This Old House Kitchens: A Guide to Design and Renovation Sticker: Companion to the. [Paperback]

Steve Thomas (Author), Philip Langdon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Here the team from television's This Old House concentrates their efforts on remodeling that most heavily used and often changed room in the American home, the kitchen. Of note are current contributing factors to change: the increasing interest in food preparation and the eventual abandonment of the dining room, now often integrated into the kitchen, the center for workaday and social gatherings. In 30 years, kitchens have evolved from hygienic laboratories into cozy, plant-filled family havens. There is certainly much to consider in renovating, with ever-newer appliances and equipment vying for space in an already highly competitive area. How are we supposed to deal with microwave ovens and food processors? Where can we efficiently install a dishwasher, a refrigerator? A great many possibilities are explored with the kind of cheerful optimism we have come to expect from This Old House 's crew, but without the limitations of television. The very different requirements of readers are considered, and solutions are framed by advantages and drawbacks. Basic planning and designing are covered, with plumbing, electric, heating and venting systems reviewed in layman's terms that observe both quality and function. This isn't just a reference book for professionals, but a helpful guide for the homeowner whose kitchen needs a timely redo. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

This book continues the fine tradition of other books produced under the auspices of PBS's most popular TV series. Folksy, conversational advice is offered for those considering changing a kitchen. The book is illustrated with both black-and-white line drawings and color photographs, and examples of finished kitchen areas abound. Available materials, varying processes, and essential elements are discussed in practical, nontechnical language and style. The close focus makes this book nearly comprehensive. Recommended, particularly in conjunction with its more general predecessors, Bob Vila and Jane Davidson's This Old House: Restoring, Rehabilitating, and Renovating an Older House ( LJ 10/1/80) and Bob Vila and Norm Abrams's This Old House Guide to Building and Remodeling Materials ( LJ 11/1/86). (Illustrations and index not seen.)-- Alex Hartmann, Bloomsburg Univ. Lib., Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (January 31, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316841072
• ISBN-13: 978-0316841078
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #540,490 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Remodeling & Renovation > Kitchens

More About the Author

Emmy Award winning Steve Thomas hosts Renovation Nation, on Planet Green. He celebrated his final year as host of television's most popular home improvement series, This Old House, during the 2002/2003 television series. 

He was honored with a 1997-1998 Daytime Emmy Award and nine nominations for "Outstanding Service Show Host."
In between projects, Steve's yen for adventure, which he attributes to his late grandfather, a missionary in the Alaskan Arctic, inspired him to combine his love of fine woodworking with his passion for the sea and sailboats. In 1977, Steve worked as a carpenter on a 75-foot ketch being built in Antibes, France. Over the next few years, he logged many blue-water miles sailing a 43-foot wooden sloop from England to San Francisco via the Panama Canal, Galapagos, Marquesas and Hawaii.

In the early 1980s, Steve journeyed to the remote Micronesian island of Satawal to learn the ancient technique of star path navigation under the master navigator Mau Piailug. Steve's research resulted in the critically acclaimed book The Last Navigator published in 1987. The next year Steve returned with a film crew to shoot a documentary of the same title for the PBS series Adventure. It was in 1989, in between research trips to the Alaskan Arctic for a second Adventure book and film, when Steve received a call from the Adventure series publicist, who also worked for This Old House. The show's producers were conducting a national search for a new host, and the rest is history.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars easy reading and great advice, November 10, 2002

By 

Dave S. (Fullerton, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Old House Kitchens: A Guide to Design and Renovation Sticker: Companion to the. (Paperback)

I've been in the plumbing business since 1977. I've sold designer plumbing fixtures at the wholesale level and as a new construction plumber I've installed plumbing in countless kitchens. When the time came to design our room addition and a new kitchen, I discovered I really didn't know much about kitchen design. This would be less of a concern if I wasn't doing everything (design and construction) myself. The work area of our kitchen is too small. I can't get to the sink or refer. without "the cook" nudging me out of the way. I've never made a phone call from the kitchen without "the cook" asking me if I'm done with the phone book sitting on her counter. I'm pretty sure that if the door to the garage didn't block the oven and pantry, when open, I would get locked in the garage less often. The author did a great job in providing design ideas and I'm comfortable I have the solutions. His commentary on choice of finish materials is priceless. I've given everything available consideration, but decided on nothing. The author provided me with what I was looking for to make some smart decisions. We've had this project on the table for over 4 years and a lot of ideas have been "kicked" around. I reached a point where I would have to install wheels on the cabinets and appliances or make some decisions on what to do. This book is a big help. The book isn't a detailed "how to" do the trade work involved but it's a sound guide on the process. I'm not in a position to say any book will make a kitchen expert out of any reader, but I would say the information is solid and practical. I read "Kitchens That Work" by Martin Edic and Richard Edic and think it's a good book as well.

10 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book, April 3, 2002

By 

"countrychef1" (Oswego, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Old House Kitchens: A Guide to Design and Renovation Sticker: Companion to the. (Paperback)

I just received this book and after briefly skimming through the pages, I know I am in for a real treat. Mr. Thomas has a flare for writing like no one else. The introduction immediatelly sets the tone of a very user-friendly book that you will refer to again and again. I loved how Mr. Thomas made you feel like you were standing right along side him as he takes you step for step in the planning of your kitchen. He has highlighted the important details that a homewoner will need to remember. The easy-to-read text is wonderful as is the numerouse floor plans and illustrations throughtou the entire book.. The colored pictures are gorgeous.

Anyone thinking about remodeling or designing a kitchen needs to own this book. They will never be disappointed.