4 comments about Outdoor Kitchens: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Design and Construction (Better Homes & Gardens).

1. The girls can look at the pretty pictures but this actually shows you how to do the job... (Or some of you girls can come over and help me with my project:)



2. This is a good book. I gave it three starts because it only gave s few designs for the construction I needed, but it was a good reference. I think its important to research projects with these books then launch your own project with the ideas you've learned.
   3 stars out of 5.



3. Okay, this is not a book of plans and layouts--there are several--but, that's not the primary purpose of a book like this. IDEAS that's what you got here.
   
   Transposing one of these designs wholesale into your backyard would be fine IF you have the space, the matching terrain and the $s and, if the design matches and fits the style, scale and complements the features of your house. The writers admonish the reader to sit down and seriuosly think about how they use their kitchen and how they plan to use their outdoor one--that bit of advice alone is well worth the price of the book.
   
   As to the do-it-yourself aspects of the book they are well thought out, well laid out and clearly illustrated--and they are repleat with warnings and "bail-outs"
   
   All around outstanding



4. I bought this for my husband who want to install an outdoor kitchen and this book gave good design ideas as well as installation tips.

No comments about Ultimate Guide to Floors, Walls & Ceilings: Build, Remodel, Repair (Ultimate Guide).

5 comments about Power with Nature Second Edition: Alternative Energy Solutions for Homeowners Updated.

1. If you are confused by the components, their arrangement and connections, this is the book for you. The story in the beginning is a bit silly, but it does serve it's purpose - to anchor concepts in your memory. It is worth enduring. You will get a decent background in components and terminology from this book, very readable, and an excellent introduction to RE.



2. We recently purchased an off-grid log camp. We saw an article about this book in a log homes magazine, so purchased it. Excellent book - it gave practical information on why and how to set up to live off-grid. It gave real advice on how to calculate and choose solar, wind and hydro equipment. I'd recommend this book to all who might consider living off-grid and choosing alternative powers sources.



3. I borrowed the book from the library and read it cover to cover. I wanted it for future reference so I bought it.



4. I'm sure people have said this before, but for the second edition, the author should have dropped the 75 page story at the beginning. I'd rather have a book which takes up less room on my coffee table or have more quality content. This is a general overview of renewable technologies and doesn't offer much more than you can find in 10 minutes on the internet. With that being said, if you are looking for a place to start with renewables, this might be it. Just don't be disappointed if it leaves you wanting more.



5. I love this book and give the original edition five stars but was disappointed that the 2nd edition didn't give a whole lot of additional info. Save your money and pick up a used 1st edition.

5 comments about Renovating and Restyling Vintage Homes.

1. I was disappointed when I received this book to find that much of it is devoted specifically to Victorian and Craftsman homes and architecture. While these styles are mentioned in the book description, you should realize before you buy that this book really is best if you own one of these two styles of homes...otherwise 150 of the 400 or so pages don't really apply. Sure, some of the general information is universal but I was looking for something particular to older homes in general and something about my style of home. My husband and I are experienced do-it-yourselfers of Cape Cod-style homes and we have more Capes and Colonials in our neck of the woods than Victorian and Craftsman homes and found little for us in the second half of this book. However, it is certainly a fine book for anyone who owns a style emphasized between its covers. The author applies his experience and expertise on specific styles to provide nice detail for the right homeowners and renovators.



2. I laughed my head off reading this book, from beginning to end! I can almost see & hear Mr. Dworin, sitting on the front porch of his latest project, a mischevious glint in his eyes, answering each of my stupid questions with a real-life-experience story. His wry humor, and (obviously) extensive experience with "worst-case" structural problems and mid-project surprizes convinced me that EVEN I can do a lot of the work my old house needs myself. He's taken the scary part out of the equation.

   Thanks Larry...by the way, can I call you for help when I grossly over-estimate my own ability?




3. Renovating & Restyling Older Homes: The Professional's Guide To Maximum Value Remodeling by home remodeling and renovation expert Lawrence Dworin is a thorough, professional, quality guide written specifically to address the difficulties of restoring the beauty and practical function of homes built before 1930. Dworin effectively covers the technique of maximum value remodeling; reveals the substantial potential available for renovators in the older home market; and how to raise profit margins while giving customers their money's worth in restoration/renovation services. With an equal-handed approach to cost sensibility, top quality, and preserving history, Renovating & Restyling Older Homes is a superbly presented primer for anyone interested in upgrading property and living fixtures that were built before modern standards of convenience.



4. I have been fixing up older homes for many years and this is the worst book I have ever read on the subject. This author's opinions are a detriment to all older homes. He has a section devoted to how to hang a bunch of Victorian stuff on a non-Victorian house and states that any bathroom built before 1930 has no redeeming values and should be gutted. Furthermore, what he states as facts are totally wrong. For example, he says that the Craftsman period began in 1915. (Gus Stickley went out of business in 1916.) For the respect of all older homes I strongly recomend that you do not buy this book.



