“This book covers growing, harvesting, and curing as well as crafting and finishing. The projects are artistic and imaginative and cover all techniques.”—Library Journal. “Lots of inspiring gourd crafting techniques and ideas...its 300 color photos...depict many...amazing things you can create. There is detailed information.”—Organic Gardening.

Following the publishing success of his book Twilight of the Ascendancy, which describes the lifestyle of the old landowning families of Ireland from about the middle of the nineteenth century to the middle of the twentieth, Mark Bence-Jones now gives a picture of life in the houses of twenty-three of these families at various periods. Seeing the families in their houses as we do over several generations gives a marvellous insight into their way of life; a way of life in which hunting and shooting, dances and amateur theatricals may have loomed large but in which duty came first. And the houses themselves, their architectural development, their domestic evolution, the changes in interior decoration to suit prevailing tastes, are not forgotten. This book is in effect a history of the twenty-three houses and their families, the houses and the families being intimately tied up; but above all, it illuminates those of us who wonder what the houses were like to live in.

A reference guide to all types of decorative tiling and basic tile laying. Includes information on durability, maintenance and health allergies, as well as color samples, and designs.

Presents step-by-step instructions for projects for decorating the home with flowers, including the basics of flower arranging, design tips, and decorating ideas for a range of styles such as vintage, eclectic, and contemporary.

A well-designed Swedish room, whether an antique-filled country home or a contemporary industrial loft space, has a calm and feel-good quality that literally permeates the atmosphere. See how some of the most authentic advocates of Swedish design are using these ideas in their own homes, places of pure beauty and simplicity. The fundamental concepts of Swedish design are in full play at each location featured and are important qualities to incorporate into a home-those of functionality, quality of materials, light, preservation, art, eclecticism, color, sense of place and a deep reverence for nature. Featured in the book are projects by designers Eleish van Breems, 2Michaels, Liza Laserow, and Jonas Wickman with a look into the private homes of Barbara Paca and Philip Logan of Preservation Green, Mick Aarestrup and Paula Batali of Lief, Tara Shaw of Tara Shaw Inc., Jill Dienst of Dienst and Dotter, Ann Ljungberg and Rajesh Kumar of Just Scandinavian, international stylist Ingrid Leess, and designers Patricia Fischer of Patricia Fisher Interiors and Linda Kennedy of Meredith Baxter Home. The elements of Swedish style are broken down for the reader with inspiring photos and directives and a Resource Guide is provided for further exploration. Forewards by Brad Ford and Keith Granet. Rhonda Eleish and Edie van Breems are the founders of Eleish van Breems Ltd., a company whose approach to design stems from a modern application and interpretation of historic Scandinavian interiors and form. Their design work has been featured in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Veranda, Glamour, Country Living, Gods & Goddar, and the New York Times, among others. Both live with their families in southwest Connecticut and travel extensively in Scandinavia, calling Stockholm their home away from home.

As the second decade of the 21st century begins, we’re more compelled than ever to find refuge in our homes and personalize our living spaces with DIY projects that celebrate who we are and where we’ve been. In Crafting a Meaningful Home, Meg Mateo Ilasco shares 27 projects that tell personal stories and celebrate heritage, all easily created on a budget. Learn how to decoupage a plate with photos of a best friend; silkscreen upholstery with folk motifs; artfully display love notes; sew a teepee from a vintage quilt top; or create family silhouettes for a festive banner. Contributed by a hip cast of well known designers from across the country, the projects are, at once, nostalgic, sentimental, and modern. Clear instruc­tions are easy to follow, even for beginning crafters.

"A return to authentic bungalows might just revitalize the future of the American home." - American Bungalow Magazine

A beautifully illustrated home design reference provides a thoughtful review of social trends and its effects on architecture and design in relation to building and decorating simpler, more affordable, and practical homes to fit a simpler lifestyle. 25,000 first printing.