House & Home

When it comes to home renovation, there's no substitute for experience. Renovation 5th Edition contains the collective wisdom of hundreds of remodeling contractors, architects, and tradespeople who shared their first-hand experience with Mike Litchfield as he interviewed and photographed them on job sites across North America.

As a founding editor of Fine Homebuilding magazine, the author of 16 acclaimed books, and a home renovator himself, Litchfield was able to record lifetimes of practical, field-tested solutions and trade secrets from the cream of the crop--the remodeling pros that other pros admire.

Both first-time renovators and professionals who want to supplement their knowledge of specific trades will find Renovation 5th Edition invaluable. Renovation 5 reflects the new realities of planning carefully, spending wisely, maximizing space and building durably. Its 656 pages contain extensively revised chapters on planning; doors, windows and skylights; electrical wiring; structural carpentry; masonry and foundations. Its illustrations are crisp and informative and its 1,000+ photos were selected from more than 45,000 that the author has taken over the years.

This classic work covers renovation from start to finish. Best of all, Renovation 5 is written in a down-to-earth conversational style that is clear and easy to understand. Written with a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor, Renovation 5 is not only immensely useful, but great fun to read. 

The extrovert of interior design and the definition of 'more is more', maximalism is an exuberant celebration of pattern, colour and texture that deliberately clash. Its roots lie in 1930s Hollywood Regency style, Rococo and Neoclassicism, as well as Greek, Egyptian and Asian styles.

With a historical overview of the decor, and illustrated with examples of notable interiors and key elements of lighting, furniture, colour palette, texture and textile, the book offers practical advice on how to recreate the look in your own home.

Learn to Live Holistically, Sustainably, and Intentionally

Make healthier life choices to heal yourself and the environment through self-sufficiency. The Happy Holistic Homestead by Roxanne Ahern provides the tools for living slowly, intentionally, and better through permaculture, edible gardening, and organic farming.

Live the Homestead Life. Ahern’s book guides new and seasoned homesteaders in improving personal and environmental health. The Happy Holistic Homestead is geared toward people who are interested in pursuing intentional lifestyles and organic farming methods. It is both for those who have access to land and those who are interested in retrofitting urban and suburban lifestyles and landscapes to shift towards sustainability.

Utilize Sustainable Organic Farming Techniques. Learn about permaculture design, holistic nutrition, and sustainable farming in rural and urban settings. The Happy Holistic Homestead covers how to use organic soil and zero chemicals to grow the best vegetables and fruits, responsible and humane animal husbandry that improves the ground and carbon sequestration, as well as the best canning and preserving techniques. Ahern also provides tips on safely foraging for flowers and mushrooms.

Read The Happy Holistic Homestead and learn:

• Permaculture practices that can be used in rural and urban spaces 
• How to get the most out of your food through holistic nutrition
• The best techniques for canning and preserving your fruits and vegetables
• How to bake sourdough bread and how to create your own sourdough culture

If you enjoyed books such as The Modern Homestead Garden, The Encyclopedia of Country Living, and Beginner's Guide to Preserving, your next read should be The Happy Holistic Homestead.

Living Off-the-Grid in Scotland

Don’t just experience Scottish history. Live it with The Art of Hutting, the essential beginner’s guide to sustainable living off the grid.

Experience Scotland like never before. The Land of the Brave has so much to see and offer, but nothing is more breathtaking than living in its natural beauty. So how does one live away from the cities of Scotland? Inspired by traditional and modern shelter techniques, hutting expert Peter MacQueen shares how to live off the grid in The Art of Hutting. Each chapter answers many your questions about local sustainable living, from the safest bushcraft tools to growing a bountiful garden for every season. That way, you can be prepared to create your forever home and make memories in the untamed heart of Scotland.

Create your own cozy Scottish hideaway. Along with learning the necessary outdoor skills to live off Scotland’s resources, this self-sufficient living book also shares how to create the hut of your dream. Off-grid living has never been cozier than with MacQueen’s hutting tips and tricks, from constructing the perfect eco-design to finding natural building materials. And with visual examples of local huts and cottages to choose from, you can create your next home with all the beauty and wonders the Scottish highlands and lowlands have to offer.

