HOUSEBABY

The Designer's Bookshelf

Designing a home isn't just about floor plans and finishes—it's about creating a space that reflects who you are and how you want to live. These handpicked books, that we reference in our own design, are filled with timeless principles, inspiring imagery, and practical guidance from the voices that excite us the most in architecture and interior design.

Whether you're planning your forever home, refreshing a single room, or simply love to dream, these reads will ground you in good design and spark fresh ideas with every page. They're the books we return to again and again—and we think you'll find them just as essential and inspiring.

Timeless Architectural + Home Design Books

New England Coastal: Homes That Tell a Story

Mark Hutker

A visually rich collection of 13 homes that reflect the beauty of New England coastal living infused with modern craftsmanship. These heirloom-quality residences offer timeless inspiration for planners dreaming of refined summer houses.

A Sense of Place: Houses on Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod

Mark Hutker

Showcasing over 300 thoughtfully crafted homes, this book explores how architecture can harmonize deeply with its regional context. Each project balances local vernacular traditions with the needs of modern family life.

Heirlooms to Live In: Homes in a New Regional Vernacular

Mark Hutker

This substantial monograph deepens the conversation about crafting homes with integrity, quality, and respect for context. Its four thematic chapters cover build-quality, indoor-outdoor living, interiors, and regionally rooted style.

Get Your House Right

Marianne Cusato

A classic guide to the architectural details that define beautiful, enduring homes. Ideal for anyone designing in a traditional or New England vernacular.

Creating a New Old House

Russell Versaci

A detailed look at building new homes with the charm and character of historic ones. Packed with floor plans, architectural analysis, and case studies.

The Not So Big House

Sarah Susanka

A smart argument for building better—not bigger—homes that align with how we truly live. Perfect for downsizers, dream-home planners, and thoughtful renovators.