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Remodelista
Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home
Remodelista.com is the go-to, undisputed authority for home design enthusiasts, remodelers, architects, and designers with disposable income. The antithesis to sites that cater to all tastes, Remodelista has a singular and clearly defined aesthetic: classic pieces trump designs that are trendy and transient, and well-edited spaces take precedence over cluttered environments. High and low mix seamlessly here, and getting the look need not be expensive (think Design Within Reach meets Ikea). Remodelista decodes the secrets to achieving this aesthetic, with in-depth tours and lessons from 12 enviable homes; a recipe-like breakdown of the hardest-working kitchens and baths; dozens of do-it-yourself projects; The Remodelista 100, a guide to the best everyday household objects; and an in-depth look at the ins and outs of the remodeling process. In a world of design confusion, Remodelista takes the guesswork out of the process.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2013
146 people are currently reading
829 people want to read
About the author
Julie Carlson
5 books14 followersJulie Carlson is the author of Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home and cofounder of inspirational home site Remodelista.com. Previously, she worked at the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies in New York before joining the editorial staff of The New Yorker. A graduate of Brown University, Julie lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 8, 2014
Hold on just a moment! Catch your breath and consider my opinion that runs contrary to most of those expressed about Remodelista. I am happy for those who feel so positively about this book. But, if there are a few people in this world who think like me, I want to give them another assessment to consider before they put money or time into this thing.
On the positive side, the photography by Matthew Williams is one of the few things that make this book more valuable than the BTU’s it could generate in a fireplace. Also, you would be hard pressed to find a dining table (other than the one on the cover, ironically) in this book that is not at least noteworthy, even though there is little style deviation in the lot of them. And, well, okay, about 10 percent of what is presented is useful and perhaps novel. But there is a lot of painful and pretentious fertilizer to comb through in order to get at the useful and functional.
I can’t help but feel bad for the rich people in this book who abused themselves or got abused by their designers and architects. I sense that they invested so heavily (emotionally and financially) in their homes that they can’t allow themselves to honestly assess the return on their investment relative to a metaphorical index fund.
Try taking an objective look at each design. Place yourself in the home. Imagine cooking breakfast, reading on the sofa, raising children, hosting friends and family, or living your senior years in any of these places. Good design considers all of this and much more, and it delivers the goods with artistry, style and grace. If you don’t demand that for yourself and of the professionals that you hire, then perhaps you will love this book. To go even further, think about costs, environmental impact, maintenance, cleaning. They really miss the mark in that light. Many of these designs are cluttered 10 minute doodles brought to life.
Two examples from the book that I will mention are the 1,400 pound bathtub (as I imagine this to be the home of Justin Bieber) on page 253, and the outdoor shower on page 10 that is accessed by climbing through a tall window, as opposed to say . . . a door! (Think Green Acres.) These are not the worst offenses in the book but exemplify designs that are ridiculous and weak. Even if the window is an attempt to circumvent building code, it is lazy, not inventive.
Thinking of the designs in this book as food, they would taste like kale and have the nutritional value of doughnuts topped with salty caramel ice cream. There are people who will pay for such food, eat it, and say that they enjoyed it. But that doesn’t help me with my life. By this point you should have a feel for my line of thinking. If you think along the same lines, then find yourself a different dish. Otherwise, dig in and enjoy.
On the positive side, the photography by Matthew Williams is one of the few things that make this book more valuable than the BTU’s it could generate in a fireplace. Also, you would be hard pressed to find a dining table (other than the one on the cover, ironically) in this book that is not at least noteworthy, even though there is little style deviation in the lot of them. And, well, okay, about 10 percent of what is presented is useful and perhaps novel. But there is a lot of painful and pretentious fertilizer to comb through in order to get at the useful and functional.
I can’t help but feel bad for the rich people in this book who abused themselves or got abused by their designers and architects. I sense that they invested so heavily (emotionally and financially) in their homes that they can’t allow themselves to honestly assess the return on their investment relative to a metaphorical index fund.