Inside The Art of Hutting, you’ll also find:

• Best locations for hut building
• How to create a wildlife garden made from Scotland’s natural vegetation
• Recommendations for fire-starter tools and firewood storage

If you liked books such as Thrive, Clansland Almanac, or Surviving the Wild, then you’ll love The Art of Hutting.

Boost your resilience and combat the rigours of modern living

For anyone who is suffering from insomnia, Lizzie King has just the cure. After a hideous clock-change week that left her family devoid of rest, she turned to her knowledge as a nutritional health coach and created a ‘sleep tight’ smoothie. Restore is filled with 100 such ingenious recipes for you and your home – from tonics that ease hay fever and balms for anxiety, syrups for avoiding the seasonal lurgies or coping with a sick bug, to fizzing bath bombs, edible face masks, lickable kitchen sprays and more. There’s even a few especially for your dog.

You don’t need chemicals to create an effective remedy or cleaner, nor do you have to be naturally crafty: the recipes are fuss-free, and many of the ingredients are likely to be in your pantry already.

Makers are at the forefront of finding solutions for sustainable living. Crafting something from scratch means you get to carefully choose the materials you use, your method and philosophy for making it, and the way you use the final product.

Maker. Sustainable features 15 step-by-step projects that are created using sustainable materials and upcycling methods. Each make will help readers along their journey to an eco-friendly lifestyle, not only in the repurposing of the old into new and beautiful products, but in the making of practical, useful tools that will actively encourage a more sustainable way of life.

Created by artist and educator Audrey Love, a passionate advocate of upcycling and sustainable design, the projects range from easy as pie to satisfyingly advanced. Audrey's step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and accompanied by beautiful photography sharing styling ideas and essential technical skills. From constructing a portable greenhouse from old picture frames to creating your own drawstring bags for zero-waste, zero-plastic shopping trips, these projects will change both the aesthetic and the philosophy of your life, for the better, for good.

You may think you know a foundation problem when you see one. Cracked or deteriorating walls, uneven floors, and sticking windows and doors are hard to miss. But once you crack open this book by a real foundation repair expert, you will learn about telltale signs that often get missed. Experienced building contractors and ordinary homeowners alike will benefit from author Bob Brown’s plain-language explanation of what causes foundation problems, how they should be investigated, and what solutions apply in different situations.

Get the inside story on what it takes to do a real investigation of foundation problems and come up with the right solution. Learn how contractors who lack knowledge or have conflicts of interest regularly charge homeowners thousands of dollars for “repairs” that are useless or make problems worse. Find out how and why Bob’s Arizona company spent years working with experts to develop a patented solution to remediate a damaging type of problem in which saturated soil heaves up under concrete slab foundations. Find out the questions you need to ask about foundations before a costly repair.

This book clears up common misconceptions about the repair of foundation problems that plague many homes all over the world. An industry insider reveals that product suppliers have trained contractors and their salespeople to perform quick and dirty inspections that can result in misdiagnoses. A real investigation of a foundation problem involves many steps and a thorough understanding of building construction and soil dynamics.

Bob Brown has spent decades working with engineers and scientists to find out how to thoroughly investigate different kinds of foundation problems in all of the unique ways and locations in which homes are built. He shares his proprietary solution for remediating the foundation problems most often given the wrong treatment. Homeowners who read this book will come away understanding more about foundation repair than some people who work in the field.

When it comes to home renovation, there's no substitute for experience.  Renovation 4th Edition contains the collective wisdom of hundreds of contractors, architects and tradespeople who shared their first-hand experience with Mike Litchfield as he interviewed and photographed them on job sites across North America.

As a founding editor of Fine Homebuilding magazine, the author of 12 acclaimed books, and a home renovator himself, Litchfield was able to record lifetimes of practical, field-tested solutions and trade secrets from the cream of the crop—the pros that other pros admire.

Both first-time renovators and professionals who want to supplement their knowledge of specific trades will find Renovation 4th Edition invaluable. R4 reflects the new realities of planning carefully, spending wisely, maximizing space and building durably. Its 614 pages contain extensively revised chapters on planning; doors, windows and skylights; electrical wiring; and energy conservation. Its illustrations are crisp and informative. And its 1000+ photos were selected from more than 40,000 that the author has taken over the years.

