Even as oversized McMansions continue to elbow their way into tiny lots nationwide, a much different trend has taken shape. This return to traditional architectural principles venerates qualities that once were taken for granted in home design: structural common sense, aesthetics of form, appropriateness to a neighborhood, and even sustainability. Marianne Cusato, creator of the award-winning Katrina Cottages, has authored and illustrated this definitive guide to what makes houses look and feel right--to the eye and to the soul. She teaches us the language and grammar of classical architecture, revealing how balance, harmony, and detail all contribute to creating a home that will be loved rather than tolerated. And she takes us through the do's and don'ts of every element of home design, from dormers to doorways to columns. Integral to the book are its hundreds of elegant line drawings--clearly rendering the varieties of lintels and cornices, arches and eaves, and displaying "avoid" and "use" versions of the same elements side by side.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Excellent reference.:
I am a contractor and home builder and have an interest in quality residential design. This is an excellent reference book. It is full of details and information on traditional design elements (columns, windows, doors, arhces, etc). This is a great book for any one involved in the design of homes. My only complaint is that the author is a bit dogmatic about everything being exactly like tradition. For instance, an interior molding can be attractive without being historically accurate. None the less, this is... more info
A concise encapsulation of classical building principles:
I whole-heartedly agree with the positive reviews this book has enjoyed in these reviews. The drawings are clear, the writing direct and the principles outlined concisely stated. I would note that the author received a distinguished architectural prize in the area of practical design last year. The book sets forth the reasons some buildings look "right" and others just look "wrong" based upon proportion, massing and use of elements (such as columns, entablature, arches, etc. or their latter day... more info
The BEST:
There are plenty of five star reviews for this book but I feel so strongly about it that I'm adding another. Half of any construction job is design and preparation, and any book that can help you do it properly is an asset that keeps on giving. I built homes on spec for over thirty years, never found a decent source book intended as such, and relied largely on looking at 'historical' homes and sixth sense. This book offers plenty of comparative illustrations and rationale, and will make you an expert when... more info
Increased my understanding of classical architecture:
I enjoyed reading this book and it certainly increased my understanding of classical architecture. I didn't agree with everything 100% - some of the "don't do this" examples didn't look so bad to me but after finishing it I walked round the local streets I was certainly able to now understand why some of the McMansions in the area look totally wrong. I live in a city that has quite a few grand public buildings dating from the late 1800s so I think I'll appreciate them a bit more with my new knowledge. I'm... more info
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