Creating a New Old House: Yesterday's Character for Today's Home (American Institute Architects) (Hardcover)

by Russell Versaci (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A book providing the guidance and details necessary to create a new/old house is long overdue. Russell Versaci writes with authority about the value of historical accuracy when creating a house with architectural integrity."

Product Description
Anyone who yearns for an older home – but is daunted by the prospect of owning one — will love this book. Through hundreds of inspiring photographs and engaging text, the author describes what gives traditional homes their enduring appeal. Versaci identifies Eight Pillars of Traditional Design that create a solid foundation for combining authentic, traditional design with livability to create homes that feel old yet live new. Featuring a vast array of new, old-house styles — from colonials to farmhouses — from all over the country, the houses illustrate the creative work of architects, builders, and craftsmen who are forging the movement toward building new homes that capture an old-home sensibility.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Taunton; illustrated edition edition (November 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561586153
• ISBN-13: 978-1561586158
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #108,194 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #13 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > Historic Preservation
  #35 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > Materials
  #63 in	Books > Home & Garden > Home Design > House Plans

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

230 of 234 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Traditional Aesthetics with Modern Conveniences, November 28, 2003

By	Catherine "Mom" (USA) - See all my reviews

I have an academic and working background in architectural design, and I recently began designing a house for myself and my family for the very first time. While having a pretty solid education in modern architecture, I confess to have always been in love with more traditional design aesthetics and architectural history. A few months ago, I was searching for a book like this to aid in designing my home, but I could NOT find anything like this. I wanted a home that was rich in architectural tradition yet the home design also had to meet modern day demands in space and utility. I was ecstatic to come across a review for this book at another website announcing the book's publishing date. . . I was concerned at first that this book would be nothing but SLICK coffee table fodder because of the beautiful pictures, but upon receiving the book, I found the book to contain pertinent information that guides the reader/designer on how to accomplish a design that integrates traditional aesthetics and feeling with modern day needs and wants. This book is more than just pretty: it spells out how to achieve a historical, traditional look without mocking the past or being trite. . . and at the same time encourages the designer to meet modern needs.

146 of 147 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great source of ideas and inspirations, March 15, 2004

By	Kurt A. Johnson (Marseilles, Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In this wonderful book, widely acclaimed architect Russell Versaci tells the reader how to capture the character of an old house in a new house, tailored for today's needs. The author, who is well known for this sort of designing, starts out with his "Eight Pillars of Traditional Design", and then shows you how to put them into practice. Taking eighteen houses found throughout the country (and reflecting the traditional regional style), he uses a combination of brightly colorful pictures and highly informative text to take you around and through the houses, giving you an insiders look into what was done and why.

Having grown up in an old house, I have always found the boxy/characterless/styleless post-World War 2 houses to be nothing short of depressing. My wife and I now own a 1916 house, and wish to add in the character that makes an old house a gem. Well, we found this book to be a great source of ideas and inspirations. If you like the style and grace of well-made older houses, and want to incorporate that style and grace into your own home, then you must read this book!

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great source of inspirations. Great photographs., February 29, 2004

By	Natalie Norris "mainecoast mama" (Maine) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love older homes. And when it came to renovating our newer home we were challenged to put the old into the new. I've been a magazine junkie, culling pictures here and there. But this book is a one-stop shop for classic American styles and details. I love that these houses are not lavishly large (for the most part) but intimate. The strength is in their high quality details.
My husband and I really love this book. We have been able to visually resolve some ideas about mantels, flooring, and window styles to compliment our New England home. The side bars and floor plans are easy to follow. And notice how light plays in the interiors. Sumptuous!

(I just wish I could find an old stlye interior pattern book, complete with example photos, dates and locations. Hint, hint!)