This classic work covers renovation from start to finish surfaces. Best of all, R4 is written in a down-to-earth conversational style that is clear and easy to understand. Litchfield has a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor that makes this book not only useful, but great fun to read.

Best-selling author Sheri Koones presents the hottest trend in the housing market. The 25 small houses presented in Downsize are owned by people who have made a conscious decision to downsize from a larger home to a smaller home—or who just decided to build small in the first place. Some of the houses are new (site-built or prefab), others are remodels. All are 2,000 sq. ft. or less. The featured houses show how to use space efficiently through such strategies as:

• creative storage space
• multi-purpose rooms
• pocket and barn doors
• integrating smaller appliances

These exceptional houses show how small can be comfortable, practical, energy efficient—and beautiful.

Smaller is big, says architect and author Katie Hutchison, whose book The New Small House shows those looking to downsize how they can live smartly, economically and environmentally friendly in elegantly designed homes.

With 275 gorgeous photographs and 30 detailed illustrations, The New Small House takes the reader on a tour of North America and spotlights small houses in rural, coastal, and in-town locations. The book presents fundamental small-house design strategies, complete with whole-house case studies for homeowners eager to simplify.

Creating a great small house is illustrated in the opening chapter with 10 approaches, including:

• borrowed view and daylight
• multipurpose spaces
• privacy pockets
• using quality materials

Twenty-five stunning small houses are profiled in the second part of the book, organized by the nature of their locations.

Awaken to Mindful Living Cottagecore Style

“This book presents an easy entry point for readers interested in exploring mindfulness and the cottagecore lifestyle.” –Library Journal review

#1 Best Seller in Small Homes & Cottages, Folkcrafts, Architectural Decoration and Ornaments, Fiber Arts & Textiles, Seasonal Crafts, Architecture, Home Design Decorating & Design

Discover how to infuse the charm of cottagecore into your everyday life with The Cottage Fairy Companion. This book takes you to a simpler, more mindful existence, offering the beauty of slow living, rustic aesthetics, and a deep connection to nature.

Romanticize our life. With The Cottage Fairy Companion as your guide, immerse yourself in the enchantment of everyday magic. Reimagine life through a cottagecore lens, whether you're a city-dweller or countryside resident, helping you build an intimate connection with nature and experience the joys of slow living.

Embrace mindful restoration. Follow the inspiring journey of author Paola Merrill and unearth the profound wisdom that nature offers for personal growth and fulfillment. This guide illustrates how the practices of rustic living and mindful awareness can become the cornerstone of your daily life, transforming your world into a serene haven of simple, balanced living.

Inside you'll discover:

• Practical strategies to integrate cottagecore aesthetics into your daily life, regardless of your dwelling
• An engaging narrative of Paola Merrill's transition from city bustle to countryside tranquility
• Mindfulness techniques rooted in the wisdom of nature
• Inspiration to embrace the magic in the everyday

If you liked books like Escape Into Cottagecore, Cozy White Cottage, Simply Living Well, or The Little Book of Cottagecore, you’ll love The Cottage Fairy Companion.

A cramped kitchen. A bedroom that lacks elbow room. A living room that's no fun living in. It's the age-old dilemma of owning an old house...you want to add space by making an addition but don't want to damage your home's integrity. Now The Taunton Press and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have joined forces to bring you outstanding design solutions.

Renowned architect Frank Shirley will share dozens of proven ideas for expanding the space and comfort of your charming colonial, cozy cape, vintage Victorian, any classic home...all while preserving the look and feel you first fell in love with!

Teach an old house new tricks!

• 300 stunning photos of additions that work
• Reassuring answers to all your concerns about adding new space to your beloved old home:
  • A house in harmony - living in an old house and loving it
  • Preserving the all-important balance of your home
  • Creating "public" and "private" spaces
  • Making the painless transition from old to new
  • Crafting with materials that express your home's style
• Inspiring case studies - A Home on the Hudson, A Bay Area Beauty, A Victorian with Humility, Reviving a Retreat and more
• Pure pleasure to read...as a fellow old house owner and aficionado, Frank Shirley writes with warmth and insight
• A gorgeous book, the perfect gift for anyone who owns and loves his or her old house
• An unparalleled resource whether you're in the dreaming, planning or doing stage!