Try taking an objective look at each design. Place yourself in the home. Imagine cooking breakfast, reading on the sofa, raising children, hosting friends and family, or living your senior years in any of these places. Good design considers all of this and much more, and it delivers the goods with artistry, style and grace. If you don’t demand that for yourself and of the professionals that you hire, then perhaps you will love this book. To go even further, think about costs, environmental impact, maintenance, cleaning. They really miss the mark in that light. Many of these designs are cluttered 10 minute doodles brought to life.
Two examples from the book that I will mention are the 1,400 pound bathtub (as I imagine this to be the home of Justin Bieber) on page 253, and the outdoor shower on page 10 that is accessed by climbing through a tall window, as opposed to say . . . a door! (Think Green Acres.) These are not the worst offenses in the book but exemplify designs that are ridiculous and weak. Even if the window is an attempt to circumvent building code, it is lazy, not inventive.
Thinking of the designs in this book as food, they would taste like kale and have the nutritional value of doughnuts topped with salty caramel ice cream. There are people who will pay for such food, eat it, and say that they enjoyed it. But that doesn’t help me with my life. By this point you should have a feel for my line of thinking. If you think along the same lines, then find yourself a different dish. Otherwise, dig in and enjoy.
July 21, 2018
Did my husband and I laugh at the $200 drawer pull? Yes. Did I roll my eyes at the thought of stepping through a window to an outdoor shower (which, btw, should come with a warning: consuming alcohol before using this shower may result in broken appendages)? Yes.
Did love this book anyway. Yes. Even if I can't afford to copy the interiors of these homes (and who would want to eschew their personal taste in favor of copying someone else's?), and even if some of the designs are less than ideal for everyday use, the bulk of the collection is sound and offers inspiration, which is what I took from it.
Did love this book anyway. Yes. Even if I can't afford to copy the interiors of these homes (and who would want to eschew their personal taste in favor of copying someone else's?), and even if some of the designs are less than ideal for everyday use, the bulk of the collection is sound and offers inspiration, which is what I took from it.
May 13, 2014
When a 300 square foot bedroom was referred to as small in the first chapter, I paused, but decided to keep going. But I couldn't get past the $200 doorknobs a few pages on. I just couldn't relate.
(I'm curious; does it get frustrating to only be allowed to own books with cream covers, or do these folks have secret hidden bookshelves where they keep the ones that don't fit with their color scheme?)
(I'm curious; does it get frustrating to only be allowed to own books with cream covers, or do these folks have secret hidden bookshelves where they keep the ones that don't fit with their color scheme?)
January 25, 2021
I like the Au natural look. Some good tips, but a lot of stuff I knew before. Lots of good options for small spaces and a minimalist aesthetic.
September 7, 2019
Простая и вдохновляющая книга о том, как сделать дом красивым. Прочитала буквально за полтора часа ♥️
February 8, 2018
The first half of this book consists of remodeled homes, some of which are of the too much white with no furniture vastly oversized house school, but not all, some interesting ideas in here. This is followed by a section on areas like the kitchen. The next section is some DIY and on the cheap methods of decoration. Then there's a very weird list of 100 favorite items that includes things like Fiskars scissors. Lastly the book wraps up with some decent advice and a resource list.
Since the book gives low end as well as high end examples of remodeling, it's above average for this sort of book. A decent read but not a keeper, skimming their website might be better.
Since the book gives low end as well as high end examples of remodeling, it's above average for this sort of book. A decent read but not a keeper, skimming their website might be better.
August 27, 2018
This book was delicious eye candy. Really a mix of incredulous humor (um, do people really pay that much for a door knob??!), lists of beautiful, useful products (my Amazon wish list expanded thanks to this), and inspiration for even more plants in my home. Plus I made a tablecloth out of a drop cloth thanks to this book's suggestion. :)
February 16, 2014
There are some interesting ideas in the book (especially if you have a large disposable income). Let me sum it up for you: everything in your house should be white, banish anything plastic, and make sure all of your (Edison) light bulbs are exposed. Now you have a designer home!
