[.ca] The Kidspace Idea Book (ISBN 1561583529)

The Kidspace Idea Book:
This book is loaded with great ideas that enable parents to utilize every inch of space in their homes. A child's room is a multi-use dwelling used for sleeping, playing, reading, studying and sometimes meals. This book understands this and provides the readers with great ideas and how to for the child's room, attic, space under stairs and even outdoors. I found the ideas practical, safe and pleasing to the eye.The writing was crisp and visual. A great primer for the family with the older home or newly constructed. I have given this book as a gift to pediatricians,friends and family. ENJOY

Inspiration, yes -"how to change your space in a day", no:
This book's title is just what it offers inside ---lots of ideas to create spaces kids will love. However, I was expecting to find ideas I could implement right away - like making our mudroom more functional for kids, etc... but the book isn't really geared towards that. If you are building a new home or would consider renovating one, you'll find tons of ideas (and beautiful color photos, not sketches) for everything from attic spaces, bathrooms, hideaways, playrooms, special activity rooms, homework centers, family rooms, kitchens, outdoor playspaces and more. Also, since most rooms/lofts/furniture appeared to be custom built, there's very little info on where to buy or how to make them. Bottom line - you'll find wonderful ideas and inspiration - but not detailed plans. This isn't an easy "rearrange-the-room-in-a-day-to-make-your-home-more-kid-friendly" project book, nor is it one you can follow if you're on a tight budget. But it's a "must-have" for renovations and custom built homes.

Ideas to spark imagination:
This book is geared more towards people building a new, custom house or remodeling, which is not what I expected. I was looking for decorating ideas without tearing down walls. In addition, it gives you a glimpse of the room and leaves the rest up to the imagination. The book assumes you're working with an architect and interior decorator and they'll take care of the details. It is packed with amazing kids room and has sparked ideas of my own for my decorating his playroom.

Great book, IF you plan to refinance your mortgage!:
This book is packed with wonderful ideas for kid-friendly rooms, and includes lots of large, colorful photographs. "Idea Book" is an appropriate title - no instructions are given. However, unless you are a professional builder or architect, or are willing to refinance your mortgage to pay for a professional, most of these ideas will remain ideas. Some of the painting ideas and color schemes could be useful for someone who is on a budget and is looking for a change.

What a Great Idea!!:
Finally someone has come up with a home design and improvement book that is practical and helpful for modern families with kids. It offers great tips and instructions on how to convert your living space (kitchen, bedroom,etc...) into a space that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. The pictures and layout make it so easy to read and actually use for some real home improvement for the whole family.