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Home at Last, architect Gil Schafer’s third book in a series of best-selling volumes documenting his firm’s remarkable portfolio, is one of this spring’s most highly anticipated book launches, and a delightful treat to lovers of classical architecture. If you had a chance to read any of his previous books, The Great American House or A Place to Call Home, then you probably know that he’s set the bar of expectations pretty high.
Well, Home at Last launched at the end of February and I finally found some time to write a review of it, a review which will, hopefully, agree with the opinions of those who’ve already read the book, or entice those who haven’t into reading it. In short, the projects featured are varied and stunning, while the narrative is both informative and deeply personal. If you, like me, enjoy a good design story that reveals not only the genius of the author, but also personal highs and lows, and is both humble in tone and informative, well, then you’ll love this book. It is Schafer’s most personal account to date.
Changes in the architect’s personal life paired with a global pandemic that has heightened our need for comfort and beauty at home, have translated into a deepened sense of empathy, and a newly found playfulness when designing his clients’s dream homes. By Schafer’s own admission, his latest projects are a departure from his earlier work and are marked by an openness to step outside of the constraints of classical architecture. The homes featured vary in size, location and style, yet they exude the same elegance and architectural integrity. There’s an underlying sense of ease, and the rooms featured are a visual masterclass in classical proportions, the foundation of man-made beauty.
The result is a book that is not only exquisite and aspirational, but a record of an architect’s journey in understanding of what home truly means. Its message is simple and universal; it resonates across time and space, and is exemplified by the words of the late Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz: “Home is not where you were born; home is where all your attempts to escape cease.”
You can purchase Home at Last on Amazon HERE, or through select booksellers across the country.
P.S. A reminder for those of you who, like me, are counting down the minutes: designer Rita Konig’s second Create Academy course, The Advanced Guide to Interior Design, will be launching today at 1pm EST!!!! Make yourself a hot cup of coffee, find yourself a comfortable chair and let the learning begin!
I purchased this book a few weeks ago, and completed my Gil Schaefer collection.
He’s outdone himself, especially in his own home on Block Island. What a beautiful retreat–I would love to spend time there!
He is truly a national treasure.
I only have his first book but it’s such a favorite. I need to pick up the second book and put the third book on my wish list. 😊❤️
Karen B.
Love his books and style. And even though many of the homes featured are quite grand (and therefore unattainable), he manages to provide so much insight and inspiration that even those with a modest budget can benefit from his expertise and extraordinary eye.