Best Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement Books of 2025

Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles is a national bestseller that provides readers with more than 250 stunning photographs of signature interiors by trendsetting designer Amber Lewis. The book teaches the art of layering, offering friendly advice on everything from choosing the perfect shade of paint to mismatching patterns with wild abandon. Lewis's eclectic approach and California cool style make this book a must-have for anyone looking to design a home that's made to be lived in. Overall, Made for Living is a well-written and beautifully designed book that is both informative and inspiring.

The Home Bartender, Second Edition is a must-have for anyone who loves cocktails. Author Shane Carley has curated a collection of over 125 cocktail recipes that require only four ingredients or less. This book is perfect for those who want to impress guests at their next party but don't have a lot of time or a thousand-dollar liquor cabinet. The book includes beautiful full-color photography, virgin variations on most drinks, simplified classics, and innovative new libations. The Home Bartender, Second Edition is a fantastic guide to becoming a master mixologist with just a handful of ingredients.

The No Grid Survival Projects Bible by Brandon G. Chasey is the ultimate guide for those who want to become self-sufficient and master bushcraft. With 1000 days' worth of ingenious DIY projects and ideas, this book covers everything from generating energy, collecting and purifying water, to creating a defense system for your disaster-ready home. The author's practical and easy-to-follow ideas offer a refreshing perspective on sustainable living. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to become more self-reliant and prepared for uncertain times ahead.

Old-Fashioned on Purpose by Jill Winger offers a refreshing take on finding happiness by turning to the lost arts of the past. Winger shows how adopting retro skills like gardening and handiwork can be the key to creating a simpler, more joyful life. The book offers practical strategies for growing your own groceries, finding joy in the kitchen, and crafting a more grounded routine. While partially a memoir, the book is 100% honest and inspiring. Winger presents compelling arguments for returning to a fulfilling and satisfying way of life. Overall, Old-Fashioned on Purpose is an excellent read for anyone seeking a simpler, more authentic life.

DIY YouTuber Alexandra Gater shows you how to creatively, inexpensively, and beautifully decorate your space in this inviting and accessible definitive guide to décor ideas for renters and new homeowners alike."Alexandra Gater represents a new generation of apartment therapists who are teaching people how to make a great home at any size with any budget. Her new book is an absolute gift that is not only beautiful and approachable, it's so comprehensive you'll read it, refer to it and keep it under your pillow at night." —Maxwell Ryan, founder of Apartment TherapyHave you ever wondered what to do about the “Renter Beige” walls in your apartment? Have you ever thought you’d wait to upgrade that sofa from your grandparents’ basement until you had a place of your own—and then found yourself spiraling with questions like, “Will I ever own a house?” Have you bought a new home—but now have little money left over to spruce it up? And how can you make those outdated appliances and cabinets in your kitchen look better without breaking your budget?Alexandra Gater is here to help.Through her online home decorating series, the YouTube star and décor expert has taught millions how to transform their spaces into the homes of their dreams. Whether struggling with the limits of living in a rental—how do you hang things without putting holes in the wall?—or living in a new home—how can you make that outdated backsplash work for you?—Alexandra has the answer. In Own Your Space, she offers tips and tricks covering everything from making your home smell better to essential kitchen utensils. And best of all, you get to know her better along the way.Gorgeously designed, full of practical advice, DIY, and fun anecdotes, and packed with approximately 300 four-color photographs, Own Your Space will help you turn your apartment or starter house into the place you want it to be .

Patina Modern: A Guide to Designing Warm, Timeless Interiors is a practical design guide that teaches readers how to create beautiful and comfortable homes. The authors, Chris Mitchell and Pilar Guzmán, share their experience of six home renovations, revealing the full evolution of their homes in room-by-room detail. They demonstrate how to mix modern design with timeworn materials, such as white oak, brass, and bridle leather, to create a warm and inviting living space. The book also covers essential lessons, including Decorating by Mood and Borrowing from the Best. Overall, Patina Modern is an inspiring and practical guide that empowers readers to design around the things they love.

The Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement is the most comprehensive home improvement manual available. It includes over 2,300 photos, 800 drawings, and practical text to guide you through more than 325 step-by-step DIY projects. The book covers essential information on tools, materials, and basic skills, as well as comprehensive sections on wiring, plumbing, roofing, siding, heating, cooling, flooring, cabinets, and more. It also includes a remodeling guide, a resource guide, and a thorough index and glossary. This updated third edition provides information on recent code updates and changes, making it the most trusted resource book for DIY projects and repairs to save you money when maintaining your home.

The Ultimate Guide: Plumbing, Updated 5th Edition by Creative Homeowner is an excellent resource for anyone looking to save money on plumbing repairs and improvements. With over 800 photos and detailed diagrams, the book guides readers through each step-by-step process, from fixing leaky faucets to installing plumbing fixtures like sinks, bathtubs, and showers. The book also covers green solutions for conserving resources and the basic physics of a home's plumbing system. The emphasis on code-compliant techniques ensures that all projects are done correctly. Overall, this comprehensive plumbing how-to book is perfect for both major and minor DIY plumbing repairs and improvements.

The Home Edit is a room-by-room guide to establishing order in your home, written by the stars of the Netflix series Get Organized. Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin's signature approach to decluttering is filled with detailed tips, beautiful photographs, and a lot of fun. The book walks you through paring down your belongings in every room, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-find way, and maintaining the system. The Home Edit is a masterclass and look book in one, providing an accessible guide to make every single space in your house function efficiently and look great.

Polyface Designs is a comprehensive guide for building scalable farming infrastructure, featuring tips and tricks from Polyface Farm's half-century of trial and error. Written by Joel Salatin and illustrated by former Polyface apprentice Chris Slattery, this book offers detailed diagrams and building specifications for constructing everything from broiler shelters to corral gates. The 568-page book is in full color and is a beautiful addition to any coffee table. Despite its cover price, the cost is easily justified by the many money-saving building tips included. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable farming practices.