Customer Reviews

New Rooms for Old Houses: Beautiful Additions for the Traditional Home (National Trust for Historic Preservation)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a remarkable book. By appearance, it is a handsome "coffee table" volume with stunning photographs of historical houses and rooms that are indeed beautiful. But it is far more. Frank Shirley writes with a clarity and grace to match the rooms and houses he describes. He presents detailed information that will give practical guidance to anyone considering work on a historical house, but those details will not distract the general reader who is simply interested in learning about older houses and successful experiences in renovating them.

I researched long and hard for a few newly released books hopefully containing a lot of inspiring photos and decorating and design projects to help me with my home's restoration. Out of the 4 books I purchased, "New Rooms..." and Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint by Curtis Heuser - were by far the most helpful. "New Rooms..." is filled with historically accurate examples as to how to add architecturally add on to your existing home without losing its' original historic flavor - while "Your Home..." gives you loads of interior decorating advise as to how to recreate period charm after renovation. The book follows the complete interior artistic transformation of the author's 1890's historic home, with over 30 how to projects. I highly reccomend both books to anyone interested in home remodeling or restoration!

Wonderful book. As a homeowner and dreamer of owning an old house that may include plans for an addition, I was very much interested in learning the details of such an undertaking. This beautifully done book book provided me with the understanding to begin the process (at least in my mind for now!)with it's thoughtful consideration of different styles/architecture and how people once lived in these wonderful homes of the time vs how we live today and why the consideration of an addition to many old homes comes into play. I appreciate how chapters on old home additions reveal the history of the process from beginning to end and within the pages are some really great stories. I also found useful the chapters detailing the various materials used in construction of older historical and/or historic homes(there is a difference between the two and the book explains what that is). The author provides photos and insight into examples of ill planned/poorly conceived additions for the reader to see and gain a sense of why they don't work which I found very helpful.

As an aside I live less than 2 miles from the Federal Style house in Marshalton, PA. I have driven by this magnificent home in it's country setting many times and it is interesting that I always sensed there was something about the house that intrigued me- since it appears that the entrance to the original drive was at a different location on the street at one time and at some point may have been planted with Spruce trees. I could not put my finger on it but as I looked at the old entrance in juxtaposition to the facade of the home at it now sits something of a question mark came into my mind. After reading Mr. Shirley's book I found out that the house had been moved from it's original foundation and reoriented prior to the new addition being undertaken. What a great piece to the puzzle I had vaguely pondered in my mind a time or two while driving by the property. And the architect who was involved with the renovation...I happened to grow up near him (about 20 miles away from where I now call home) and we rode the same school bus during high school.

Loved this book, a great read-gave me lots of inspiration and clarity for that day when I pick up the phone and make that call to an architect to work with in the process of adding to my old house! And, for someone who often has 2 or 3 books going at one time, I found myself enjoying every page and putting other books on hold until I finished this delightful piece of work.

This book is a must read for anybody considering additions for older homes, and want them to be both functional and esthetically appealing. It will be especially helpful for persons planning to do any/all of the design work themselves, but is also useful to formulate ideas in cooperation with an architect. It is very well written, and easily understood by anybody. Many beautiful photographs of homes and additions are used to illustrate the author's suggestions. And Frank Shirley has the experience and credentials to make the work very credible.

What I like about this book, besides all the great photos, is that it puts forth a few basic design principles about additions, which clarified the topic greatly, for me. I serve on the local historical commission, where we review proposals for "new rooms on old houses," and this book helped me isolate and understand the essential components of doing such projects "the right way." This book can help you avoid expensive, disappointing mistakes, and give you (and your community) more attractive results. I recommend it to anyone considering or building an addition on any structure.

This book is absolutely fantastic. If you are considering putting an addition on an old home or any home, this book provides thoughtful insight on how to do the job correctly. Mr. Shirley has done an amazing job making the subject matter easy to understand. The photographs of the properties in the book are absolutely stellar. I would give this book two thumbs up.

If you have a beloved old house that, like most, would benefit from an addition, this book, will make your task easier. With gorgeous photos and some sample projects and floor plans, four guiding principles of design are set forth to guide you. Having been through the task several times, I can say that the author makes it all seem easy. A perfect gift for any old-house owners on your gift list.

Any who would convert an older house to more modern living purpose will find ideas galore in NEW ROOMS FOR OLD HOUSES: BEAUTIFUL ADDITIONS FOR THE TRADITIONAL HOME. The additions considered here are designed with two purposes in mind: to fit into a modern lifestyle, and to blend with an older home's decor and purposes. Color sidebars of architectural style detail accompany lovely color photos of successful projects and chapters packed with ideas for changes, making this an excellent choice for any library strong in home remodel projects.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book is like a drop-dead gorgeous date who makes graceful, learned, amusing, and helpful conversation. Magnificent photographs of artfully selected homes from the golden American past are embraced by text that takes you by the hand on an aesthetic and educational adventure that will allow you to move onward with confidence when the house you've come to love is too small.

If your home is like another member of the family, contemplating an addition will send you in search of the architectural equivalent of the finest plastic surgeon. This book will allow you to recognize that architect and to express your dreams knowledgeably when the time arrives.

I commend author and architect Frank Shirley for sharing his experience, his clear way of thinking, and his passion with all who might benefit.

In this book the text is far more important than the pictures, though the photos have been carefully chosen to complement the content of the book. Frank Shirley examines how building processes evolved and how this relates to making your new old home or addition look right. It's a thinking person's guide to successful renovations and additions for houses of any period. In comparison most other books treat this subject superficially. However, if you want a picture book, look elsewhere.