“You Can Do It!”: Nurturing Spaces & Double Duty

Flamboyant TV and radio personality Christopher Lowell serves up six decorating projects here with “before, during, and after” views in this two-part how-to guide. The episode “Nurturing Spaces” focuses on turning bedrooms into spiritual oases for the body and soul, with a beach-themed bedroom, a “Zensational” bedroom in a tiny space, and “an organic retreat for him and her,” while “Double Duty” offers ideas for dual-function rooms, including a family room that converts into a formal dining room, a home office/guest room combination, and one large bedroom divided into four different living areas. “You know me, I like those suffocating fabrics,” Lowell says—and he's not kidding: nearly every room is swathed in acres of dust-catching textiles. In fact, the “Zensational” bedroom is positively stuffed with drapery and bric-a-brac, for Lowell believes that “getting that Zensational look is about what you bring into a space like this—a little bit of stuff from all around the world—sort of, spiritual icons here and there” (I've never been to Japan, but my understanding of Zen minimalist design is quite different from the over-accessorized “after” view seen here). Although Lowell's over-the-top comments and precious delivery are somewhat tiresome, this inexpensive interior decorating title is recommended, overall. [Note: “You Can Do It!”: Savvy Surfaces & Merchandising the Home is also newly available.] Aud: P. (R. Reagan)