cover image What Not to Build: Dos and Don'ts of Exterior Home Design

What Not to Build: Dos and Don'ts of Exterior Home Design

Sandra Edelman, Judith Kay Gaman, Robby Reid, . . Creative Homeowner, $24.95 (223pp) ISBN 978-1-58011-293-2

In a clever play on the popularity of the television show What Not to Wear , the authors (two designers and an architect) have created a sourcebook to help home builders, designers and buyers learn and apply the principles of good design. After all, the authors point out, "Simply visit most neighborhoods—especially those built within the last 20 years—and you will recognize that many houses need help." Loads of large full-color photos make that point in sections devoted to everything from porches to landscaping. Discussions of proportion, balance, scale and the like are accompanied by before-and-after shots that will help readers train themselves to recognize good (or bad) design. References to da Vinci and Pythagoras add historical heft, and "Architect's Notebook" and "Design 101" lessons illuminate the thought process behind recommended changes. The authors point out the misuse of shutters in neighborhoods nationwide (from incorrect shape to inappropriate size) and suggest how to elegantly remedy these unsightly mistakes. While most of the houses the book covers are large, smaller ones do show up. Regardless of size, the book includes clear, helpful photos to back the authors' arguments. (Nov.)