Project Home

Sometimes it's not enough to have grandiose remodeling ambition. When you are ready to tackle your next big project, these books will help you turn inspiration into reality

By Matt Rahill
Florence Broadhurst: Her Secret & Extraordinary Lives by Helen O'Neill (Chronicle Books, chroniclebooks.com).
Florence Broadhurst: Her Secret & Extraordinary Lives by Helen O'Neill (Chronicle Books, chroniclebooks.com). O'Neill illustrates the captivating life of Australian-based Florence Broadhurst through her untimely murder in the first authorized biography of the avant-garde interior designer. The book reveals more than 100 previous unpublished patterns and popular prints collected by designers such as Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney. ($24.95)
Old House, New Home by Ros Byam Shaw (Ryland Peters & Small, rylandpeters.com). Working from the idea that homes never wear out, author Ros Byam Shaw combines the expertise of designers and homeowners with her personal experience of renovating old properties. This beautiful read reveals divine ways to restore the life of an aged home to suit today's needs and presents these ideas through furniture, lighting, fabrics, colors, and finishing touches. ($35)
Remodel: Great Home Makeovers from Connecticut to California by Matthew Schoenherr with Linda Mason Hunter and Wendy Jordan (The Taunton Press, taunton.com). This book shows homeowners how to create the perfect place out of the not-so-perfect space. The author offers seven tips for what you need to know before starting a remodeling project. In a behind-the-scenes style, this book showscases homes that have been remodeled by America's leading residential architects. ($21.95)
Creating the New American Town House by Alexander Gorlin (Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com). Featuring 30 cutting-edge townhouses, architect Alexander Gorlin explores a spectacular array of diverse designs that carry this familiar symbol of architectural innovation into the 21st century. This book presents extremely livable solutions to the constraints of this classic urban-housing type and includes full-color photography with plans and drawings to pique the interest of anyone considering a town-house remodeling project. ($50)
Wallpaper by Lachlan Blackley (Chronicle Books, chroniclebooks.com). When remodeling or redecorating, consider the renewed trend in wallpaper. No longer used to cover cracks and imperfections, wallpaper blends the line between art and interior design, resulting in a new form of self-expression. This book showcases modern designs from 50 artists, including graphic designers, fashion designers and illustrators as well as new directions from established wallpaper designers. ($40).