2 comments about Planning Your Addition.

1. We are planning an adition and I have purchased several books on home remodeling/planning. Although this one is only 186 pages, it is well written with many great sketches and photos. I use it much more that all of the other books I purchased.



2. My husband and I really enjoyed this book and really felt it helpful!

5 comments about The Arts & Crafts Cabin.

1. Being familiar with some of Robbin Obomsawin's other books, I bought this book expecting detailed house plans and handcrafted log architecture. After all, it's called "The Arts and Crafts ***Cabin***," right? And the picture on the front of that beautiful stained-glass door shows logs, doesn't it?
   
   Well, this book is beautiful. You'll drool over the pictures. but a planbook it's not. And a log-building book it's not. And none of the residences here would qualify as a "cabin," most are opulent estates. There's nary a plan in the entire book. And almost none of the houses shown are built with logs as a primary element. Most are timberframes; many pictures show no log elements at all!
   
   If you want to learn a bit about Arts and Crafts architecture or decorating, you may find some ideas here. But if you are designing a floorplan for a handcrafted log home and want it to have an Arts and Crafts feel, unfortunately, this isn't the right book.



2. This is an incredible book! This book reminded me of my trip to the Canadian Rockies - but not because of the architecture. There, every time I drove around a curve, the scenery was more beautiful than before. The same is true about this book. Every time I turned the page, the photos were more inspiring. And it wasn't just the photos. The book itself captured the spirit of the Arts & Crafts style. The quality of the photos, the layout of the pages, the selection of fonts, even the binding of the book showed craftsman-level attention to detail.
   
   The book begins with the history and concepts of the Arts & Crafts movement and then shows and discusses new interpretations of the philosophy. The next section discusses ideas for incorporating key elements of the style such as sheltered porches, built-ins, and much more.
   
   Note that this book does differ from some of Robbin Obomsawin's other books. Most notably, she does not fully explore a single house in each chapter. You will not find floor plans of the houses discussed - something I missed but that didn't fit this layout. Also, remember this book is titled The Arts & Crafts CABIN. That does not necessarily mean log cabin. There are several examples of log homes but with a stronger focus on log-element homes with more of a timber-frame feel. But many of the ideas can work in a pure log home - at least we hope to incorporate many of them in our log home.



3. Great photos and alot of great info ; I don't want to blow my own horn , but, toot, toot!!!!
   I have two of my stained glass creations in this publication. I was very surprized my work was included in this great book. Thanks to all involved .
   David Fjeld . Big Sky Stained Glass Art Inc.



4. I purchased The Arts & Crafts Cabin for my wife for Christmas, as we are building a new home this year. The book is chock-full of beautiful photographs by Roger Wade, who is the preeminent "log cabin" photographer, whose work graces most of the timber-frame and log-cabin oriented publications. The text is well-written but not particularly memorable. You buy this book because it looks lovely, and it is a favorite flipper on our coffee-table this summer.
   
   There are a great many more interior images than exterior elevations -- a minor disappointment because we were at least as interested in gleening good ideas for exterior design. This book has many more yellow stickies marking pages than any other in our collection, so that tells you something.



5. Beautiful pictures of a variety of houses that offer ideas for decorating for log cabins. It helps to allow thinking outside of the box. It shows that the feel of a log cabin does not just have to be the typical rustic decor.

5 comments about Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings (Tuttle Classics).

1. I purchased this book simply to get a quick overview of Japanese domestic architecture. The price is always right with Dover books so I just ordered it without any research. What a pleasant surprise to find myself reading a definitive work on the subject a few days later. The text is thoughtfully written and the illustrations skillfully done. As with any well written and illustrated book, color pictures are not overly missed. As a result of this book I find myself much more interested in Japanese architecture than I ever intended to be and heartily recommend it to anyone with an interest in home or interior design.



