main message of the book is to pull your outdoor living space together with a unifying color scheme. Paint any furniture that doesn't match or is shabby. No need to shop for new items, just bring things from inside the house outside.
She breaks each project down into steps, showing how the changes meet the homeowners needs. I deducted one star since the book doesn't give actual how-to on the projects (sewing, painting).
It is useful to get ideas on grouping your furniture and using color for an attractive outdoor area (pool area, porch, balcony, patio, sunroom, courtyard, etc.)
I liked the idea of painting lines on concrete for a faux tile look. The book shows lots of colorful before and after photos.
(I hope you find this review helpful, and if you do, please click yes.)

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Use color and repurposed indoor decor to create an inviting outdoor environment, May 9, 2006

By 

Rae Aaron (New Mexico, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kathy Peterson's Great Outdoor Decorating Makeovers: Easy, Elegant Transformations On a Limited Budget (Paperback)

This book gives the reader ideas on how to create an inviting outdoor living space on a budget. I live in the Southwest where outdoor living is a year 'round experience, and bought the book in hopes of developing a nice outdoor entertaining area. Ms. Peterson reminds the reader that painting isn't just for interiors. Paint has as great a bang for the buck outdoors as it does indoors. She gives a wide variety of sample palettes for the "color novice." She also teaches the reader about repurposing indoor decorative items to create an attractive outdoor living space. This is good news for those of us who have limited dollars and/or storage space -- it is much more practical to move indoor lamps, vases, cushions, etc. outside for a party and then take them back indoors to use day to day, than it is to purchase, maintain and also find storage for duplicate items to be used exclusively for outdoor entertaining. I hope other readers will find her ideas helpful, and enjoy the book as much as I have.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kathy Peterson's Great Outdoor Decorating Makeovers, June 14, 2007

By 

Luv2Create (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kathy Peterson's Great Outdoor Decorating Makeovers: Easy, Elegant Transformations On a Limited Budget (Paperback)

This book is an ideal resource for maximizing your outdoor space on a limited budget! It's full of wonderful and affordable outdoor decorating ideas and filled with incredible before and after photos. The author created eye-catching outdoor transformations using accessories, paint, spare furniture and low-cost ideas to turn rather drab outdoor spaces into beautiful and welcoming outdoor spaces--- all under $250. I found the book to be truly inspiring. Three well known national TV celebrities from HGTV and The Discovery Channel give the author and book many accolades. I rank it 5 stars.