Offbeat Gift Guide: 28 Drool Worthy House, Building, & Design Books
The way I see it, nothing spreads joy like houses and books. Smoosh them together, and we’re talking heaven. In case you’re wondering what to get a house lover for the holidays or a birthday, you might want to try one of the book choices below. Just in case you’re wondering, yup, I’ve read all the ones on this list - I read a lot. There’s 28, a semi-random number, but these were the best I could think of off the top of my head. If I’ve previously posted a review of said book, I linked that for you.
PS; many of these books cover small homes, green homes, and simple design. That’s just how I roll with my house reading. If you’re looking for McMansion style big greedy house books, this is the worst reading list ever for you. Sorry.
In no particular order…
[image via Amazon]
2. Good Green Homes by Jennifer Roberts
3. Miller/Hull Architects of the Pacific Northwest by Sheri Olson
[image via Chronicle Books]
4. The Carbon-Free Home: 36 Remodeling Projects to Help Kick the Fossil -Fuel Habit - Read my review
5. How to See: A Guide to Reading Our Man-Made Environment by George Nelson - if you can find it, swoop it up fast.
6. Off The Grid Homes - Read my review
[image via Amazon]
7.Real Goods Solar Living Source Book-Special 30th Anniversary Edition: Your Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living (Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook) - ah, one of the bibles of green homes. I love this book.
8. The Modern Architecture Pop-Up Book
11. Off The Grid - Read my review
12. Little House on a Small Planet: Simple Homes, Cozy Retreats, and Energy Efficient Possibilities
13. Atomic Ranch
[image via Amazon]
15. Building With Awareness: The Construction of a Hybrid Home DVD and Guidebook - Read my review
16. Compact Houses: Architecture for the Environment
[image via Amazon]
17. Minimalist Interiors - Read my review
20. The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live (Susanka) - not perfect IMO; some of it was a little too home & garden for me, rather than totally unique, but I still think it’s worth a read, because there are plenty of good tips for small interiors.
21. The Simple Home: The Luxury of Enough (American Institute Architects)
22. The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
23. A Home for the Soul: A Guide for Dwelling wtih Spirit and Imagination - I LOVE this book. It’s hard to find (I’ve had my copy for years), but so beautiful, I highly suggest you hunt it down. Perfect if you’re into simple ideas about home and living.
[image via Amazon]
24. Bark House Style - Sustainable Designs from Nature
25. Le Corbusier: Architect of the Twentieth Century
26. Abode a la Mode: 44 Projects for Hip Home Decor - this one is a little odd. It’s not about houses exactly, but has loads of funky, offbeat decor ideas that you can make yourself - pretty cool.
27. Ten Houses: Ace Architects
28. Mini House - I HEART this book. You have to see it. It pushes what you think is possible in small design and makes you want to downsize.
[image via Amazon]
There you have it; 28 amazing books about houses that you must read. Or if you’re feeling in the holiday spirit, you could always pick one out for a house loving friend. If I missed one of your favorite books about houses, let me know in the comments. Trust me, I’m always up for another great house or design book.
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