Affordable Chic Home Decor Ideas for a Cozy & Relaxed Living Space - Perfect for Apartments, Living Rooms & Bedrooms

This book was written back in 2003 yet the advice, examples, and vibe are just as timely and energizing today. Anyone looking for encouragement to create their own stylish, sustainable home would enjoy the photos and discussion found between these paperback covers. The tone of the book is very upbeat and encouraging and the photos still look fresh.Cheap Chic delivers especially well on two fronts: variety and attainability.In terms of variety, Emily Chalmers draws on a variety of thrifted and gathered styles ranging from floral country to vibrant ethnic to sturdy industrial. Rather than look discordant, she manages to weave looks together by including natural elements in the industrial looks and modern elements in the country looks. The end result is a great template for using what you already have and mixing styles to reflect your own personality. The photos also include a range of sparser and fuller decor, so there’s something suitable for a range of tastes.As far as attainability is concerned, the author does an admirable job highlighting what can be done /without/ an army of contractors. Apart from painting walls (or not), she focuses on finding (inexpensively) the things you love, repurposing things you might already have, and displaying them in a way that pleases you. In addition to suggesting likely spots to purchase home goods, she’s enthusiastic about treasures gathered from the side of the road. Closed-loop recycling, anyone? She was ahead of her time!