HOME & GARDEN

Americana Soul: Homes Designed with Love, Comfort, and Intention

Simon Element. Oct. 2022. 224p. ISBN 9781982187408. $32. INTERIOR DESIGN
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Caldwell is the designer star of HGTV’s shows Boise Boys and Outgrown. This book is his first, and it is, in essence, a photographic portfolio of nine home design projects from his HGTV series. Its primary focus is the design aesthetics of the homes showcased, less about their functionality and none on their infrastructure. The introduction and chapter frontpages outline Caldwell’s design philosophy and offer some commonsense tips for any homeowner contemplating a home renovation project. There is no doubt he is passionate about home design. The photography is lush and inviting, and the textual captions give short design tips. While all ideas are visually attractive, some are also impractical. For example, the wooden backsplash behind the stove is a potential fire hazard.
VERDICT This book is useful to anyone planning a renovation project to cull tips and ideas but with the caveat that its primary focus is on the design aesthetics. It does not contain information on a home’s functionality or infrastructure. An optional purchase for public libraries or where HGTV-related publications are in demand.
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