I’m taking my reading suggestions in a different direction this month. Instead of fun and breezy summer reads designed to take your mind off sheltering in place, I want to make to help you make the place you are sheltering in your escape*.

*Stay safe - know your limitations and always consult a professional before beginning any major renovation project/repair*.

Full disclosure – sometimes I run out of shows to watch/re-watch on HGTV. For August, I’m inspired by the book I chose to review, Make Something Good Today by Ben and Erin Napier. It’s not a how-to book. It’s a memoir about their lives which explains why they do what they do and why they love what they do. It’s a great inspiration for us all. I’ve included some of these books plus a few how-to books, and why you should books to help motivate you to get going on those home projects.

Who/Why?

Make Something Good Today (2018) by Ben and Erin Napier – I won’t say much about this book because you can read my review in this issue, but if you watch Home Town on HGTV, you’ll enjoy this memoir.

It Takes Two: Our Story (2017) by Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott – Find out how these twin brothers got their start in home renovation and what keeps them going. Fun family stories and behind the scenes stories from the set of their hit TV shows, Property Brothers and Brother vs. Brother.

Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life (2019) by Leanne Ford and Steve Ford – I have a soft spot for the brother-sister duo Steve and Leanne Ford. They grew up in the same Pittsburgh suburb where I live, and they renovate houses in the Pittsburgh area. This is the story of growing up and having the courage to pursue their creative talents and the good sense to do it together. Plus, I’m a big fan of their work.

Junk Gypsy: Designing a Life at the Crossroads of Wonder & Wander (2016) by Jolie Sikes and Amie Sikes – Sisters Jolie and Amy Sikes share their passion for found treasure from flea markets with their distinctive decorating style. Learn about their travels and some of their famous clients.

The Magnolia Story (2016) by Chip and Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino – the story of Chip and Joanna Gaines and how Fixer Upper came to be.

How

Vern Yips Vacation at Home: Design Ideas for Creating Your Everyday Getaway (2019) by Vern Yip – Former Trading Spaces designer Vern Yip shows you how to duplicate the tricks used by 5-star hotels to make your stay unforgettable. Yip also takes you into the homes of some of his clients to show you the many ways design can be personalized to suit your style.

Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave (2018) by Joanna Gaines -Go room by room with Joanna Gaines as she shows you how to create a home that reflects the personalities and stories of the people who live there. Gaines uses examples from her farmhouse and some of the homes she has designed.

A Touch of Farmhouse Charm: Easy DIY Projects to Add a Warm and Rustic Feel to Any Room (2016) by Liz Fourez – Tour Fourez’s family’s restored1940s rustic farm style home. She teaches you how to make each handmade decoration yourself. These projects require minimal effort and add instant charm to any room in your own home.

Decluttering and Organizing SweetHome (2019) by Cellina Edgar – I considered putting this book under why because Edgar explains the advantages of getting organized and letting go of the clutter. I decided there was so much how-to advice, I’d keep it here. Edgar breaks how to declutter, but she also shows you how you decorate in such a way that you don’t invite clutter back in your life – a useful concept.

Open House: Reinventing Space for Simple Living (2017) by Amanda Pays and Corbin Bernsen – Pays and her husband actor Corbin Bernsen (L.A. Law and Psych) have been renovating homes for family and friends for over 30 years. They share their secrets for renovating older homes – how to stay on budget, where to shop, and to how create open airy spaces and increase functionality.

Why/How

Get it Together: An Interior Designer’s Guide to Creating Your Best Life (2018) by Orlando Sorio – Sorio is part designer part life coach using design to help people work past breakups or live their best lives on a tight budget. He explains why design matters and the importance of finding your own style and then shows you how it’s done.

Home Management: Plain and Simple (2017) by Kim Brenneman – Understanding why you’re stressed about organizing your day and your home is the first step to making a change. Why should you consider a home management plan? Brenneman explains why and she shows you how to tackle all those nagging jobs that keep you from appreciating your home.

Smart Housekeeping Around the Year (2017) by Anne L. Watson – According to the author, “A lot of housekeeping is about what you do, and why you do it after you've taken care of the obvious chores.” Watson arranged her book in Almanac form because cleaning or maintenance chores are not created equally. Some items need to be cleaned daily while others may need to be completed weekly, monthly, or even yearly. Knowing when you need to clean or perform maintenance will help you avoid repeating unnecessary tasks or keep you from forgetting crucial maintenance.

Your Clean Natural Home (2020) by Madison Brooks – Once you declutter and tackle all those projects you must keep your home clean. Madison Brooks shows you how to clean with natural products.

Designology (2019) by Dr. Sally Augustin – You’ve seen all the shows and been to every open house in town. You know what’s pretty, but before you start tearing down walls, ordering designer cabinets and hand made tiles for your backsplash, think about how you need/want to use your space. Designology examines how smells, textures, and other factors in your home influence your happiness. Personality and ideal design styles are related.