Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.
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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.

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.

This book was probably well received when it was published. It now seems outdated.