5. I bought the book almost 2 years ago when I embarked on my farmhouse renovation. I confess, at the time the book was over my head. Thank goodness for an amazing contractor...here I am 2 years later, and I decided to read the book cover to cover. Wow...everything the book covered was done to my house and now, I actually understand it all! It's 1 thing to upgrade from 100 amp to 200 but it's another to understand why! I've learned alot in the past 2 years and whatever I didn't understand the book explained!

5 comments about Cabin Kitchens & Baths.

1. Book Review
   CABIN KITCHENS AND BATHS by Franklin and Esther Schmidt (Gibbs Smith, Salt Lake City, 2004)

   This book delivers far more than it promises. First and foremost, it is a chatty but practical and lavishly - illustrated guide designed to lead a cabin or homeowner through the process of designing what most of us would consider the two most difficult and important rooms in our residence. The Schmidts do this by a readable text, made more useful by including opinions from numerous professionals involved in cabin design from soup to nuts. The book...which obviously could be used to design kitchens and baths in any kind of residence...includes helpful check lists to prepare one thoroughly from design to installation.

   CABIN KITCHENS AND BATHS is also a wonderful "coffee table" book for post and beam and log residences. My library holdings include numerous volumes of books whose last name is "STYLE"......"Greek Style"," Japanese Style", etc, and I often reread them for the simple pleasure of it. The lavish color photography makes this book infinitely more attractive.

   Finally, the Schmidts give us a tantalizing look into myriad design choices for decorating kitchens, baths and the rest of the cabin. Collections, individual pieces, the old and the new populate most of the photographs and add yet another dimension to this book. After the kitchen and bath are finally finished, one can easily find pleasure for many years in the other things that this book so richly illustrates.




2. If you subscribe to, or even buy some of the log cabin magazines from the news stand, this book is a repeat for the most part. Most of the pictures have already been published over and over again. If you haven't gotten any log or timber home magazines lately this is a good book. Although, I liked Inside Log Homes: The Art and Spirit of Home Decor much better.



3. I've been looking for a book like this for ages. There are lots of great looking design books, very few offer real help. I found this book to be excellently organized with in-depth information on every aspect of kitchen and bathroom design. The writing is intelligent, without being overly technical, and good-humored while also giving practical solutions to a variety of design and structural challenges.
   The photography, which as another reviewer pointed out, could stand alone as being quite beautiful, is very specific in terms of what is depicted as referencing the subject matter in the respective chapters and sections.
   Another reviewer pointed out that the photography is redundant to what appears in the log magazines on the newsstands. I think that is untrue. I'm an avid reader of log magazines, and have been for a good number of years, and do not see any repetition at all. These photographs are certainly new to my eyes and are of the highest quality.
   I find it remarkable that with so many books on kitchens and myriad publications on cabins, this is the first time that the two subjects have been combined in one volume. And, what an effective volume it is.
   On a personal point of view, as a lover of great interiors and with a nice little library of good design books, this one has great pipe dream potential and one of these days I might even use some of the ideas in re-doing my own kitchen and bathroom.



4. Everyone dreams of a getaway cabin - a place of rest and refuge. ~pg. 1
   
   If you have your own log cabin dreams, the best ways to get ideas is to look through wonderful log cabin books written by photographers who have written about hundreds of log cabins. The authors of this gorgeous book live in a farmhouse deep in the rural Virginia countryside.
   
   They are frequently on the road and spend time in New York City at their studio space. Franklin and Esther Schmidt have captured some of the most beautiful kitchens and baths I've ever seen. They are romantic, inspiring and very cozy.
   
   This book is filled with ideas for remodeling or new homes. This book explores architectural elements, furnishings, appliances, bathrooms, design and décor. Many of the cabins are surprisingly modern and quite interesting. The curtains and lighting stand out as highlights against the warm wood interiors.
   
   After reading this book you may find yourself adding heart bundt pans, candles and new pots and pans to your wish list or dreaming about lace curtains. Many of the kitchens have a special shelf for cookbooks and all the kitchens look like dream kitchens. Pots and pans hang from the ceilings along with baskets and dried flowers.
   
   There are many creative ideas in the pictures, like a wagon as a coffee table. Baskets are definitely a decorative element in the kitchens.
   
   While most of this book is about kitchens, there is a section about creating soothing spaces filled with candles, fluffy towels and deep baths. Here are all the bathtubs we dream about, complete with big windows, plants and candles everywhere.
   
   If you love claw-foot tubs, there are many examples in various settings. I had never seen a lavender colored tub so that was interesting. There are ideas for stenciling and one bath tub has a waterfall.
   
   The resources will be very helpful for home builders and almost every source has a website for immediate access to ideas and inspiration.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



5. I can't tell you how disappointed I was in this book. I was looking for original ideas to remodel my cabin kitchen but as one other reviewer has said, just buy the log cabin magazines. There is nothing new or inspiring in this book that you won't see in the cabinet department at your local home improvement store. Biggest waste of money I've ever spent on a book.

