Product details
- Publisher
:
Rizzoli; Illustrated edition (September 18, 2012) - Language
:
English - Hardcover
:
256 pages - ISBN-10
:
0847838722 - ISBN-13
:
978-0847838721 - Item Weight
:
2.31 pounds - Dimensions
:
10.22 x 1.09 x 12.26 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #68,221 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #18 in Urban & Land Use Planning (Books)
- #44 in Residential Architecture
- #207 in Home Decorating (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Sandy –
This is one of the most enduring design books.
Beverly Hunter –
Beautiful book with interesting read on how to coordinate construction of a new home with a team of landscape architect, interior designer and contractor. Very informative and valuable addition to my library.
M&M’s mom –
A true classic! As one reviewer suggested, “next click, add to cart!” I’m happy I did!
Mainey –
This book was a fabulous read. The classic style of architecture is timeless and Gil Schafer gives the houses a modern twist, without destroying the integrity and appeal. How refreshing to see an architect bucking the trend for McMansions. Whilst the designs and photos of the houses and gardens are really eye candy for me, the book took me away to another place for a while. The homes require a lot of land to make the impact they do in the book. Thoroughly enjoyed it and have recommended to a couple of like-minded classic/hampton style house groupies like me.
lostdesigner –
I own and have read over 75 design books over the past several years, and by far this is one of the best. I truly admire architects who design real houses with rooms where furniture can actually be placed. The photos are excellent and this entire book is of such high quality. Both the interior and exterior shots are incredible, and reflect the full design concept of the home from landscaping to interior design. My only regret is that I can’t afford Mr. Schafer to design and build my home!!I would not recommend this book to those who favor contemporary design or the “austere” mid-century modern look, unless they are looking to move away from that design concept.
D McCartney –
Homes in the Greek Revival style – with modernized kitchens, and baths. The exterior design information is limited to a few elevation photographs but its rich with interior design elements. The furnishings shown are beautiful, plentiful, and inspirational, but the rooms are over-furnished beyond practical living for a busy family, I think. The illustrations provided of interior wall designs are incomparable though, and, along with the stunning kitchens and baths, are the reason it gets five stars. The brief glimpses of the landscapes provided for the homes portrayed are equally beautiful. Its wonderful if you’re looking for a source of interior design inspiration for traditional formal styled homes with the comforts of a country house.
billy d –
What makes older homes so much more inviting? Is it the detailing, the craftsmanship, the patina of age? The answer is “yes,” and so much more. This book clearly explains why older homes have such allure, and at the same time details how to build a “new old house” or renovate a property to work with today’s lifestyles. This is so much more than a picture book, even though the photos are beyond beautiful. If you are fascinated by the “new old house” movement, this book is a must buy.
A Book Collector –
It really doesn’t get any better than this. Gil Schafer’s new book does everything that one hopes it will do, and with considerable polish. From his discussions of his background and design philosophy to descriptions of the planning and execution of the four projects presented, it’s obvious that Mr. Schafer is a master of his craft and loves what he does. This volume showcases his incredible skill in handling 21st century spaces in a traditional American idiom, and his perception of the details that imbue new, functional construction with the look and feel of age and provenance.Aside from a typo in the book’s forward mentioned by another reviewer, it’s obvious that this one had a great deal of attention on its way to press. The presentation is neat and tight, the projects thoroughly photographed and, wonder of all, nothing is discussed in the prose that we can’t see in the photos. Add to that the work of some first-string interior designers, and this is one book that I couldn’t put down – and to which I have returned repeatedly with enthusiasm.From the comprehensive photography and floor and site plans, to the sensitive and expository text, the reader is only left wanting for a sequel. Hopefully Mr. Schafer won’t keep us waiting too long.
B. Childs –
It is hard to overstate my enthusiasm about the work of Gil Schafer, architect. His projects are exceptionally well planned and beautifully built. I impatiently waited all summer for this book of his houses to be published and it was more than worth the wait.Being a Rizzoli publication, the book itself is a magnificent product with high paper quality and outstanding picture size and clarity. It has a certain heft that tells you that no material shortcuts were taken.The content is exactly what I expected; a fascinating narrative from Schafer on his architectural journey and the philosophy which guides his designs. It is so refreshing to see such beautiful classical architecture being created in the 21st century. There are four chapters focusing on particular buildings; Schafer’s own Hudson Valley country house, which is a fine classic Greek Revival temple; a new traditional country house; a renovation of an early 20th century Nashville home and the staggering restoration of Gatewood, a phenomenal antebellum townhouse in Charleston, South Carolina, which with the lightest, most sensitive touch, is now fully functional for the modern age.This book immediately vaults to the top five amongst a pretty extensive architectural library. For the reader interested in classical architecture this is required reading. Oh that I was in a tax bracket to commission a custom designed home of the first order, Gil Schafer would be my architect.
Penelope W. Bianchi –
This writer and architect is brilliant! He is a great writer!! He explains how he designs houses and why. This is rare. The last “rave review” (and I do rave when I find a really great book) was about “Villa” by John Saladino.Both of these different, and brilliant architects are able to explain why they design the spaces that they do! In understandable language to a layperson! It makes sense; and they explain it!That to me; is an additional rare talent to add to the talent that they possess as architects! (and in John’s case; also an “interior designer”)This is a really great book! I think the best thing about “classical architecture”; (in our age of “hideous”, my opinion, of course, “McMansions” despoiling the countryside in every state); this man explains why classical architecture makes so much sense…….and why to go there if you are building a house!As a decorator; for many years, I have been asked to look at “McMansions”; and asked if I can “make this cozy”? My answer,always; unfortunately, is : “No, I cannot.” Because it is impossible.The proportions are wrong, the ceilings are too high, the windows are all wrong, on and on. And they are simply unworkable as “comfortable family houses”; which is my goal as a decorator!This book may contribute to “Stop the Madness!!” I can only hope!It is a treasure!