2. I picked up the Dover paperback edition at a library book sale and was charmed by the author's detailed drawings as much as the description of domestic life in 19th century Japan. Morse originally published this in 1885, barely 30 years after Perry's expedition, and traveled around Japan documenting as many houses and styles as possible (including those of the Aino culture). There are no photographs, but the intricate line drawings and intimate descriptions of functional households -- kitchens and cooking utensils, washing areas, sleeping quarters -- are minutely detailed and thoroughly described in the text. Not just a book for those interested in architecture but history as well.



3. "Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings" is a great book. If you've any interest in traditional Japanese architecture, get this book. Edward Morse was an American who went to Japan in 1877 to study brachiopods. He ended up recording a vanishing way of life instead. He tells you how Japanese homes were built and why they were built that way. Not much escapes his eye. In serviceable prose and clear drawings, he tells us about carpenters and their tools, houses, furnishings, privies, fences and gateways, water supplies and gardens. Most of it he compares favorably to American and European counterparts.
   
   Best of all, it's a Dover book and cheap.



4. I bought this book about 3 years ago from Amazon. So you'd think that it would be old hat by now. Yet I find myself picking it up at least once every few months to either refer to it for a construction detail or just to look for something new. What a wonderful resource for traditional Japanese design this book is.
   
   Trained as a Zoologist, Morse put his scientific powers of observation and systematic description to work during the 1880's in producing the sketches and text that describes a world of everyday Japanese design right before it was swamped with Western influence and largely disappeared. There are plenty of books that can show you pictures of ancient Japanese temples and teahouses, but what about the method of constructing the roof of an ordinary 19th century Tokyo home? This was stuff that few people thought was worth recording for posterity. Which is why Morse's book is so unique and valuable to us.
   
   Anyone with more than a passing interest in the way that things are built or designed would do well to put this book on their shelf. Interior decorators, architects, DIY types (such as myself), finish carpenters, contractors and furniture makers should all have a tattered, dog-eared copy of 'Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings' within easy reach. It is a constant source of inspiration.



5. Several years ago I bought a reprint of Dr. Morse book and it has become not only a treasured Clasic but a Bible of information. Although there are no pictures, none are needed with Dr. Morse drawings and detail descriptions.
   E L Smith

5 comments about Great Houses on a Budget.

1. I liked this book alot and refer to it often for innovative modern design in designing my own home.



2. As with everything else from this author, it is just a collection of pretty pictures, with absolutely no detail on materials and construction techniques. There is a reason his books are so cheap.



3. Look, this book is a picture book... but so are all James Grayson Trulove books. If you are not familiar with his books then you are missing out. His books are not case studies with pages of boring text. He does not teach in his books, but rather inspire. You know when you have a favorite actor and no matter what they are in you go see it... that is the type of author that Trulove is. He is constantly producing new books with great houses that can give you great new ideas. If you're expecting alot more than great pictures of great houses then get something else. But if you want to peak behind the doors of some really cool new houses then you will love this book.



4. Good photos, and some good details and ideas, that could well be developed into an expression of your own living space.



5. This book was very informative and has great photographic examples.
   I look forward to applying them to the next house that I build.
   The simplicity of the building materials breaks the boundaries of the common myths of building designs. I would live in any of these houses and find bliss.
   Highly recommended for anyone interested in living wisely, environmentally friendly, and whether on a budget for building or not, one who could appreciate space and design that is well appointed.
   I would also not hesitate to buy another copy to give as a gift to someone thinking of building their own home.

2 comments about IdeaWise Basements & Attics: Inspiration & Information for the Do-It-Yourselfer (IdeaWise).

1. I bought this book for design ideas for the upstairs (attic) of my bungalow. It's pretty limited on space, so I have to make every bit count. This book offers a variety of ideas and styles, including offices, in-law suites and some cute kids' rooms. Lots of helpful pictures and even a guide at the end on where they bought the stuff for their remodel.