September 11, 2022
This book served two purposes: providing lovely photos to look at as well as hilariously out-of-touch commentary to go with said photos. In-law suite that has your elderly parents climbing a ladder to get into bed? Check. Stating that having your refrigerator in your actual kitchen instead of relegated to a separate room is a “Betty Crocker” look? Also check. Covering your insanely expensive mirror with washi tape to avoid bad feng shui?!?! Check check check!
I could go on. These are people who do not clean or maintain their own homes and have spent insane amounts of money to make them essentially unlivable without staff. These homes belong to people with money to burn.
I could go on. These are people who do not clean or maintain their own homes and have spent insane amounts of money to make them essentially unlivable without staff. These homes belong to people with money to burn.
October 24, 2019
Листать отличного качества страницы и любоваться фотографиями стильных дизайнерских находок - уже наслаждение. Тем, кому нравится скандинавский лаконичный стиль, обязательно понравятся предложенные решения в интерьере. Но здорово, что авторы подходят к вопросу ещё и с любовью и бережным отношением к природе, призывая отказаться от пластика и найти натуральную альтернативу необходимым бытовым вещам.
October 12, 2018
Если делаете ремонт, перепланировку, обновляете квартиру и мечтаете избавиться от хлама. Много идей и ссылок на магазины. Быстро пролистывается ;)
October 20, 2018
Красивые фотографии, красивые вещи. Сочетания моих любимых обожаемых Ikea и Muji. Очень красиво, но возможно не всегда применимо)))
July 27, 2013
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Artisan Publishers for early access to this title.
4 1/2 stars - This book is so much my style! I'm already in love with their website, and this book is a great companion and compilation of their best ideas. I loved the ideas presented, and how the chapters were organized. The double page spreads were nice as well. Following presentation of already decorated homes are great ideas for DIY projects and favorite items of the Remodelista team. There's an extensive list of suppliers and favorite stores, and a well-compiled index to help you find that one lamp you were looking for. I hope they do a Gardenista book soon!
4 1/2 stars - This book is so much my style! I'm already in love with their website, and this book is a great companion and compilation of their best ideas. I loved the ideas presented, and how the chapters were organized. The double page spreads were nice as well. Following presentation of already decorated homes are great ideas for DIY projects and favorite items of the Remodelista team. There's an extensive list of suppliers and favorite stores, and a well-compiled index to help you find that one lamp you were looking for. I hope they do a Gardenista book soon!
May 17, 2018
I am currently obsessed with Remodelista! Although, not every interior photographed is my personal home decor style, every home is full of excellent design principles that will work for every home. Remodelista is just what it says it is…A Manual for the Considered Home! Creative solutions to even the most difficult homemaking dilemmas and the photographs in this book are worth the price of the book alone! This is a book that you will pull off the bookshelf or coffee table again and again for continued enjoyment and inspiration!
February 22, 2015
Eye candy. Thoroughly enjoyed paging through this book, even though many of the design elements were unattainable to me. The aesthetics and style is minimal, modern, and rustic. I feel this book can be enjoyed if viewed as an inspiration piece only, not a DIY manual because it's light on details. The index at the back is super helpful and something I will refer to for sourcing home goods and / or design elements in the future.
September 16, 2018
They have some good thoughts about peg rails and s-hooks. Also a weird fetish for taking things that are already in perfectly functional containers and putting them into different containers, so that you don't insult your refined designerly eyes with something so mundane as a plastic laundry detergent bottle.
November 22, 2019
Для себя я отметила три основных задачи: 1) научиться использовать своё пространство и вещи, которые уже есть в доме; 2) группировать и маркировать вещи; 3) сначала провести ревизию и только потом что-то покупать.
P.S. Советую читать электронную версию. Она дешевле и ничем не уступает печатному изданию.
P.S. Советую читать электронную версию. Она дешевле и ничем не уступает печатному изданию.
Read
January 18, 2023misguided paint choices and ugly carpeting
offering your services as a house sitter
subway tile
ask her about her total expenditure—and then add 50 percent (as a form of self preservation)
quality versus cost
Set aside a slush fund. We suggest banking at least 10 percent of your budget as a contingency in case things go wrong.
Architectural fees vary but average about 15 percent of the cost of construction.
