Homemakers: A Domestic Handbook for the Digital Generation – Reimagining Creative Living and Modern Making for the Twenty-First Century

by Brit Morin

From “Silicon Valley’s Martha Stewart” comes a new manifesto for the modern homemaker in the digital age.

Over the past three generations, the rules of homemaking and our very notions of what a homemaker is and does have radically changed. We are still a nation of makers, but we are crafting and creating beyond the home, in both the analog and digital worlds. And in the next ten years, “making” and “homemaking” will evolve further. Tomorrow’s women will find themselves actually manufacturing everything from decor to clothing, from right inside their homes.

In Homemakers, Brit Morin, founder of the wildly popular lifestyle brand and website Brit + Co., reimagines homemaking for the twenty-first century. While today’s generation thrives in the virtual world, they like to work and create in the physical world. Morin inspires you to combine the best of analog and digital, to help you reconnect with your inner creative child-the one who used to love to draw, to build, and to play-to make your home a more creative, functional, and beautiful place.

Full of captivating, colorful spreads, step-by-step DIYs, tips, and unique ideas, Homemakers explores a range of domestic skills room by room in a house, from cooking advice in the kitchen to health and beauty tips in the bathroom. Simple, beautiful, and stylish, it offer ideas for creative living to encourage and enable the digital generation to make.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Self Help, Reference, Art, Adult, Coffee Table Books

437 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2015

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author an obviously talented and intelligent woman has written a book that includes a step by step on how to boil an egg. And that's when I stopped reading. I flipped through the remainder of the book, stopping at a variety of DIY projects such as: how to make a balloon photo backdrop and how to frost a cupcake and mind numbing chapters on you-should-know-this topics including "Why is sleep so important."
Written for the re-imagined homemaker who is apparently so busy with technology that they can barely function without a DIY guide on how to live. Plenty of blank pages for note taking are included in the book for readers so bored they start to doodle.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Putting a towel in a bread basket is not a "hack." I don't think the author actually knows what a "hack" is.

[Juli Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Now that I have finished swallowing the ombre cake that I threw up in my mouth, I can write this review. Who is this Brit woman? Is she delusional? Is she a Disney character? Maybe both? Before this day, I have never read 400 pages of such dogged, Crayola-colored, shallow optimism. First off, GIRL, CHECK YOUR PRIVILEGE. It’s all fine and dandy that you have an oven that can sense how done your food is, and a 3D printer in your own home, but quit acting like everyone else is as rich and techy as you are. Second, how on earth can you write a book about homemaking and gloss over its gendered history as though we’re all fine and dandy now? As though we actually do “have it all”? After citing that recent statistic about how working women still do an average of 28 hours of housework per week (compared with working men’s 16), she has this to say: “And might I also give major props to the women who are working full-time jobs and still doing 28 hours of household work per week?” This, after congratulating men at large for “contributing more often.” Gah! And, despite spending a couple of pages perfunctorily booing mid-century women’s magazines, Miz Brit still spends two chapters telling us how to find our body type, paint polka-dots on our fingernails, and fix runs in our pantyhose. Are you kidding me? Not only is this book useless and mildly offensive, I can’t even tell who the audience is, beside that it’s definitely ladies. Techy ladies? Crafty ladies? Red-lipstick-and-pumps ladies? I have no clue, but this particular lady is returning Homemakers immediately to the library.

[booksandcarbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could have a field day snarkily detailing all the things about this book that got on my nerves. However, since I'm not a millennial and thus not a member of this book's intended audience, I'm going to refrain. I spent $1.99 on it and that is plenty. I did read about a couple of apps that might be worth checking out. I found the current day projects to be either too simple/obvious OR not worth the time, effort, and materials. I don't need a cutting edge digital generation "maker" to explain how to scramble eggs, make chicken salad (she adds grapes and nuts, which may have been an innovative twist in 1986), frost a cupcake (with canned icing no less), or line a bread basket with a tea towel. The future technologies for each room of the house kind of scared me.

[Specialk · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't what you think it is.

Ironically, it's a book for of Pinterest. It has a few original projects that I've added to my list, and some great app recommendations. But overall, it's a candy-coloured version of every other DIY book. It claims to be a handbook for the digital native homemaker, but I don't think it truly thought about its target audience if that's the case. Also, there's a big difference between needing a recipe for boiling an egg (included in the book) and using bagged cement to make a serving tray (instructions included). You can't think the same person has interest in both?

