Some of the ideas were really good, especially for the bigger projects. The photographs were beautiful, which is always very important for an idea book! I also appreciated that most of the projects were from the authors' actual homes, and that although their styles are similar in many ways (which lent continuity to the book), they are different enough to allow for some refreshing variety in their personal decor.

I wish the instructions had been a bit more in-depth and specific. I did get sick of the "Mug/Pillow/Flowerpot/Vase/Whatever 9 ways", as the 9 ways were the same for each item (paint a design, paint a quote, glue fabric to it, etc.) and they tended to be really tacky. It definitely felt like filler to me. ( )

What a fun book! I love how they bring you into their actual homes and show you how they live and create. Part retro, part upcycle, part arts & crafts = pretty awesome decorating. I really liked how they would show you a piece, i.e. a terra cotta pot, and give you 9 different ways to decorate it. Very creative and fun. ( )

“A Beautiful Mess” is the name of the blog produced by sisters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman. It’s all about decorating, crafting, cooking and entertaining. It’s Martha Stewart for the hipster aesthetic, basically. It’s always interesting; the blend of retro and future, unfussy and individualized, with a side of cocktails. (Drink carts & cocktail equipment figure in the book) The book is divided in spaces- kitchens, outdoors, bedrooms, etc- with several projects for each space, united in style by the use of bold color and graphics. Because the projects are simple and easy to do, instructions are minimal. ( )

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