"Like you, I prefer old houses. For decades, I've helped home owners make their old houses more livable. With this book, you will discover a wealth of ideas and design strategies for additions that not only preserve but enhance the beauty that originally drew you to your classic home."

The Family Cabin: Inspiration for Camps, Cottages, and Cabins by Dale Mulfinger celebrates the cherished tradition of cabin retreats in American family life.

Exploring the profound role cabins play in family bonding and as repositories of nostalgia, this book captures the essence of these rustic getaways. With 37 beautifully showcased cabins from across North America, Mulfinger provides inspiration for anyone longing for a serene retreat.

Discover the magic of cabin life and the lasting bonds it creates with The Family Cabin, a perfect resource for anyone yearning for a peaceful escape and a connection to nature.

Key Features:

• Rich Visuals: Featuring 300 lush, full-color photographs and 78 illustrations, this book beautifully captures the aesthetics of cabin design and the unique charm of various settings.

• Emphasis on Family History: Mulfinger highlights how cabins serve as a backdrop for family stories and memories, fostering connections across generations.

• Diverse Locations: From mountain hideaways to lakeside escapes, the cabins featured in this collection demonstrate the enduring appeal of cabin life in the 21st century.

• Inspiration for All: Whether you're considering building your own cabin or simply dreaming of a getaway, this book offers ideas and insights to ignite your imagination.

• Timeless Ideals: The book reflects the rugged individualism and self-reliance that cabins symbolize, making it a tribute to the American spirit.

Would you like to make your outdoor living spaces a beautiful, functional extension of your home?

Home Outside will give you all the big picture design concepts you need to create an outdoor paradise -- and all the step-by-step details to bring your vision to life.

Acclaimed landscape designer and award-winning author Julie Moir Messervy takes you through seven key concepts that can help you transform your landscape -- and your lifestyle.

• Pleasure Ground
• Lay of the Land
• Big Moves
• Finding Your Comfort Zone
• Making It Flow
• Placing the Pieces
• Sensory Pleasures

For every part of your property, the author helps you see it through the eyes of a designer -- explaining concepts in simple, understandable language and providing great tips for pulling it all together.

You'll learn how to create a front yard that's warm and inviting to friends and neighbors. A backyard that's friendly, functional and relaxing for any kind of entertaining.

And for those quiet moments you may need from time to time, you'll learn how to create peaceful spaces that feel like your own private sanctuary.

With all the insights of Julie Messervy, 358 photos and 72 drawings, Home Outside delivers everything you need to make the great outdoors an important part of your home.

Mention hardwood floors and watch a homebuyer's eyes light up. What makes wood floors so desirable? Hardwood floors are unmatched for their beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance, so it's no surprise that the demand for hardwood has always been strong. In recent years that demand has been fueled by the availability of more types of wood, including exotic species such as Brazilian cherry, as well as engineered woods.

This professional-level resource, Wood Flooring, covers every aspect of installing residential wood flooring— from estimating and preparing the job site, through sanding and finishing, to repairs and maintenance. Hardwood floor expert Charles Peterson covers it all in this indispensable guide to the most popular flooring choice around.

Back to the Cabin: More Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway by Dale Mulfinger is a captivating guide for anyone longing for a simpler, more meaningful retreat.

Mulfinger offers fresh insights on designing contemporary cabins that embrace the timeless charm of the classic American getaway. From cozy bungalows to innovative cabin kits, this book showcases 37 unique cabins that inspire a return to a life close to nature, where simplicity reigns and everyday distractions fade away.

Reconnect with nature and rediscover the joys of cabin living with Back to the Cabin, a must-have for anyone looking to escape the modern world and embrace the enduring appeal of the classic American cabin.

Key Features:

• Modern Cabins with Timeless Charm: Discover 37 diverse cabin designs that blend rustic simplicity with modern comforts, offering a perfect escape from today's fast-paced life.

