From a timeless colonial to a tranquil homestead to a streamlined 1930s renovation, Great Homes tells the personal stories behind the homes most popular with Inspired House readers. You'll hear in the owners' own words how they met their needs and aspirations through simple, practical, and eloquent design.

Step-by-step, you'll see how challenges were solved, needs were addressed, and budgets appeased. And you'll get answers to the important questions facing anyone beginning new construction or a renovation: How much space do you really need? What addition is right for you? Where to save? Where to spend?

Highlights include:

• Building a healthier home
• Accommodating a family
• New construction on a budget
• Making an antique home livable

Whether you're building new or renovating, Great Homes will show that don't have to be a celebrity or have a famous designer to live in a beautiful space.

"Adding without adding on" by Sarah Susanka

An Artistic Awakening for a Colonial Home
A sculptor and a collector of antiques use simplicity and honest to reinvent their 18th-century farmhouse

A Home for All Seasons
A strategic remodel turns a family's heirloom summer retreat into a year-round home
BONUS: How much space do you really need?

A Tranquil Hill Country Homestead
With a wish list as a guide, a Texas couple and their architect built an inviting, accessible, and energy-efficient home

Balancing Cost and Style
A basic box embellished in just the right places saves an architect money on her first home
BONUS: Cost-saving design ideas

Textures Set the Mood
A palette of natural materials and an informal floor plan create a relaxed country home

Small & Spacious
5 ideas for making a pocket-size house feel like so much more

Modern before mid-century
A passion for streamline style leads one couple to restore a rare 1930 house
BONUS: A year-to-year renovation plan

A Busy Family Branches Out
A sensible addition brings more to this home than a few new rooms
BONUS: Storage and built-ins keep this family organized

A Better House, Not a Bigger One
Invest in high-end materials and workmanship rather than simply in square footage
BONUS: Smart moves for a small home

The Healthful House
Natural, sustainable materials are gentle on the environment and on the homeowners
BONUS: Designing your own home? Lessons we learned

A Small House Grows up and Out
A modern remodel takes shape on the California coast -- with light, views and privacy in mind

Gallery of Homes

Resources