History is brought to life in many historic houses, especially at Christmas time, when special decorations help to welcome the social season and visiting guests. Learn history and local customs through this charming book's lively text and over 400 color photos. Costumed guides interpret Christmas traditions in some of the thirty, specially decorated houses that are featured, from across America. Both magnificent estates and simple residences offer a variety of styles, tastes, and ideas to inspire your own celebrations. See preserved buildings with illuminated gardens, inviting dining halls and stunning interiors. Enjoy the many efforts on display here that help to make the Christmas season a magical time of sharing, caring, and gratitude.

Product Description: In 545 beautiful color images, this fascinating book presents a broad sampling of residences that embody a living and evolving history of the Alamo City (including some repurposed commercial sites). Some of these structures are grand in their own right, others modest...read more

Product Description: The beauty of Christmas displayed through decorated historic homes from around the country. From Virginia to Texas, tour 27 houses and see how history comes alive in a festive way during the holiday season. Learn the traditions of President Lyndon Baines Johnson's family with a trip to "The Texas White House," revisit colonial America with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, and get decorating tips from professional designers...read more

Product Description: Explore over 40 contemporary villas by today's most creative architects. Their brilliant architectural designs integrate the built structure and natural environment in open countryside and urban spaces, realizing ideal places. Villas in deserts, mountains, and meadows, with seaside or lakeside vistas, and in urban locations are all revealed in informative text and 560 gorgeous color photos and plans...read more

Painting your home yourself can be faster, more affordable and even easier than hiring professionals—but only if you get it right the first time. Painting Do-It-Yourself For Dummies, helps you do just that with easy-to-follow, step-by-step procedures for giving your, floors, walls, and ceilings the extreme makeover of your dreams. More than 500 photos and illustrations show you exactly how to perform each step of each procedure the right way and avoid drips, smudges, and ugly surfaces. You'll find out how to choose the best paint for the job, figure out how much paint you'll need, and use rollers, brushes, and other painting tools with skill and precision. Before you know it, you'll have the confidence and ability to tackle any household painting project with ease. You'll discover how to: Select the proper tools and materials for each painting job Choose colors that will work for you—now and for years to come Prepare your room and the surface for painting Make necessary wall and ceiling repairs before painting Brush up on painting basics Create faux finishes with shapes and patterns Use glazes to dazzling effect Bring out the beauty of wood trim, windows and doors Finesse furniture, frames, and other household items Complete with a handy list of dos and don'ts for perfecting your painting skills, Painting Do-It-Yourself for Dummies, gives you the guidance, tips, and information you need to get a professional-level outcome every time.

Product Description: Glass tile is the hottest trend in today's design tricks bag. Glass tile plays with light, adds liquid sheen and brings any room to life. Glass tiles also add a surprising depth to even the tightest of spaces, creating a sense of openness, as little else can...read more