• Cabins for Every Taste: From log cabins and bungalows to eco-friendly designs and prefab kits, this collection features cabins that cater to a wide range of styles and preferences.

• Inspiring Design Ideas: Explore fresh strategies and insights for creating your own idyllic retreat, whether you’re building new or renovating an existing cabin.

• Celebration of Simple Living: Each cabin reflects a return to basics, where communal spaces foster connection and nature takes center stage.

• Sustainable and Unique Materials: Learn about cabins built from recycled materials, as well as creative construction approaches that blend old-world charm with contemporary sensibilities.

• Perfect for All Cabin Lovers: Whether you're planning your own cabin or just love the idea of a rustic getaway, this book provides endless inspiration for creating your perfect retreat.

A change is taking place all across the country and especially on the West Coast, a shift led by the younger generations. People who in years past might have headed for the suburbs are instead moving to the city or choosing not to leave. Many will live in apartments or condos. But in cities that have neighborhoods of detached dwellings (and most cities still do), people are buying, building, and fixing up little houses.

• Many people who already live in a little city house are staying put, remodeling perhaps, but not trading up or moving out.
• Others are building a little house in their backyard to serve as quarters for guests or extended family, or as a rental home for single people, couples, or small households, or even as an Airbnb for overnight visitors.
• A few intrepid souls are finding clever ways to fit a little house into novel spots in the city—building one on the rooftop of a warehouse, or repurposing an industrial structure, or transforming a two-car garage into a home.

The 35 houses featured range in size from 500 sq. ft. to 1,600 sq. ft. and include infill houses, remodels, and backyard dwellings from all across North America.

In Prefabulous Small Houses, best-selling author Sheri Koones showcases 32 stunning prefabricated homes from across North America, highlighting a new era of construction that combines style, efficiency, and sustainability.

Prefab home construction has finally come into its own, and this book allows you to explore its potential. Not just a collection of homes, an invitation to reimagine living spaces in a way that aligns with our evolving needs and values.

Key Features:

• Stunning Visuals: This captivating book is filled with 250 beautiful photographs and detailed floor plans, showcasing the amazing variety of styles available in today’s prefab housing market. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a prospective homeowner, these homes will inspire your vision of modern living.

• Small is the New Big: As Millennials search for their first homes and Boomers look to downsize, small houses are gaining popularity for their practicality. Ranging from 325 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft., these homes are not only cost-effective to build but also less expensive to heat and maintain, making them an ideal choice for various lifestyles.

• Eco-Friendly Living: Each home featured in Prefabulous Small Houses emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainability. The homes utilize local materials when possible, recycle metals and wood, and are designed to minimize their environmental impact while preserving the natural landscape.

• Addressing Climate Change: With a foreword by actor and environmentalist Robert Redford, the book underscores the urgent need for innovative housing solutions in the fight against climate change. Prefabricated small homes represent a viable path toward more sustainable living, addressing the challenges of modern society.

• Innovative Construction Methods: Discover construction techniques that are adaptable to any climate, offering homeowners the flexibility to create their dream homes while supporting environmental stewardship.

Foundations of Woodworking is a comprehensive guide that takes you through the core techniques of joinery and construction, providing the skills necessary to craft furniture and treasured wood objects with confidence and precision.

Whether you’re just starting your woodworking journey or looking to refine your skills, Foundations of Woodworking equips you with the knowledge and inspiration to tackle any woodworking project with confidence.

Key Features:

• Master Essential Techniques: Starting with an introductory chapter that covers fundamental woodworking strategies applicable to any project, Pekovich guides you through a step-by-step exploration of essential wood joints. From rabbets and dadoes to mortise and tenons, dovetails, and miters, you'll learn how to create strong, beautiful joints using both hand and power tools.

• Hands-On Projects: Foundations of Woodworking concludes with a selection of inspiring projects designed to challenge and enhance your skills. Build stunning pieces such as a wall cabinet, chimney cupboard, arched entry table, desk divider, and dining chair, ensuring you apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting.

• Expert Guidance: Michael Pekovich, known for his bestselling book The Why and How of Woodworking, continues to inspire woodworkers worldwide with clear instructions, expert tips, and a wealth of experience. His approachable style makes complex techniques accessible to beginners while still offering insights for seasoned woodworkers.