Cute fun, but save your money and flip through a Library copy, or follow Brit + Co's blog or some social media outlet, since everything is there.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do you know someone that needs to learn how to put a napkin in a basket under some bread rolls? Who would enjoy reading a (blessedly brief) lecture on dual-income households? Who is new to boiling eggs? Who would enjoy instructions on how to tape balloons to a wall for their Instagramming? Then congratulations, this book is for you! It’s too bad because if you slog through the nonsense this book does have some cute DIYs.

PS Try The Year of Cozy by Adrianne Adarme for a ton of wonderful cozy home-making recipes and DIY projects.

[Katia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Glad I checked this out from the library vs paying for it. Lots of the ideas in the book I already knew about and have done, boo. Cute format, just wish it was full of things that I would actually like to do.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knew a lot of things this book mentioned already. Was hoping for more organization tips and decorating tips that were more in depth. Was disappointed there wasn’t.

[Julie N · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing
The writing here is fine, although, to be honest, there's not that much of it. Or at least that much of it to judge as far as quality goes. That's not a criticism, because it's exactly what you'd expect from this kind of book - heavy on pictures, how-tos, and infographics. Pretty to look at and fun to experience, but not a lot of text, with the exception of captions and lists.

Entertainment Value
This has a lot of valuable information on the basics of homemaking and is presented beautifully with lots of images and graphics, rather than blocks of text. I especially the list of recommended apps included with each chapter and the look at upcoming technology that will change how we live, work, and play. If there's a downside, it's that most of this information can honestly be found online without the purchase of the book. It's nice to have and I'm still debating whether or not to keep my copy as a reference or pass it on to the library. It's super pretty and I love all of the information, but it's a chunky book and, like I said, doesn't have anything in it that I couldn't easily find on Pintrest.

Overall
I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but I think this may be one that I'd recommend you check out from the library rather than buy - unless you have a particular spot in your heart for pretty Pintrest-like style images. It would make a nice coffee table book, or if you collect home-decor/fashion books. While I'm not sure it's a must-own, it did inspire me to follow Brit + Co online and gave me some great ideas for my house.

Thanks to Harper Collins for providing me with a copy to review!

[Jenn · Rating 1 out of 5]

NOT what I was expecting. I had hoped for some interesting new perspectives on how to manage a home, family, and career that are relevant to Gen Y and millenials.

Instead, this book has two different angles.

1. Let's spend pages showing you how to boil an egg, because nobody knows how these days.

or

2. Here are all the gadgets you can get as an upper middle-class white woman working in tech in Silicon Valley! Make your life easier (if you're an upper middle-class white woman working in tech in Silicon Valley).

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't as great as I thought it would be. Some of the DIYs and recipes I bookmarked for later, but I'm glad I got it from the library and didn't buy it. I read Brit's blog, Brit + Co, and it's basically the same stuff that you would find on the blog. Most of the pictures are even used on the blog. Also, I found the DIYs a little, I guess, simple. They were stuff you could find on any blog, really. I'm a little disappointed considering I love Brit + Co.

[Dianna D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite initially thinking it was dumb, due to tutorials on how to boil an egg, etc (which I still think is silly to include) at the start, I came to see this book actually has a lot of great ideas, DIY projects, tips, crafts and reference information in the realm of making a home, running a household, etiquette, and entertaining. Good to know information for those just starting out in their first place of their own or first-time homeowners.

[Kristin W · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best part was the opening chapter, very thought provoking. the rest was a standard DIY book, though many of the ideas were too obvious and the more complicated ones are going to require a little more than a couple pictures and short description.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Filled with great ideas to use around the house I will definitely want to buy a copy of this for myself.

[Saima · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute. Interesting first attempt. Morin will most likely follow up with more titles. I also see this as a trend.

[Heather Colacurcio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Claims to be a guide for a modern homemaker, but fails to include the shortcuts that would make ones busy life simpler.

[Marci · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for more originality and not a redo of every other home crafty book out there. It's cute but redundant.

[Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book on deep discount because it was colorful and looked like it might have some cute DIY ideas. It had a few (not nearly as many as I had wished) cute project ideas, but I found myself oddly captivated by this book in a not-so-good way.

Basically this book manages to be regressive in terms of its expectations for women while simultaneously cloaking it in some sort of pseudo-feminist "you can have it all and look fabulous doing it" garb. At the same time, it gushes about upcoming technology that will make women's lives easier - kind of like one of those 1950s adds for tv dinners and dishwashers - come look at the kitchen of the future! It will give you extra time to make dinner, bake a fancy cake, and sew a dress that will please your husband when he gets home from work!