2. My husband is a carpenter and we were very unimpressed with this book (we actually returned it because after one look through, we realized we wouldn't get any use out of it). We bought it because we didn't need any how-to's, just wanted some ideas for design. On that count, yes, there are a lot of pictures. Unfortunately, the designs here seem to be mostly for very spacious attics and basements. We couldn't really extract any new ideas useful for our bungalow. Plus, many of the designs seem quite dated. I actually flipped to the front to check the copyright date (2006) because a lot of the designs looked like they were from the 80s.

5 comments about The Beauty of Straw Bale Homes.

1. A wonderful little book that will go right beside it's big sister, "The Straw Bale House"... my bible while I was building my own straw bale home, which is just about at the stage of finishing. So, the timing couldn't have been better for me! But, MORE...I wanted to see MORE! Straw bale is a wonderful (if not labor-intensive) building method with infinite possibilities for being beautiful...this little book shows some of that to you!



2. To be frank, the chance that I'll actually build and live in a straw-bale house is very slim. For those of us who like to look -- and figure we can pick up a few enviro-friendly ideas along the way -- this is the perfect book on straw-bale. The color photos are very high quality, detailed, and appealing. "Recipes" for green-friendly plaster and paint are a fun feature. And practical information about straw-bale is useful as I consider "Well maybe one day ... ?"



3. This book is almost a coffee table book. The photos are beautiful and include everything from small,simplistic homes in Mexico to high-end beauties in California. You won't find much info here but you can get some good ideas for your own home. If you want specific info on building (especially in colder, wetter climates) get "Serious Straw Bale-A Home Construction Guide for All Climates" by Paul Lacinski and Michel Bergeron.



4. If you want to convert your friends to strawbale... if you are sick of the Three Little Pigs comments... get this book. I did and one of my friends stole it so now I've had to buy it again - that's how good it is! Nearly everyone I show this book to is entranced by one or more of the houses... and many people love LOTS of the buildings. I love this book. It's portable, which is an asset, but mainly it's inspiring... thanks Athena!



5. If you're looking for a "construction" type book, this is a little lacking in that department. I was much more impressed with other books that the Steens have done.

5 comments about The Slate Roof Bible: Understanding, Installing and Restoring the World's Finest Roof (The Slate Roof Bible, 2nd Edition).

1. very useful and very usable. Instructive for those with background in roofing, but helpful for most people..good book, worth purchasing



2. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in slate roofs. Very comprehensive and detailed. Exceeded my expectations.



3. Whether you are and experienced slate roofer or a homeowner who might be considering investing in a slate roof, you'll enjoy this book.
   
   I'll let the other reviewers talk about pictures and text and history and other aspects of the book. But the overwhelming sensation I got from this book is the passion Joseph Jenkins has for slate roofs. This is a man who absolutly loves what he is doing. When reading this book I really received the impression that slate roofs are a part of Joe Jenkins soul and he really, really wants to tell you all he knows about them. It's rare in life to find someone so impassioned about their occupation. I became absorbed not just for my own self interest but because Joe Jenkins knows what he is talking about. I was interested in finding out about slate roofs before I purchased; after reading this book-- I REALLY wanted one.
   
   $30 is cheap tuition to have Joeseph Jenkins experience.



4. This is a very informative book. Some of the information is focused on historic preservation, but overall a very good reference book.



5. It's funny how you can drive around your whole life and not notice or appreciate a good roof. I live in Wilson North Carolina, and it is amazing how many beautiful older houses have their original slate roofs (and probably will out-last the house itself?) It is just such a shame that this wonderful material (Slate) is so little understood or cared for?
   
   This is THE book for anyone who is fortunate enough to have an intact slate roof. Caring for and repairing one of these historical treasures is either impossible, or horribly expensive, unless you are willing to learn and do the work yourself. The Slate Roof Bible is clearly written by an expert in the art of slate.

3 comments about Tables: Outstanding Projects from America's Best Craftsmen (Projects Book).