Ask former clients: How was the architect to work with? Did the job finish on time and come in within budget?
The architect-client relationship is like a short-term marriage
focusing on proportion, color, light, and texture—without bringing in the wrecking ball.
architects who aren’t licensed—a complicated process; every state sets its own requirements—call themselves designers
That old adage “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself” does not apply when you don’t know what you’re doing.
Do it yourself
• Painting
• Installing simple flooring systems
• Installing basic tile
• Refinishing wood surfaces
• Swapping out hardware
• Replacing light covers
• Changing out trim and moldings
• Installing off-the-shelf shelving units
• Building basic shelving or utility furniture
Consider doing it yourself (if you’re really handy)
• Removing and replacing old tile and bathroom fixtures
• Replacing doors and windows
• Replacing appliances
• Installing prefabricated cabinets
• Constructing a simple wooden deck
• Small, nonstructural demolition
• Applying plaster finishes
The scope of every project has a tendency to expand.
Make sure you have a detailed construction schedule that everyone agrees upon.
Designate someone, such as your contractor, to track progress and update the schedule regularly.
hold back some cash before the job’s completion (20 percent is a good ballpark figure). If you fail to do this, you’ll have little leverage when there are loose ends to be tied up.
Treat all your subcontractors as valued employees. A morning cup of coffee or an afternoon platter of cookies can go a long way.
Learn to say “Yes” rather than “Let me think about it.” All projects require that many decisions be made during construction; being quick and decisive helps keep a project on schedule.
Direct your questions or concerns to the general contractor or the architect. Never give direction to a subcontractor. If you visit too frequently, you’ll take his time away from the needs of his crew and slow down construction.
Send in your warranty cards and keep product manuals in a file.
Assemble all the contact information for everyone who worked on your project, so you know whom to call when things need fixing. Standard construction contracts include a retainer you keep for a certain period after completion so that defects can be rectified at a later date.
Say thank you to every person who worked on your project.
offering your services as a house sitter
subway tile
ask her about her total expenditure—and then add 50 percent (as a form of self preservation)
quality versus cost
Set aside a slush fund. We suggest banking at least 10 percent of your budget as a contingency in case things go wrong.
Architectural fees vary but average about 15 percent of the cost of construction.
Ask former clients: How was the architect to work with? Did the job finish on time and come in within budget?
The architect-client relationship is like a short-term marriage
focusing on proportion, color, light, and texture—without bringing in the wrecking ball.
architects who aren’t licensed—a complicated process; every state sets its own requirements—call themselves designers
That old adage “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself” does not apply when you don’t know what you’re doing.
Do it yourself
• Painting
• Installing simple flooring systems
• Installing basic tile
• Refinishing wood surfaces
• Swapping out hardware
• Replacing light covers
• Changing out trim and moldings
• Installing off-the-shelf shelving units
• Building basic shelving or utility furniture
Consider doing it yourself (if you’re really handy)
• Removing and replacing old tile and bathroom fixtures
• Replacing doors and windows
• Replacing appliances
• Installing prefabricated cabinets
• Constructing a simple wooden deck
• Small, nonstructural demolition
• Applying plaster finishes
The scope of every project has a tendency to expand.
Make sure you have a detailed construction schedule that everyone agrees upon.
Designate someone, such as your contractor, to track progress and update the schedule regularly.
hold back some cash before the job’s completion (20 percent is a good ballpark figure). If you fail to do this, you’ll have little leverage when there are loose ends to be tied up.
Treat all your subcontractors as valued employees. A morning cup of coffee or an afternoon platter of cookies can go a long way.
Learn to say “Yes” rather than “Let me think about it.” All projects require that many decisions be made during construction; being quick and decisive helps keep a project on schedule.
Direct your questions or concerns to the general contractor or the architect. Never give direction to a subcontractor. If you visit too frequently, you’ll take his time away from the needs of his crew and slow down construction.
Send in your warranty cards and keep product manuals in a file.
Assemble all the contact information for everyone who worked on your project, so you know whom to call when things need fixing. Standard construction contracts include a retainer you keep for a certain period after completion so that defects can be rectified at a later date.