Because I read this book several years after it was published, some of the predictions about future technology were laughable - so much for a 3d printer in every house (which c'mon, who wants that bulky thing taking up useful space in their house - I'm sure some people can make good use of it but for most it would be a dust-accumulator). Apparently we will also all be super-rich. And I'm not one to worry too much about privacy - everyone's information is basically already out there - but some of the tech she gushed about went way past the privacy line in terms of what makes me comfortable.

Finally, given its length you'd think it would have more useful information. Even Martha Stewart, whatever you may think of her and her representation of unattainable domestic perfection (if you have a million assistants and a house large enough to have a gift wrapping room over the barn), imparts some actually useful wisdom. Creating a perfect Thanksgiving feast for 20 guests on a beautifully made table may not be in my future (nor would I want it to be), but that recipe for stuffing might be worth trying. Here we get lessons on how to make chicken noodle soup and what glass to use for martinis.

When all is said and done, the only reason to read this book is to marvel at how someone could write something so devoid of worth. Okay, that's a little harsh. There's one or two projects that I maybe could see myself doing (though nothing you don't see in a million-zillion free online blogs), the pictures are mostly pretty to look at, it is sometimes amusing in an unintentional way, and, honestly, it makes a great book for catching up when you're behind on your yearly books-I've-read goal.

[Emma Sotomayor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book provides a modern guide to building a welcoming, comfortable, smoothly-run home. Morin showcases the role of technology in the home, offering organization tips, recipes, or DIY projects. With full-color illustrations and step-by-step project instructions, this book is good for people who enjoy design, building, or crafting, and are ready to embrace modernity in the home.

At times, this book felt a bit disorganized. While it was divided into different sections based on rooms in the house, I'm not exactly sure what the recurring theme was. Sometimes the sections seemed a bit random with a jumble of recipes or project instructions. But there were many cool projects in these pages, and Morin certainly shows enthusiasm and willingness to think outside-the-box in regards to technology in the home. This book definitely challenges the reader to think like an innovator in order to make a home that works more efficiently and offers peace and comfort.

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this reads much more like a ladies’ lifestyle magazine than a proper informational book. Very impractical, and all of her allusions to the tech for the “digital generation” audience this is supposed to be for either don’t exist yet or are automating things that don’t really need to be automated.

And the introductory trash talk aimed at traditional house wives was unnecessarily mean… like, why? If you want to paint me a picture of the reimagined homemaker, go for it. But you don’t need to drag anyone through the mud. Particularly our grandmothers. 😜

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun Look at the Modern Home

My favorite part of this book was reading how Brit thinks technology will develop in the future. I don’t necessarily think everything will go the way she predicts - I don’t think most people will want their forks to give them caloric information, for example - but overall it was interesting, especially paired with her DIY ideas as well as those contributed by her community.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Intro is a sort of history of women staying in the home. So a bit lopsided view to start. I don't know this/her brand, so I was confused with the beginning of the book. The content is a hodge-podge from picking a mattress, to cooking eggs, to making stuff for said room, to how to wear a black dress and apply make-up.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. It was a decent book, but definitely for those just starting out to intermediate. Some of the things were interesting, but I found myself paging through it halfway through. The things that caught my eye I read, and the things that did not seem interesting I skipped over. Less a "read through this" book and more a "quick access to info" book.

[Hayley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must not be the target audience.

If you're a young person just starting to learn about homemaking, this could be good. However, I must not be the target audience. This was common sense mixed with Pinterest-esque ideas. If you don't know how to scramble an egg, this would be very helpful.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not the target demographic but the author is really self absorbed and I found it bizarre that she doesn't personally thank one & co. Person. Photos all of me in rented airbnb's yuck. I Found myself wondering whose bigwig in publishing's daughter she is?

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was irritatingly shallow. At minimum I was hoping that there would be innovative decor ideas that I could tailor to my own style. The book failed to deliver on even that front. The advice given in the book can be offered more accurately and accessibly on youtube.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book isn’t about how to survive emotionally as a homemaker, it does give great tips and apps to use to make it easier. I think this book is for the new generation of homemakers who maybe didn’t have anyone to pass on any tips or tricks.

[Lynsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is just a huge collection of too basic Pinterest hacks that were already overdone in 2015 when the book was published. There are some interesting thoughts in the introduction, but that’s about it.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, comprehensive guide for making your home unique in the digital age.

[Mindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am too old for this probably.