Fort Worth Star Telegram

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Sat, Jul. 24, 2004

BOOK SHELF

Get down with design

By Meda Kessler

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

I've never really bought into the idea of feng shui, the art of arranging objects to promote harmony.

I soon came to realize my stacks of magazines and newspapers were never, ever going to create a Zen-like atmosphere no matter how I arranged them.

Funky Shui offers a lighthearted approach to the art of arranging stuff. The authors show us how to put fun and imagination back in our home. Note to readers: If you're seriously into a style, be it mission, renaissance or rococo, this book might not be for you. This book is for those trying to figure out what to do with their tiki mugs, a cue-ball collection and boxes of postcards.

There are plenty of rules of fun:

• "Throw away millennium fruitcake, as ancient food buildup clogs your freezer's good energy."

• "Take care to remove books from sight in the bedroom that could contradict positive love flow. Books with titles like Women Who Love the Wrong Men should be placed in the bottom drawer of your dresser with your 'back massager.' "

• "When you work at home, every day is take your pet to work day."

Funky Shui covers all parts of the home, from living room to the yard. And despite its whimsical tone, there's actually a lot of usual information for people who love their junque.

Decorating With Funky Shui

by Jennifer O'Neil and Kitty O'Neil

Andrews McMeel Publishing, $14.95

http://www.dfw.com