• Visual Learning: Featuring detailed illustrations and photographs, this guide provides visual clarity that complements the written instructions, making it easier to grasp intricate techniques and design principles.

Your essential resource for mastering the art of furniture making

This comprehensive guide empowers you with a working knowledge of woodworking materials, improved control over your work and tools, and an understanding of fundamental design principles, enabling you to create beautiful, functional furniture. With detailed explanations of various techniques, you'll learn how to select the best methods for your projects.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this guide provides the tools and knowledge needed to craft stunning furniture pieces that will last for generations.

Key Features:

• Component Breakdown: Understand the construction process by learning about each furniture component in detail.

• Techniques and Tips: Discover a variety of woodworking techniques and expert advice to elevate your skills and projects.

• Material Knowledge: Gain insights into different woodworking materials and their applications for informed decision-making.

• Design Principles: Learn essential design principles that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your furniture creations.

• Illustrated Guidance: Benefit from clear illustrations that complement the text, making complex concepts easy to grasp.

Your Ultimate Guide To Modern Home Design

Welcome to the world of Home Design Recipes – your ultimate guide to modern home design rooms with ease. Just as baking the perfect cake requires sourcing the finest ingredients and following a tried-and-true recipe, designing a stunning space demands the right "ingredients" and a step-by-step plan.

Simple home improvement. In this innovative design "cookbook," we demystify the process of interior design, providing you with easy-to-follow recipes for crafting modern, stylish homes. Gone are the days of merely admiring beautiful pictures without understanding how to replicate the look. With Home Design Recipes, you'll be empowered to transform your house design from ordinary to extraordinary.

Endless design ideas. Each recipe in this book is meticulously crafted to guide you through the modern home design process, from A to Z. Cathy Hobbs covers essential topics, popular hacks, and trade secrets, offering practical advice and top tips for every step of the journey. Whether you're a seasoned design enthusiast or a DIY newcomer, you'll find inspiration and guidance to elevate your house design.

Inside this book, you’ll find:

• A go-to resource for all things modern home design
• A house decorating book that equips you with the knowledge and confidence to create your dream home
• The courage and confidence to unleash your creativity and design a home that reflects your unique style

If you liked The Art of Home, Call It Home, or The New Design Rules, you’ll love Home Design Recipes.

Defined by whitewashed wood, wicker, rattan and comfy furniture and furnishings, this relaxed, easy-going decorating style has been embraced everywhere from the Hamptons to Bournemouth.

With a historical overview of the decor, and illustrated with examples of notable homes and key elements of lighting, furniture, color palette, texture and textile, Coastal offers practical advice on how to recreate the look in your own home.

In Home by Design, Sarah Susanka presents the 30 key design concepts that can be applied to any home - no matter what the style or size. Using 28 of the best designed homes from around the country, Susanka brings these concepts to life with 150 powerful and inspirational examples: from something as simple as placing a rug under a table to renovating a whole second floor. Home by Design shows homeowners a new way to look at their spaces and provides ideas for how to make each home reach its full potential.

The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House by John Carroll is the definitive course in residential construction. This comprehensive guide combines detailed illustrations with expert instruction, making it an essential reference for builders, carpenters, and homeowners alike.

Covering every aspect of house building from foundation to finishing touches, this book is designed to eliminate guesswork and avoid costly mistakes.

With The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House in hand, you’ll be fully equipped with reliable information and clear visuals, empowering you to take on the challenges of residential construction confidently.

Key Features:

• Thorough Coverage: Learn every step of the building process, including foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, roofing, and finishing touches.

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the combined expertise of builder-author John Carroll and illustrator Chuck Lockhart, who together bring over 65 years of experience in the building trades.

• Detailed Illustrations: Over 1,200 full-color drawings clearly depict each process, providing visual aids that enhance understanding and execution.

• Step-by-Step Instructions: Each section includes expert step-by-step guidance, ensuring that you know exactly what needs to be done at every critical stage of construction.

• User-Friendly Format: This easy-to-navigate guide allows you to quickly find the information you need, making your building project more manageable.