Say thank you to every person who worked on your project.
May 29, 2022
this is the kind of interior design book that i do not want to read. after 400 pages all i have learned is that I am too poor. every single house shown here is either created by an architect/designer, or owned by a designer, or even better a designer couple. the futile attempt to introduce a save/splurge segment is laughable because a bare eld light bulb will only look intentional and maybe cute in a space that already screams luxury. if i do a light bulb it will just look cheap af
i don't think this is a book for everyday people, definitely not for renters, not even if you are a homeowner doing renovations. the inspirations are very out there and specific to the designer's style. more than one houses in this book have super high maintenance floors that require to be treated every few weeks. more than one bathrooms in this book have armchairs in them (why?) and more than one person custom created their own paint color.
i also do not like how everything was put on a label. everything is either from london, sweden, or japan. else it's definitely an antique. apart from name-dropping, the author spent so much effort complementing the simplest thing. 2 sinks in a kitchen? what a "wealth of options". a pencil? "faint aroma of the forest", IBM clock? "its understated ubiquitous presence left an indelible impression on a generation of bored or harried workers across the land"
i don't think this is a book for everyday people, definitely not for renters, not even if you are a homeowner doing renovations. the inspirations are very out there and specific to the designer's style. more than one houses in this book have super high maintenance floors that require to be treated every few weeks. more than one bathrooms in this book have armchairs in them (why?) and more than one person custom created their own paint color.
i also do not like how everything was put on a label. everything is either from london, sweden, or japan. else it's definitely an antique. apart from name-dropping, the author spent so much effort complementing the simplest thing. 2 sinks in a kitchen? what a "wealth of options". a pencil? "faint aroma of the forest", IBM clock? "its understated ubiquitous presence left an indelible impression on a generation of bored or harried workers across the land"
July 16, 2022
I'm moving into a new space and wanted some inspiration and tips, tricks, hacks to make my new place feel more like a "home" to me so I picked up this book.
Sadly, I found multiple issues with what was presented. While the photography was beautiful the homes being showcased with all the beautiful furniture and accessories were waaaaay outside my limited budget. Also, outside of a few examples, I found most of the design aesthetic really boring - modern, yuppie, expensive normcore that supposedly inspires the masses. No way! A couple of the examples I found downright hideous and had to quickly turn the page.
With that said, I was happy to find a list of resources to check out near the back of the book, except I picked a few websites to visit and they were ALL permanently closed. So that, too, was a bummer.
Overall I found this to be a mediocre resource and not one I'll turn back to in the future. I'll start looking for other books for some helpful design inspiration - this one was a huge pass for me!
Sadly, I found multiple issues with what was presented. While the photography was beautiful the homes being showcased with all the beautiful furniture and accessories were waaaaay outside my limited budget. Also, outside of a few examples, I found most of the design aesthetic really boring - modern, yuppie, expensive normcore that supposedly inspires the masses. No way! A couple of the examples I found downright hideous and had to quickly turn the page.
With that said, I was happy to find a list of resources to check out near the back of the book, except I picked a few websites to visit and they were ALL permanently closed. So that, too, was a bummer.
Overall I found this to be a mediocre resource and not one I'll turn back to in the future. I'll start looking for other books for some helpful design inspiration - this one was a huge pass for me!
December 7, 2018
If you have this type of home (white with muted accent colors and a minimum of clutter) or wish to have this type of living space this is a great book.
For those with deep pockets every type of organizer, container, home decor element is accompanied by a company name and website. On a budget, many of these ideas can be carried out inexpensively with finds from your local thrift store, dollar store, or yard sales.
I feel the need to add that many of these ideas already exist online and you should search there for ideas before buying this book. Sites like ApartmentTherapy, Houzz, and tiny house design sites will entertain you for hours, perhaps days and weeks with ideas for clean, sleek design and clever storage.
For those with deep pockets every type of organizer, container, home decor element is accompanied by a company name and website. On a budget, many of these ideas can be carried out inexpensively with finds from your local thrift store, dollar store, or yard sales.
