MIGH-TY FINE!

A cast member of Trading Spaces, TLC's popular (and much-copied) room-makeover show, this model/actor turned home-repair heartthrob is gorgeous.

But that's not what makes Pennington so appealing. Fact is, he's just a goofball. That was evident when I caught up with him by phone to talk about his book, Ty's Tricks. He didn't sound like a stressed-out superstar about to appear on Oprah, but rather like a big kid who couldn't believe his luck. That's what makes him, and this show, so appealing, especially to queers. Not only do we get to watch a show about style (and what's gayer than that?), but it's hard not to grin when you watch this guy go about his business--he's just that darn cute.

QW: You sound like you're 14.

Ty Pennington: I know, dude. "Welcome to Romper Room. Ty here! Your 14-year-old guide to the world of tool time."

Why did you write this book?

Everybody and their mother asked me to do it, and I wanted to show I was more than the "hunky carpenter on the show who builds boxes 6 by 6 by 6."

What's it about?

It's home repair with a sense of humor. It shows you how to do cool things for not a lot of cash.

Like what?

If you check out my website--tythehandyguy.com--you'll see a bed I designed called the BedBug. I'm not stealing from other people. I come up with a lot of things out of my own head.

Define your style.

I call it modern primitive, which is an oxymoron. Which is very much like what I am.

You're a modern primitive?

Well, maybe more of a moron. I like furniture with a modern edge built in a strong, primitive way.

What is important to know before starting any project?

That you can finish it. There are people that start something and don't finish it. They end up with half-finished rooms.

Do you have half-finished rooms?

No, but I have a lot going on at once. I write music in one room and paint in another. I finish them all. I can't stand loose ends.

Music? So are you the Justin Timberlake of home repair?

Yeah, I was going to start a boy band called Inept: Four Guys with No Talent Whatsoever. But I really do have a band. It's called Thick & Vainy. I also have a solo project called Barney. I write songs about David Hasselhoff.

Have you ever hurt yourself on Trading Spaces?

I haven't yet. Knock on wood. I have nailed a finish nail to my finger--my middle finger--but they edited it out. I'm very superstitious. So let's move on.

What's your favorite power tool?

You can't beat a good compound miter saw, but I think the most underrated tool is the clamp.

Does it bother you people might think you are gay?

I'm as straight as you can get, so it doesn't bother me at all. But it's an interior-decorating show and it doesn't get any gayer than that. Shit, just the thought of me being gay is funny. Who cares, as long as people watch.

Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651. 7:30 pm Thursday, Nov. 13.