Home at Last: Enduring Design for the New American House

Gil Schaefer enhances each and every image with a descriptive narrative, making it easy to get lost in a single page, enjoying every word, color and detail. The variety of architectural and design styles represented in the book is wonderful. As a traditionalist myself (with a twist on occasion), I loved how the book moved from a more classic style to an edginess and back to the more classic and ending with a phenomenally unique boathouse residence in which only a large glass wall separates the living room from a boat slip under the same roof. While I might not adore every residence featured, I certainly respect the care and curation which makes a residence special and beautiful. There is inspiration in this book.

I loved this book. The book binding and paperweight is top quality. The writer takes you through 7 exceptional homes. With a multitude of exquisite pictures of the exterior and interiors of each home. Thoughtful writing gives you an insight on the architecture and design of each home. I enjoyed each page and its given me a great deal of insight into the decorating of the interiors. So much to look at and enjoy. I loved it so much I am looking into his first 2 books.

I have both of Mr. Schafer’s previous books and love them. When I received ‘Home At Last’ yesterday, I was absolutely blown away. The design of each home and decor is stunning. There are over 300 pages of joy to be had by reading this book and the photography is intoxicating! Do not hesitate to buy this book

Beautiful book! You won’t be disappointed!

Wonderful book. Third book by Gil Schafer. I now own all 3 of the authors titles. Great photographs and info for anyone who loves architecture, old houses and landscape architecture.

This really is a coffee table book. Way too heavy for me to hold and enjoy at this time. Might wait til fall when the weather is more conducive to reading a tome.

Such an amazing book. I am a decorator and so many examples of timeless decor are in this book. Honestly it one of the best decor books I’ve purchased in a very long time. Great upholstery lines and accessories for the home. Color pallets change but the basics remain.

I was a bit in awe at the expense of the projects represented in this book, however, it was easy to overcome that and simply enjoy. The writing is excellent, describing the inspiration for the projects and many of the details, and the photography is just fantastic. There is much more to read that many design-only projects and Gil Shafer's but worth the time.

Good text on house design. What makes a house a useful, liveable space. Using classical elements to enhance a house design. Avoiding "trends". How to incorporate local knowledge, sensibilities (local prejudices/preferences) to get your house accepted by the local community. The author's own experience of marrying and having to incorporate new family members into his own space adds weight to his judgement. Beautifully illustrated. Because Gil Schafer is renowned for using classical design elements he has forged a world wide focus on how to design a beautiful, timeless, home whilst at the same time giving the occupants a lovely place to live. Shows the stark difference between the Mc Mansion design, which is all about the features which are all the rage at the time of building versus the house design based on regional influences and useful elements Good reference book.

Gil is an inspirational architect and designer and this book perfectly demonstrates not just his skill and attention to detail but also how his ideas can be used as a springboard in your own home. Highly recommended.