The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now
The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now book cover

The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now

Hardcover – Illustrated, September 18, 2012

Price
$35.49
Format
Hardcover
Pages
256
Publisher
Rizzoli
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0847838721
Dimensions
10.22 x 1.09 x 12.26 inches
Weight
4.33 pounds

Description

"...a stunning testimony to a life well-lived. His work melds the best of the past, present and future, with each home beautifully thought out, romantic and dreamy. Each of the 256 pages in this tome is an inspiration to build one perfect home in your lifetime." ~ Papercity.com "These pages document Schafer's love...and illustrate how thoughtful architecture can infuse the spaces in which we live with meaning." ~Veranda Magazine "I opened the book, and before I knew it, a few hours had passed. And really, I can’t imagine a better way to spend a few hours than to read Gil’s engaging text and pore over the big, beautiful photos of his work." ~ The Peak of Chic "Anyone that has loved a house--or wants to fall in love all over again with their old one should get this book. Better yet-if you don't believe in Love- get the book, Schafer will convince you it can be found at Home." ~ Littleaugury.com "This is a remarkably good book, " The Great American House", should be on your list." ~ mrsblandings.blogspot.com Award-winning architect and AD 100 member Gil Schafer is consistently recognized as one of the world’s experts on contemporary classical architecture. From 1999 to 2006, Schafer served as president and then chairman of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America. His work has been featured in many publications, including Elle Decor and the New York Times. Bunny Williams is an acclaimed interior designer and the author of four books, including An Affair with a House.

Features & Highlights

  • Acclaimed architect Gil Schafer illustrates how he blends classical architecture, interior decoration, and landscape to create homes with a feeling of history. As a traditional architect, Gil Schafer specializes in building new "old" houses as well as renovating historic homes. His work takes the best of American historic and classical architecture—its detailed moldings and harmonious proportions—and updates it, retaining its character and detail while simultaneously reworking it to be more in tune with the way we live now—comfortable, practical, family-oriented. In his first book, Schafer covers the three essential cornerstones of creating a great traditional house: architecture, landscape, and decoration. He discusses the important interplay between the interior architecture and the fabrics, furniture, and wall treatments. In-depth profiles build on these essays, including Schafer’s own new "old" house in the Hudson Valley; the renovation of a historic home in Nashville designed by Charles Platt in 1915; and the restoration of a magnificent 1843 Greek Revival mansion in Charleston. Filled with hundreds of interior and detail shots, The Great American House is an invaluable resource for anyone who loves old houses and traditional design.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(151)
★★★★
25%
(63)
★★★
15%
(38)
★★
7%
(18)
-8%
(-19)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Huh?

I hate when books were designed not to be read. This book came as a recommendation, and I really wanted to take something away from it related to home design, and I did not. I did take away the following feelings, unrelated to the subject matter. First, if you're going to end the page with a widow, don't put five pages of images between the continuation of the sentence. it is distracting, and it either took away from the text or the images depending on the context. Second, name -rop a lot but don't provide any good references for context. I still have very little context for William Platt even though he is mentioned in almost every chapter. I mean I understand who he is from an art history sense, but to this designer, he is just a name to be used often as a catch-all for some period work that seems to be between 1830 and 1950...The images are confusing as the staging looks just that, staged. I learned very little other than bigs baths and eat-in kitchens transcend mcmansions, people who renovate want them, too. Also it is important to look historical but not necessarily be historical, unless you want to be...
11 people found this helpful
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Fabulous read and amazing inspiration

This book was a fabulous read. The classic style of architecture is timeless and Gil Schafer gives the houses a modern twist, without destroying the integrity and appeal. How refreshing to see an architect bucking the trend for McMansions. Whilst the designs and photos of the houses and gardens are really eye candy for me, the book took me away to another place for a while. The homes require a lot of land to make the impact they do in the book. Thoroughly enjoyed it and have recommended to a couple of like-minded classic/hampton style house groupies like me.
6 people found this helpful
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the great american house:tradition for the way we live now

Excellent presentation of photography of decoration in the style that I most like.There were a good number of examples including those of gardens in the style I prefer
2 people found this helpful
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An essential book for lovers of classical design.

Gill has filled this book with hundreds of beautiful photos of his design projects. However it is not just a pretty coffee table book, it is also full of detailed advice on his design methods which is reinforced by his 4 in depth house case studies. His design methodology, especially that of integrating architecture with the location of the house and it's interiors, is thoroughly discussed. This is one 'must own' book full of wonderful information and gorgeous images.
2 people found this helpful
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Most beautiful interior design book

This is a beautiful book with very appealing interiors. Every room shown was one that I would want to live in. I highly recommend.
2 people found this helpful
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Five Stars

Beautiful homes and I enjoyed reading each chapter. Looking forward to his new book!
1 people found this helpful
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Beautiful, timeless, well written.

I purchased this as a gift for somebody at Christmas and had the obligatory look through prior to wrapping. Then I had second thoughts about giving it away! Beautiful, timeless, not trendy or overdone. Wonderful focus on detail, including floor plans. The recipient was happy with the gift and has since rung again to say exactly how much they enjoyed the book. Going to get a copy for myself.
1 people found this helpful
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I was not happy when I received this book with the book binding ...

I was not happy when I received this book with the book binding not connected to the book. When you pay this much for a book, it should be right.
1 people found this helpful
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One of my favorites

The author presents several houses and describes each in detail. I especially enjoyed the detailed descriptions and his reasons for choices. This book will be one I read over and over for many years; the examples and advice are timeless.
1 people found this helpful
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Beautiful book

I want to go live in this book!!. The details pictures are really great. The photo of the different houses are fantastic. Great work.
1 people found this helpful