Today, many barns across the United States have outlived their original usefulness and are being destroyed, while others are slowly collapsing. Yet, some creative architects, developers, and homeowners exploit the flexible space offered by barns. They provide striking construction, impressive space, and an imaginative play of sunlight and shadow that makes them a delight to inhabit when converted into a residence, office, retail establishment, nonprofit center, and much more. Over 240 beautiful color photos and informative text explore possibilities for transforming barns to living and...

New York State harbors blood and death, haunted houses, and many ghosts. Read a colorful and horrific history of Peter Stuyvesant, the French and Indian War, and 9/11. Meet pre-Revolutionary ghost Jane McRea, the headless soldier of Fort Niagara, the spirit of Grace Brown of Big Moose Lake, and those who haunt Boldt Castle, Kings Park State Hospital, and West Point. Meet a few monsters, too: Champ, Bigfoot, and, of course, the Headless Horseman. Pull up a chair and delight to fascinating tales of New York.

Traditional Asian design is having an impact upon the way ever increasing numbers of Western people choose to build and furnish their homes to create stunning spaces. Over 340 striking color photos reveal the many new ways to combine Asian harmony with modernism. Top designers and architects use dynamic Asian designs and materials, including cypress, silk, and stone. In the engaging text, architect Barney Maier and designer Charlene Keogh discuss Asian design traditions for Western culture. For building, renovating, and landscaping in the Asian style, this useful reference will assist...

From coastal retreats to city streets, the modern shingle style home offers residents a wide range of specialized features, including the ability to reconnect with nature, energy efficiency, and improved indoor environmental quality. Through nearly 300 photos of 40 North American homes, this study offers historical perspectives and modern interpretations of this unique American movement. Be inspired by the creative ways that stone, wood, and natural light are used to provide comfortable and sustainable living quarters that accompany the natural elements of these properties.

One hundred artists have come together to share the distinctiveness of New England. Oil paintings, glass and metal sculptures, and works in wood offer a fresh look at this region's long, rolling hills and famous autumn colours. Learn histories of the art colonies, including Rockport-Gloucester and Provincetown, Massachusetts; Monhegan Island and Ogunquit, Maine; Old Lyme and Cos Cob, Connecticut; and North Conway, Cornish Colony, and MacDowell Colony, New Hampshire. A great resource for artists, collectors, and art dealers, as well as art historians.

Tour historic homes and other buildings that have been altered to accommodate 21st century lifestyles. Through 338 color images, learn how renovating or refashioning an older building increases the financial return on the initial investment, preserves the original integrity of the building, and prevents unnecessary disruption of a neighborhood. Visit an 1855 Gambrel, a Denver Beaux-Arts House, and a 20th century Georgetown house, and see how old houses can be modified and updated to accommodate the demands of present-day life. That 19th century inglenook can become a home office or a new...

Homes that sit on the waters edge offer tranquility and tradition that have long been part of the American dream. For those looking to pursue that dream as a vacation home, a vacation to retirement home, or primary residence, this image-driven decor book presents more than 50 waterfront homes in the continental United States.

Scotland is one of the most haunted countries in the world. With centuries of battles, seers, curses, and illicit romances, it is no surprise that Scotland has more than its share of ghost stories and legends. Learn about the many haunted castles with their creepy dungeons, secret tunnels, and winding passageways; and see a Green, White, or even an occasional Grey Lady. Follow the ambitious clans, the family feuds, and the constant troubles with the English. Reflect on the rich blend of Celtic myths and legends, and the fairy world. Scotland abounds with stories of kelpies, selkies, and...

This expansive book takes a fresh look at 100 living artists from the Midwest, their personal stories and inspirations, along with several examples of their works. A wealth of urban settings, wide plains, flourishing cities, rushing rivers, and placid lakes are source material and inspiration for the artists. These works show how each artist interprets life. They explore the richness of the homegrown imagery of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin - their culture, society, and environment. They are delineating our stories for future generations in oil, pastels,...

Take a fresh look at the magical and insightful compositions of artists living in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Here, 100 living artists delineate their creative expression through their personal stories and inspirations, along with several examples of their works. In oil, pastels, sculpture, and wood, with a diversity of styles and influences, including pop surrealism, realism, and expressionism, these artists capture the rich traditions of the south and our world. Essential reading for all who appreciate or practice art today....