Best Vernacular Architecture Books of 2025

Julia Watson's Lo-Tek; Design by Radical Indigenism is a thought-provoking book that challenges the myth of technology as a solution to environmental problems. The book draws on traditional ecological knowledge from 18 countries, revealing how indigenous innovation is sophisticated and designed to work sustainably with complex ecosystems. The book's tactile reading experience reflects the ingenuity of the carefully selected projects with copper highlights, a cardboard hardcover, and Swiss binding. Lo-Tek is a must-read for designers, architects, and anyone interested in how we can live in symbiosis with nature.

India Hicks: Island Style is a beautifully illustrated guide to achieving the author's unique decorating style. With never-before-seen imagery and behind-the-scenes stories, India Hicks invites readers into her world of carefree Caribbean culture mixed with British colonial formality. The book covers everything from tablescaping to creating spaces of sanctuary. The personal perspective and passion for design shared by the author make this book a standout in the world of interior design. With its witty tone and stunning photography, Island Style is a must-read for anyone looking to capture a bit of paradise in their home.

Palm Beach Chic by Jennifer Ash Rudick is a captivating guide to the unique interior design style of Palm Beach. The book showcases a collection of 23 homes, from grand Mediterranean Revival houses to charming cottages, that reflect the worldly travels and imaginations of the town's residents. The lush photographs capture the natural beauty of the island, including extraordinary gardens, verandas, lakeside pavilions, and rustic ranches. This book is a must-read for interior design enthusiasts and anyone interested in the eclectic mix of old and new, Spanish and Caribbean, and contemporary design in Palm Beach.

The Spanish Style House: From Enchanted Andalusia to the California Dream showcases the contemporary and historic homes in the beloved Spanish Style in Southern California, while offering a rare look at the original inspirations to the style. Through a celebration of existing historic precedents in Andalusia, Spain, this book presents the definitive picture of the style as it exists today. The book features luminous new photography of homes that showcase the great appeal of Spanish Style, including deep shadow, arched doorways, trickling courtyard fountains, climbing bougainvillea, wood-beamed ceilings, and white plaster walls. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in interior design and architecture.

Casa Bohemia: The Spanish-Style House is a stunning showcase of Spanish-style houses in the southwestern and southern United States, Mexico, and Spain. The book features 29 beautifully preserved residences built between the late seventeenth century and the present day, with stunning color photography capturing architectural details inside and out, along with enchanting Spanish, Moorish, European, and Mexican antique furnishings, artifacts, and crafts. Linda Leigh Paul traces the history of Spanish-style architecture and highlights the distinctive approaches to preservation and decoration found in each house. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the beauty and history of Spanish-style houses.

Santa Fe Modern: Contemporary Design in the High Desert is a fascinating book that explores the modernist and contemporary architecture and interiors in Santa Fe. The book showcases how architects have drawn inspiration from the New Mexican architectural heritage to create unique houses that blend ancient materials such as adobe with modern materials like steel and glass. The book also highlights the synergistic relationship between art, architecture, and the land. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in architecture, design, and the rich history of Santa Fe.

Palm Springs: A Modernist Paradise is a luxurious book paying homage to the mid-century modern architecture of Palm Springs. The book showcases historic jet-set homes designed by legendary talents such as Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Paul Williams, as well as private residences by today's leading tastemakers. The book also profiles outstanding examples of modernist architecture, such as the Annenberg Estate, Ford House, and Kaufmann House, shown in their splendor, as well as today's restorations by top interior designers. This book is a must-have for mid-century modern architecture enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the allure of Palm Springs as a modernist destination.

The California Casa is a comprehensive volume that celebrates the Spanish Colonial Revival style with over 300 stunning color photographs. The book showcases the best of the best, from famous architects like George Washington Smith to contemporary practitioners like Marc Appleton. The houses featured are a fantasy for living made real in the Southern California sun. The author, Douglas Woods, has authored a love letter of sorts to Spanish Colonial Revival, and Melba Levick's photography brings the houses to life. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the beauty and history of residential architecture.

Casa Mexico: At Home in Merida and the Yucatan is an inspiring selection of the latest Mexican design trends from the Yucatán region. Renowned for its picturesque charm, the book showcases the vibrant culture of the Yucatán through a tour of several stunning properties. The sophisticated residences blend artisanal craftsmanship with antiques and contemporary furnishings, designed by renowned talents such as artist Jorge Pardo and architect Manolo Mestre. Beautiful outdoor entertaining, garden, and pool areas enliven all these homes. Overall, Casa Mexico is a stimulating resource for the design aficionado, capturing the bohemian-chic essence of Mérida's aesthetic.

California Romantica is a stunning tribute to the California Mission and Spanish Colonial styles, showcasing rare residential masterpieces by renowned architects such as George Washington Smith, Wallace Neff, and Richard Requa. With a cinematic eye, Diane Keaton, a committed preservationist, presents each house, including her former Beverly Hills home, through specially commissioned photography. D. J. Waldie's authoritative text lucidly explicates the architecture, making this book an intimate tour of a historic and distinctly Californian lifestyle. With authentic Monterey furniture, California tile, and Navajo rugs, this book is a must-have for architecture enthusiasts and design lovers alike.