I LOVE HGTV, otherwise known as Home and Garden Television. Even before I was old enough to decorate or have a place of my own, I loved to watch all shows on home buying and decorating. Now that I am in the processes of becoming a home owner, I am really into all those design shows! But, you don’t need cable (or to be a home owner) to get some of the wonderful decorating advice on those shows. The library, as I have recently come to discover, has TONS of wonderful design and styling books to transform your home or apartment.

If you are like me, I go for the books offering budget friendly advice on updating or decorating your home. Try:

Kitchen decorating ideas under $100 by Rebecca Jerdee
Design on a dime edited by Amy Tincher-Durik
Trading spaces: $100 to $1,000 makeovers
Shoestring chic: extraordinary style for less by Gail Abbott

Even if you are on a budget, books with stunning (but expensive) design ideas can offer inspiration for colors, designs, and styles as well. Also, don’t forget to check out some of our magazines either. My favorite is Country Living. We also have Better Homes and Garden, Elle Décor, House & Garden, House Beautiful and many more. (See the Reference Desk for a list of Periodicals, or, browse the shelves in the Stearns Room and Music, Art, and Media Department.)

To see what we have on decorating, do a subject keyword search for interior decoration. Leave a comment letting us know what style you like or any decorating projects you have done recently.