The most popular American house styles today are still the classics from yesterday--Capes, Bungalows, Victorians and Federals. The perennial struggle, however, is how to best live in them with our changing needs. Often, we need more space. The likely solution? Add on. The challenge? How to do it right.

Published in conjunction with The National Trust for Historic Preservation, NEW ROOMS FOR OLD HOUSES by renowned architect Frank Shirley contains more than 300 full-color photos. It is a beautiful design guide and essential resource for anyone who loves classic American houses or is considering expanding an old home.

Through words and pictures, Shirley shows how to enlarge a home without sacrificing the charm and character of the original structure. Using the guiding principle of “harmony,” Shirley walks readers through the four cornerstones of design on which, he believes, all old house expansions should be based: balance, public and private areas, the careful use of transitions, and the choice of appropriate materials.

Packed with photos, both before and after shots, and architectural drawings, NEW ROOMS FOR OLD HOUSES is a fascinating tour through the golden age of architecture.

Any who would convert an older house to more modern living purpose will find ideas galore in NEW ROOMS FOR OLD HOUSES: BEAUTIFUL ADDITIONS FOR THE TRADITIONAL HOME. The additions considered here are designed with two purposes in mind: to fit into a modern lifestyle, and to blend with an older home's decor and purposes. Color sidebars of architectural style detail accompany lovely color photos of successful projects and chapters packed with ideas for changes, making this an excellent choice for any library strong in home remodel projects.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Wonderful book. As a homeowner and dreamer of owning an old house that may include plans for an addition, I was very much interested in learning the details of such an undertaking. This beautifully done book book provided me with the understanding to begin the process (at least in my mind for now!)with it's thoughtful consideration of different styles/architecture and how people once lived in these wonderful homes of the time vs how we live today and why the consideration of an addition to many old homes comes into play. I appreciate how chapters on old home additions reveal the history of the process from beginning to end and within the pages are some really great stories. I also found useful the chapters detailing the various materials used in construction of older historical and/or historic homes(there is a difference between the two and the book explains what that is). The author provides photos and insight into examples of ill planned/poorly concieved additions for the reader to see and gain a sense of why they don't work which I found very helpful.

As an aside I live less than 2 miles from the Federal Style house in Marshalton, PA. I have driven by this magnificant home in it's country setting many times and it is interesting that I always sensed there was something about the house that intrigued me- since it appears that the entrance to the original drive was at a different location on the street at one time and at some point had been planted with Spruce trees to conceal the old entrance. I could not put my finger on it but as I looked at the old entrance in juxtaposition to the facade of the home at it now sits something of a question mark came into my mind. After reading Mr. Shirley's book I found out that the house had been moved from it's original foundation and reoriented prior to the new addition being undertaken. What a great piece to the puzzle I had vaguely pondered in my mind a time or two while driving by the property! And the architect who was involved with the renovation...I happened to grow up near him (about 20 miles away from where I now call home) and we rode the same school bus during high school.

Loved this book, a great read-gave me lots of inspiration and clarity for that day when I pick up the phone and make that call to an architect to work with in the process of adding to my old house! And, for someone who often has 2 or 3 books going at one time, I found myself enjoying every page and putting other books on hold until I finished this delightful piece of work.

I researched long and hard for a few newly released books hopefully containing a lot of inspiring photos and decorating and design projects to help me with my home's restoration. Out of the 4 books I purchased, "New Rooms..." and Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint by Curtis Heuser - were by far the most helpful. "New Rooms..." is filled with historically accurate examples as to how to add architecturally add on to your existing home without losing its' original historic flavor - while "Your Home..." gives you loads of interior decorating advise as to how to recreate period charm after renovation. The book follows the complete interior artistic transformation of the author's 1890's historic home, with over 30 how to projects. I highly reccomend both books to anyone interested in home remodeling or restoration!

This book is absolutely fantastic. If you are considering putting an addition on an old home or any home, this book provides thoughtful insight on how to do the job correctly. Mr. Shirley has done an amazing job making the subject matter easy to understand. The photographs of the properties in the book are absolutely stellar. I would give this book two thumbs up.

This book is like a drop-dead gorgeous date who makes graceful, learned, amusing, and helpful conversation. Magnificent photographs of artfully selected homes from the golden American past are embraced by text that takes you by the hand on an aesthetic and educational adventure that will allow you to move onward with confidence when the house you've come to love is too small.

If your home is like another member of the family, contemplating an addition will send you in search of the architectural equivalent of the finest plastic surgeon. This book will allow you to recognize that architect and to express your dreams knowledgeably when the time arrives.

I commend author and architect Frank Shirley for sharing his experience, his clear way of thinking, and his passion with all who might benefit.