I feel the need to add that many of these ideas already exist online and you should search there for ideas before buying this book. Sites like ApartmentTherapy, Houzz, and tiny house design sites will entertain you for hours, perhaps days and weeks with ideas for clean, sleek design and clever storage.
October 19, 2018
LOVED. Changed how I will forever decorate and organize my home. I started changing things around the house immediately after reading and feel like I don't have to wait to be super rich to have a collected, clean-cut, magazine-worthy home. I'm attaining it now and feel already like I have a closer connection and love for my possessions and that they are displayed elegantly, down to the fine detail.
May 20, 2019
It's a beautiful book, I'll give it that. When it comes to the actual advice though... Well, it's lacking. The plastic-free fridge looks like something from a movie - who has time after they've done their groceries to decanter every single thing they bought, ketchup included?
There were some useful tips - like using trays and beautiful containers, but for the most part this book is not practical, just pretty to look at.
There were some useful tips - like using trays and beautiful containers, but for the most part this book is not practical, just pretty to look at.
March 1, 2020
Здається, автори цієї книги добре заробили на рекламі різних брендів.
Це книга про захламлення простору речима, які начебто мають допомогти в організації простору. Але якщо щось треба замаскувати, а речі не можуть просто лежати на столі, а мають лежати на таці - то це брєд.
Я запитала себе: чому я взагалі почала читати цю книгу? І зрозуміла, що повелася на рекомендацію блогерки, яка постійно розповідає про slow life. Буде мені урок, як не вестися на фігню.
Це книга про захламлення простору речима, які начебто мають допомогти в організації простору. Але якщо щось треба замаскувати, а речі не можуть просто лежати на столі, а мають лежати на таці - то це брєд.
Я запитала себе: чому я взагалі почала читати цю книгу? І зрозуміла, що повелася на рекомендацію блогерки, яка постійно розповідає про slow life. Буде мені урок, як не вестися на фігню.
November 22, 2019
Совсем не книга, скорее справочник-каталог, который можно пролистать за час, останавливаясь лишь на заинтересовавших разделах.
Хэйта большинства не понимаю: никто не виноват, что все советы отсюда вы читали в интернет-статьях. Книга собирает их в одном месте, подкрепляет фотографиями, а база адресов и контактов в конце — в принципе лучшая ее часть. Пригодится при обустройстве комнаты/квартиры
Хэйта большинства не понимаю: никто не виноват, что все советы отсюда вы читали в интернет-статьях. Книга собирает их в одном месте, подкрепляет фотографиями, а база адресов и контактов в конце — в принципе лучшая ее часть. Пригодится при обустройстве комнаты/квартиры
May 31, 2020
На початку було ще хоть щось цікаве, але з половини все скотилось просто в перелік магазинів. Ідеї типу декантування продуктів, саморобні миючі засоби чи проблема консюмеризму давно у всіх на слуху і без цієї нижки.
Навіть в категорію "для натхнення" ця книжка не отримує свій квиточок. Краще на пінтересті надихатись, там подібні ідеї для дому ще з незапам'ятних часів водяться.
Навіть в категорію "для натхнення" ця книжка не отримує свій квиточок. Краще на пінтересті надихатись, там подібні ідеї для дому ще з незапам'ятних часів водяться.
September 26, 2018
I read this in English but couldn't find the edition here. I think this book has incredible ideas for simplifying to organize. Trim and sparse style that helps keep clutter toned. Not for everyone and a lot of their items can be made inexpensively.
May 15, 2020
Скорее журнал, а не книга. Много повторений, одни и те же советы на протяжении всей книги. Для российского читателя мало полезных ссылок, можно читать и завидовать тем, кому доступны упомянутые магазины. Рекламное издание.
July 2, 2020
Beautiful pictures and Shaker style tidying tips. However, with small children in your average late 80's early 90's style home, the aesthetic is just not realistic for me, so the tips weren't super applicable. I did like the sentiment though (sustainability, less waste, etc).
March 10, 2021
Practical, beautiful, and manageable ways to make your home function better without feeling like you have to buy out the entire container store and bow down to Marie Kondo. You could just put the mouthwash on a tray, and hang your keys.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews