Top 4 Spanish & Mediterranean House Plans
Architecture inspired by Spain includes simple mission churches in Colonial America, nineteenth century Mission style houses with romantic Craftsman detailing, and the elegant Mediterranean style architecture built from 1915 to 1940. Browse these books for building plans, histories, and photos. Top 7 Books to Remember the World Trade Center
Viewing photographs and reading about New York's World Trade Center is a way to grieve, and also to heal. Many of books published after September 11 show details of the terrorist attack. The titles listed here, however, recall the Twin Towers as they once were. Some emphasize spectacular color photographs, others delve into history, architecture, and engineering. All are powerful and provocative. Top 4 Architecture Books for Kids
Children who are old enough to read and to complete simple crafts are ready for these fun and educational books about buildings and home design. Also remember that kids learn by doing: Try to combine quiet reading time with activities that let the child put ideas into action. See our resources list at the end of this article for more kid-friendly books about architecture. Top 4 Architecture Books for Preschoolers
A child is never too young to begin learning about buildings and design. Written for preschoolers and beginning readers, these picture books and simple storybooks lay the foundation for understanding and appreciating the world of architecture. For older children, be sure to check out the resources listed at the end of this article. Top 8 Books About Palladian Architecture
Often called one of the most influential architects of all time,
Andrea Palladio created some of the most stunning, graceful, and awe-inspiring country villas in the Italian Veneto region during the Renaissance. Often imitated but never duplicated, his style continues to inspire homes across Europe and America to this day. Top 10 Tools to Help You Choose House Paint Colors
Wouldn't it be great to preview color combinations on your house, before spending a lot of money on paint? You can, with virtual painting programs. Just point and click to see rooms, furnishings, and house exteriors in many different colors. Keep in mind that your monitor cannot render colors precisely. Use these programs to explore possibilities, then test spot your chosen paints in a small area. Top 8 Skyscraper Web Sites
Have you ever tried to measure a skyscraper? It isn't easy! Do flagpoles count? What about spires? And, for buildings still on the drawing board, how do you keep track of the ever-shifting construction plans? To compile our own master list of World's Tallest Buildings, we use skyscraper statistics drawn from several sources. Here are the best. Top 7 Adobe Building Plan Books
It's often said that once you live in a home made from the earth, you won't settle for anything else. Beautiful and practical, today's adobe homes combine ancient techniques with modern technologies. To build your own, start with these helpful how-to guides. You'll find floor plans, construction information, and more. Also, don't miss our related story on illustrated books of adobe homes. Top 10 Plans for One-Story Homes
The one-story home allows for vaulted ceilings, dramatic window shapes, and generous use of skylights -- amenities that a multi-level home can't provide. A one-story home can be built to accomodate any need and taste, and is available in just about any style. The collections below will help you find the single-level home of your dreams. Top 7 House Style Guides
What style is your house? To find answers fast, reach for one of these portable paperbacks. With black and white photos and pictorial glossaries, they will help you spot a Queen Anne, tell the difference between a Bungalow and a Tudor, and name the decorative features that make your own home special. Unlike a hefty architectural encyclopedia, the focus is on private homes, mostly in North America. Top 6 Log Cabin Building Plans
Roll up your sleeves. If you'd like to build your own log cabin from scratch, these construction guides and building plans will tell you how. Packed with floor plans, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions, these titles give the technical information you'll need to design and construct a log cabin that expresses your style and personality -- without using a ready-to-assemble mail order kit.
Top 10 Antebellum Gift Books
One of the crowning glories of the American South was its architecture. With majestic Greek pillars, balconies, formal ballrooms, covered porches, and imposing staircases, these remarkable homes express grandeur and poignancy of a bygone era.
Let images of Tara fill your senses as you peruse these stunning gift books and photo collections. Top 6 Architecture Books for Kids: Projects
Any kid can become an architect--All it takes is simple household materials and a creative mind. The books listed here are brimming with activities and projects that explore the world of building and design. Whether used for school or play, each page opens the door to learning. For more ways to introduce children to architecture, see our resources list at the end of this article. Top 6 Adobe Picture Books
Combining comfort, adaptability, tradition, and personal expression with a feeling of being sheltered by mother earth, adobe homes are a natural choice for anyone who is concerned with eco-friendly design. Below are our choices for the finest "coffee table" books that deal with adobe history and homes. See also our companion piece for books on adobe buidling plans. Top 10 Luxury House Plans
Everyone needs a dream, and these building plans will let you indulge your wildest fantasies. You'll find large estates with superb architectural detailing, separate guest suites, servants' quarters, home entertainment rooms, pool houses, detached garages, and more. If money's no object, or if you simply seek inspiration, these are the house plans you've been looking for. Top 10 Haunted House Books : "True" Stories
Don't turn off the light while you immerse yourself in these true tales of haunted houses, inns and restaurants around the world. Whether you're a believer or not, you'll feel the tingle in your spine and the hair on the back of your neck stand on end when you least expect it! Also be sure to check out our companion piece on the best fictional books about haunted houses. BOO! | 