1. This book contains lots of information about building tables. There are several detailed plans, and not of just one style either. There are Shaker, Arts & Crafts and more styles. Small end tables, dining tables, ovals and glass topped tables.

   As with most information from Taunton, it is very thorough. At the begining of the book is a section on the different ways to connect a table top to the base, and when you would want to use each.

   Different methods are discribed in making the tables, and as usual for Taunton, there is a lot of hand tool usage.




2. I'm a big fan of Thomas Moser, although I think his furniture is priced a little over my league. So I thought I could make some pieces similar to his to replace the junky stuff I bought when I first got out of college. I bought this book because I liked the basic Shaker projects and I wanted to adapt them to my needs. This book is instructive in a generic sense (although I wish there would be a little more theory on chosing lumber, dimensioning the aprons and joinery, and building table tops) and it also has soom good projects, particularly in the Shaker style, although there are some contemporary and Craftsman style pieces as well.

   I built the two variations of the table on the front cover. The first one I built with a drawer and finished it with Tried and True Oil Varnish. The second one I built without a drawer, shortened the aprons and finished with polyurethane. One thing he suggests is that you take your time when gluing up the legs and aprons to make sure that they are square. When I built the first table I measured for squareness then applied more pressure on the clamps. Being green to table building, I did not realize that this would throw off the squareness. It did, and by the time I realized it the glue was set. The moral of the story: the next time I used slow-setting white glue and took my time after the clamps were applied to meticulously test for squareness.

   His best advice in the book is to not stain cherry, which I totally agree with. Cherry darkens nicely with age, so oil or polyurethane make it look very nice.




3. I expect this to be a very useful book...and I look forward to trying a few of the projects. However, right from the start I find some misleading disappointments.
   
   From the Intro chapter I quote: "If you own a table saw and a few fundamental hand tools, you'll do just fine." And then the very first project calls for a router, drill press, band or jig saw and a lathe. Sorry, but most medium-equipped work shops don't include a lathe.
   
   Also, the Intro chapter presents five examples of "typical trestle tables" yet only the last project is in the trestle style, and it appears rather difficult...again calling for a lathe.
   
   How about some honesty in the Intro section...as presented in the "Search Inside" found on the web page?

4 comments about Mediterranean Domestic Architecture for the United States (Twentieth Century Landmarks in Design, Vol. 9) (Acanthus Press Reprint Series. 20th Century, ... 20th Century, Landmarks in Design, V. 9.).

1. This book covers some of the best California and Florida residential architecture of the early 20th century. The photos are great and the plans are incredible. The new introduction shows the house built by the author's grandmother in the 1920s. What a life style! I highly recommend this classy reprint.



2. I find this book a compelling record of a style and period of architecture I love. This is a reprint of a 1929 book, the period black & white photos and drawings are well realized and reveal a lot detail. There are also plans shown for most of the houses illustrated

   We would all benefit if architects, developers, landscape architects who are doing contemporary versions of Mediterranean Architecture would spend time studying these images. There is such a fine use of solid and void, plays of light shadow on extensive planar surfaces, and restrained but effective (and sometimes whimsical) use of ornament. Hey, this is not a difficult architecture, or particularly expensive to realize, but can be truly sublime and fully appropriate for Southern California where I live. This book has a lot to tell us designers about how to get it right.




3. This was a good coffee table book. Or, if you're interested in the "Mediterranean" look that would be more precisely refered to as "spanish revival" or "Santa Barbara" this is a great example of the architecture of southern CA in the earlier part of the last century. A very popular and good looking style. Only thing, for a style reference it could have used more floor plans of the homes.



4. I love these elegant books put out by Acanthus Press. This book has vivid period black and white images of great american homes in the Mediterranean style. This is a reprint of a book first realized in the 20's. The images and text really make one appreciate the craftmanship and grace of the era. They really don't build buildings. like this anymore, whether they be for residential or commercial use. If you have any interest in wondeful period images, or singular craftmanship, then you will love this book.

No comments about Complete Painting (Stanley Complete).