Capes: Design Ideas for Renovating, Remodeling and Building New [Hardcover]

Jane Gitlin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Updating Classic America | Publication Date: March 17, 2003

Cape Cod homes are a perennial favorite among small and growing families, and they can often benefit from being brought up-to-date. Capes is a combination of practical, attractive designs and proven ideas for renovating, remodeling, or building a Cape Cod-style home. Featuring over 20 case studies of updated homes and Capes built from scratch, the book is illustrated with inspiring original color photographs and before-and-after floor plans.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Within the architectural syntax of the American homestead, the Cape Cod house stands as one of our most durable and prolific symbols, writes Gitlin, an architect and a Cape-owner herself. With its "simple one-and-a-half story form" and its steeply pitched roof, often capped with a few dormers, the Cape has long been accepted as a fundamental unit of middle-class comfort and modesty, especially since its proliferation in the decades following World War II. This volume, the latest in the Updating Classic America series, illustrates the many ways in which the basic Cape form has been modified and embellished over the years. "Like a dish of vanilla ice cream," Gitlin writes, "a Cape gracefully accepts just about any flavor you might want to add." In a series of nuts and bolts profiles of successful renovations, Gitlin walks the reader through hidden gardens and storage rooms, along swooping rooflines and angular hallways, always with a competent, conversational tone. Authoritative without being coercive, helpful without nagging, this is a graceful, enlightening handbook for the home redecorator.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Jane Gitlin's wisdom and many nifty photos make up the latest book in Taunton Press' series on traditional American housing."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 244 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (March 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561584363
• ISBN-13: 978-1561584369
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,882 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Remodeling & Renovation
  • #91 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Home Design > Design & Construction

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars more than just pretty pictures!, May 29, 2003

By 

J. nishball "krazy kat" (St. Louis) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Capes: Design Ideas for Renovating, Remodeling and Building New (Hardcover)

I showed this book to a contractor friend who immediately went out and bought one for his own use. Lots of new ideas, with great illustrations and photos to refer to when discussing options for one's own project. Highly recommended.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For readers who are doers, October 1, 2003

By 

Ellen (Reading, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Capes: Design Ideas for Renovating, Remodeling and Building New (Hardcover)

If the number of reviews seems scant, it's probably because readers of this book are inspired to head for their drawing boards or take sledgehammer to wall, rather than compose a book review. Who has time to write a paragraph or two for Amazon when there are contractors to call and design decisions to make? This book will motivate you Cape owners out there to finally make the updates that you've been thinking about since you moved in -- whether it's just replacing rusty bathroom cabinets or adding that extra bedroom so your two boys don't have to share a room anymore.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable, useful and enjoyable, August 5, 2003

By 

Mike Barlow (Fairfield, Connecticut USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Capes: Design Ideas for Renovating, Remodeling and Building New (Hardcover)

Jane Gitlin's book is a pleasure to read -- again and again. My wife and I own a classic Cape. We've spent the past 10 years renovating it, bit by bit. Now we're contemplating a major exterior remodeling project and Jane's book is a treasure trove of excellent ideas. The text and photos offer many creative alternatives to the standard, time-worn designs suggested by many architects and contractors. The book truly renewed our sense of pride in owning a classic Cape. Bravo!