Make It Yours!: Customize and Personalize--the Trading Spaces Way! [Paperback]

Brian Kramer (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Trading Spaces | Publication Date: August 19, 2003

Tours more than 20 Trading Spaces locations across the U.S. to inspire readers.

Readers will learn the latest decorating/design techniques showcased on Trading Spaces, while exploring alternative ideas to achieve the custom look they want.

Shows readers how to add personal touches to everyday items.

Unique Trading Spaces Toolbox sidebars will help readers build the attitudes and skills necessary for successfully transforming “blah” into beautiful.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The cast of the popular Discovery Network television series Trading Spaces struts their stuff between the covers of this latest installment of the show's bestselling collection of home-decorating books. Though this volume claims to show readers how to "discover and express" their personal style, the discovery portion of this book is woefully brief. A daffy 17-question "Stylin' Quiz" is all the guidance readers get before the authors rush forward into slapdash presentation of apartment makeovers (whether one prefers "dinner and dancing," "burgers and good friends" or "moonlight and jasmine" on a date, for instance, is supposed to indicate one's preferences in interior decor). The book does contain an impressive number of color photographs and instructions for dozens of do-it-yourself projects, such dressing up pillows and building folding screens (though the directions are rarely step by step). But the book's design and organization feel as wild and kinetic as, well, an over-energized television show. Avid TV watchers may enjoy such flashy quick-cuts; serious would-be decorators will be better off looking elsewhere.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: TLC (August 19, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0696217279
• ISBN-13: 978-0696217272
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,003,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If your a fan, you'll totally "get" this book!, September 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Make It Yours!: Customize and Personalize--the Trading Spaces Way! (Paperback)

I don't think the "official" reviewers for this book "get" the show Trading Spaces at all! In fact, I wonder if they've ever even seen the show?! (They should because it hilarious and totally addictive!)

If you watch the show, you know that it's fast and fun and creative and sometimes a bit overwhelming -- but it's also inspirational. The show (and now the book, too) help me think differently about my own home and its decorating. This book is jam-packed with easy decorating ideas and how-to projects. I guess it does jump around different topcs a lot -- but so do I when I'm decorating!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't get enough!, September 8, 2003

By 

Alix Leonard (LA, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Make It Yours!: Customize and Personalize--the Trading Spaces Way! (Paperback)

I love Trading Spaces, and I can't get enough of the show or the new books showing rooms from the show. This book is filled with one surprising idea after another just like the show. I can't look at a Trading Spaces room without thinking about all the ways I can use those ideas themselves or use them as jumping off points for my own design plans. I am a fan of decorating books in general (occupational hazard because I am a designer), but the Trading Spaces books are unlike any other decorating books on the market. They have a different energy and vitality. They are fresher. I also find that my design clients who watch the show and buy these books seem more open to new design ideas, which makes my job much easier.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Idea-Book, April 22, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Make It Yours!: Customize and Personalize--the Trading Spaces Way! (Paperback)

This is a great book if you're looking for ideas on how to decorate your room. It has plenty of rooms and styles to choose from. I re-did our master bedroom, using a look I saw in here, and it looks fantastic!

"Make It Yours" isn't going to give you tips and techniques on how to do each little thing in the room, but it gives you a good foundation of how to achieve the overall look.