EIGHT for the couch

ONE-YARD WONDERS: LOOK HOW MUCH YOU CAN MAKE WITH JUST ONE YARD OF FABRIC! *

Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, Storey, $19.95

Who it's for: Crafters who can follow directions.

The essence: Twin Cities authors offer more than 100 chic projects for your home, apparel, toys and pets.

Best bit: Love the obi-inspired hot and cold pack.

Then again: You'll need to be able to sew for most projects.

The verdict: Hip text with clear instructions, fun projects, patterns included make this a winner.

ECO HOUSE BOOK

Terence Conran, Octopus Books, $45

Who it's for: Anyone.

The essence: Fifth in a series of "House" books by Conran; primer on dwelling green.

Best bit: Serious look at strategies for heating, insulating, waste reduction, choosing appliances, etc.

Then again: Nothing not to like.

The verdict: A good place to start before designing or remodeling.

NELL HILL'S O CHRISTMAS TREE

Mary Carol Garrity, Andrews McMeel Publishing, $29.99

Who it's for: Devotees of Garrity's traditional, ultra-gilded look.

The essence: Photos of the homes of her upper-crust friends decked out for the holidays.

Best bit: Good ideas for using botanicals in wreaths, centerpieces, on mantels.

Then again: Did we really need to know that one of her pals serves dinner to her dogs on a special willoware platter?

The verdict: Pretty to look at, exhausting to think of the work it takes to decorate like this.

THE VINTAGE HOME: CLEVER FINDS AND FADED TREASURES FOR TODAY'S CHIC LIVING

Judith Wilson, Jacqui Small Publishing, $19.95

Who it's for: Fans of a 20th century look.

The essence: Easy, economical way to decorate.

Best bit: Good advice on getting the look of a certain decade.

Then again: Could use a few more pointers on avoiding the curbside recycling flavor.

The verdict: Worth a read if this is a style you like.

THE WELL-DRESSED HOME: FASHIONABLE DEISIGN INSPIRED BY YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

Annette Tatum, Clarkson Potter, $35 Who it's for: Fashionistas who want their décor to reflect their wardrobes.

The essence: How to live like what you wear.

Best bit: Give your home the equivalent of daywear and dress-up clothes.

Then again: The metaphor can wear on you.

The verdict: Steep price, but yummy photos of clothes, shoes and interiors provide a visual feast.

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE: THE BEST OF ELLE DECOR

Margaret Russell and the editors of Elle Decor, Filipacchi, $45

Who it's for: Fans of this mag's mix of bohemian elegance.

The essence: Repackaged photos from two decades of publication.

Best bit: Fabulous bed and bath pictures.

Then again: Dedicated readers have seen it all before.

The verdict: Delicious eye candy for an idle afternoon.

SPEED DECORATING: A PRO STAGER'S TIPS AND TRADE SECRETS FOR A FABULOUS HOME IN A WEEK OR LESS

Jill Vegas, Taunton Press, $21.95

Who it's for: People who want their home to "work" better.

The essence: Seven key design principles to improve your space.

Best bit: Ample sidebars offer concrete advice for achievable goals.

Then again: No "buts."

The verdict: Vegas, a native of Hermantown, Minn., has penned a gem.

TOSSED & FOUND: UNCONVENTIONAL DESIGN FROM CASTOFFS

Linda and John Meyers, Stewart Tabori & Chang, $27.50

Who it's for: Experienced DIYers with an artistic bent.

The essence: Repurposing junk into useful yet arty décor.

Best bits: "Eiffel" mantel, glass-top end table made from a basketball hoop.

Then again: "Chaise-burger" made of satin is great art, but ultimately unsittable.

The verdict: Must have a whimsical side to appreciate.