5 comments about Caring for Your Old House: A Guide for Owners and Residents (Respectful Rehabilitation Series).

1. This book was required for an architectural conservation class which I am currently enrolled in. I have found it extremelly helpfull. Unfortunantly I bought this book at the bookstore for a lot more money. The author gets quite technical at times, however they give you quick insights that are at once complete and easy to read. This is definantly a very affordable guide for home owners, designers, and preservationists of all sorts.



2. I bought this as a gift for a friend. He shared it with me after reading it cover-to-cover. Great info for anyone concerned with historic preservation. Not quite the "handyman" book I had expected but nonetheless it proved to be some worthwhile reading.



3. Finally a concise, easy to read text that any historical home owner should own and read. It is the bible of historical building maintenance! This text should be used by every historical society and historic preservation commission as a guide for recommending proper ways to treat and maintain historic building materials. It would be a wonderful text to suggest to an interested student, as well. Thanks Judith for putting something together that is so user-friendly!



4. This book is filler material, you could find all this info online or in Lowe's or Home Depot. If you have any clue on what you are doing beyond a starter DIY save your money.



5. A great read for devotees of This Old House, this book chronicles the story of their very first project. Old pics of Norm are especially fun.

2 comments about Children's Furniture Projects: With Step-by-Step Instructions and Complete Plans (Projects Book).

1. Has good detail on instructions but only included a few projects...I thought there would be 10-20 different projects.



2. Jeff is a master in doing practical and beautifull things. I built some of the stuff shown in the book for my baby girl and it worked out great! I'm a weekend woodworker and I enjoy this book very much! I love to build stuff for my kid, so this book will be by my side for quite a long time. There are instructions for a cradle, a bed, some chairs, tables, a creepy rocking dinasour, a big box for the toys (really handy!) and so on.

5 comments about Paint your home.

1. The book really goes into details on how to get quality of a painting surface. It tells how to prepare the surface, different types of walls, different types of paints, tips from professional painters and even some decorative painting techniques.

   If a person has never done any painting on his/her own, this is the book you definitely need. Even if you've painted before and you are not satisfied or you did a sloppy job, this book will tell you about your mistakes.

   This book will really teach you how to get best quality of a paint job that you can match it up with a paint job done by a professional painter. I will highly recommend this book if you are thinking of starting a painting business or even doing a home project on your own. But for a business along with this book you'll need "Painting Contractor's Handbook".




2. Home Improvement books tend to be either too verbose or deal with multiple subjects that are just too vague and off the subject. This is one of the exceptions. All common interior painting techniques are discussed, along with great pictures. The book doesn't stray from the subject at hand by showing you the author's home remodeling project.

   In addition, there is a discussion of color and what it does to a space with a great sequence of photographs of the same room in different shades.

   Having purchased many books on home improvement, this one gets top honors.




3. I bought this book thinking it would show many different decorating/painting techniques. This isn't really the case. It mainly shows how to prepare a room for decorating.



4. This book is for the person who is paintng for the first time. There are very few tips for the person who has actually painted in the past.



5. If you want to take on a large task like paint the whole interior of a home or just want to paint a room, this is a good primer to make sure you don't miss something that may only be obvious after the fact so you don't paint yourself into the proverbial corner. If you think you can just buy a brush and a can of paint and go to work, this book will show you what you may miss by simply not having been shown the details before so you are properly prepared. It's a home improvement book on painting for home owners, not for professional painters. I bought this book as I have a family estate home that needs to be updated after years of lived in wear and tear. I bought this book to get a primer on painting to help make the task easier. I'm already glad I did in my first evening of reading. It is well worth the money, even if you pay more than the $7 including shipping that I paid here on amazon. It's not a home interior designer book, it's a methodical text and practice for painting your home with excellent diagrams and illustrations. They are not photos of an author's project, but very well done diagrams to go with the text. The photos in the book are specific in detail to the situation and not the least bit vague. If you have a home painting project and don't quite know where to start, this is the book to help you get you started. If you want help with interior design, look for a book on interior design. This is very good book for the do it yourself home owner with an interior painting project.

2 comments about Paint Style: The New Approach to Decorative Paint Finishes.

1. I've only had a chance to look through this book once. However it does seem to have information on water based paints, which I use exclusively. Mostly in technic. I'm glad I purchased it.



2. What is probably most useful about this book are the large pictures of finished projects. No matter how confused you are about what you want to do, this book covers so many different styles, colors, and kinds of projects that you should find inspiration here.
   
   I really enjoyed the vivid differences between the styles. So if you are going very modern, geometric designs, like those on page 113 will be useful. If you favor blue and white country, there are plenty of cozy, stenciled rooms. And for those who love tradition, you are bound to enjoy the lavish antiques and fabulously ornate ceiling on page 19.
   
   The books covers glazing, stenciling, stamping, geometric, textures and faux finishes. It delves into historical uses of color and how to chose a color palate.

No comments about 1001 Ideas for Kitchen Organization (Creative Homeowner).