Carter Oosterhouse, a popular home design host on HGTV, will be in Charlotte next week to build a neighborhood playground with his nonprofit, Carter’s Kids. The timing coincides with the release of his first book, “Carter’s Way,” and he’ll be signing copies from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 at Books-A-Million, 330 S. Sharon Amity Road. Hilary Trenda

Q. As popular as home design and DIY projects have become, what makes your book stand out from others?

It’s sort of a no-nonsense book. There’s so much in design that’s left up to interpretation and that’s where it gets foggy for a lot of people. I’m trying to shift that fogginess out of the way and give the basics, the simplest ideas. I started (my career) building homes … I adapted into this design space and now I’m (sharing) those practices I’ve learned.

Q. What are some basic rules for people trying to figure out what their decorating style is?

I’ve got a three-part rule when approaching any design standpoint. One is customized style: Know your likes, dislikes, what colors you enjoy. Two is common sense practicality: what you can afford, how much you need, how much space you have. Three is realistic environmentalism: I always preach that people, in any way they can, should try to look out for the environment.

Q. Are there common mistakes you see that can be avoided?

Know what you’re capable of doing and not doing. The easy thing is to put the paint on the wall. The hard thing is to rewire the electrical system in your home. Know what kind of time you have. Survey the scene, your home, the blank palate and yourself. Before you get into something that takes 52 trips to the hardware store, ask whether it’d be less expensive to get someone out there to do it for you.

Q. Do people have misconceptions about doing their own design projects?

People think they need a lot of money, they have to be super creative, they have to have DIY (experience). The reality is they don’t have to have any of those things. It’s more or less about empowerment, whether it’s men or women.

Q. What are some design trends you’re excited about and what classics never die?

I feel like people are trying to get out of stainless steel appliances and trying to shift to alternative looks, materials and colors. More people are using wallpaper again and it’s great; I love using it. It can be a great transformation in someone’s home; there are fantastic designs and looks. And what won’t go out of style? Hardwood floors. I don’t think those are going to go anywhere any time soon.