On the Bookshelf

A Gift for the Grad With a Nest to Feather

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Thursday, June 5, 2008

In search of gift for a recent college grad? We've got just the thing: "The Nest Home Design Handbook," by Carley Roney, editor of the lifestyle Web site http://TheNest.com (a companion to the popular wedding Web site http://TheKnot.com).

This handy manual (Clarkson Potter, $22.95) combines practical advice with interior eye candy as it cheerfully guides readers along the basics of setting up house and creating a home. The slim volume is packed with tips on decorating, organizing, furniture placement, arranging art and housekeeping, with helpful appendices on hiring outside help, Web resources and DIY guides (painting, stripping and reupholstering). It's a perfect primer for newlyweds, new homeowners or anyone who's looking for design inspiration.

The book is divided into chapters by living spaces and activities (live, eat, sleep, stash), each of which includes a list of easy updates and ideas for every room, such as using a stack of coffee table books to fashion a fun and unexpected side table. Could be a clever way to repurpose old textbooks, too.

Terri Sapienza