Orlando Sentinel

Book Report

10/2/2004

Tasteful beige walls. Classic furniture. Carefully appointed accessories.

Where's the fun in that? There are Pez dispensers and snow-globe collections just waiting to be discovered.

Decorating With Funky Shui by Jennifer O'Neil and Kitty O'Neil (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $14.95, paperback) is a look at the lighter side of decorating with a takeoff on feng shui.

Funky Shui is more knicknacks and kitsch than clean lines and harmonious décor, but it isn't about chaos either. The key is sticking to a theme, whether it's a neat collection of colorful candy dispensers lined up on a shelf or an eclectic grouping of fire-engine-red objects gathered on a nearby table.

The authors also find fun uses for everyday objects and collectibles. In the office, a martini glass becomes a classy paperclip holder while a recycled Spam can holds pens and pencils. Retro postcards or children's art creations can double as inexpensive wall art.

It may be too off the wall for some tastes, but for incurable collectors looking for a way to display favorite finds, Funky Shui is a fun alternative.

© 2004 Orlando Sentinel. All Rights Reserved.