Bookshelf: Design Classics for the Small Home & Bungalow Life
A peek at the volumes that speak to my love for homes with soul - crafted, humble, and beautifully livable.
Welcome to the porch, dear reader.
One of my goals here at Letters from The Whiskey Porch is to share well-curated, high-quality resources to help you along your own journey toward creating a smaller, simpler, more beautiful lifestyle - and a home with soul.
Thereās something about design books that feels timeless and inspiring to me, especially in this age of pinterest, houzz, and instagram. Iām not anti-tech. I use these tools daily, and they absolutely have their place.
But amid all the scrolling and algorithms, a well-worn book invites you to slow down, linger, and rediscover ideas that have stood the test of time.
Over the years, Iāve built a small but beloved library of books and magazines that reflect that spirit. And given the micro-sized bookcase space in our cottage, a book has to work pretty hard to earn its spot on those shelves.
None of these titles capture my exact take on small living or Nordic bungalow design, but each offers a spark of inspiration - a window into how thoughtful design and storytelling can shape the way we live.
Some even showcase spectacular homes that are far larger than what Iād ever consider āsmall.ā Some are showing their age a bit, and may feel rather dated. But all of them remind me that good design, proportion, and intention matter far more than square footage or passing trends.
So, with that in mind, I thought Iād share a few of the publications and books that have earned their place on my shelf, trusted companions in thinking about home, scale, and soul.
And, if youāve been following along for a while, you may remember my earlier reflection on The Myth of Tiny, The Magic of Small - an essay about why living small isnāt about limitation, but about intention and grace. It pairs beautifully with the ideas in this collection.
Publications for Inspiration
American Bungalow Magazine
This beautifully produced quarterly publication is one Iāve been reading for years. Each issue dives into the history and soul of the bungalow movement with well-written, in-depth features and spectacular photography.
While its heart is in the classic Arts & Crafts era, youāll also find newer builds and remodels that reinterpret the style for modern living. I still pull out old issues when Iām looking for a reminder of what authenticity looks like in design.
Bungalow Basics: Foundations of Style
Bungalow Basics Series by Paul Duchscherer & Douglas Keister
These small-format books are true gems. Each volume explores a single architectural element, from porches to built-ins, with approachable text and excellent photography. Theyāre easy to flip through yet always manage to reveal something new about why bungalows feel so human in scale and spirit.
Bungalow Style by Treena Crochet
A wonderful, approachable overview of bungalow interiors. It captures the warmth and craftsmanship of these homes while offering ideas that work beautifully for contemporary lifestyles.
Craft, Character & Kitchens
Bungalow Kitchens by Jane Powell & Linda Svendsen
Bungalow Kitchens/Thrift Books
Kitchens are often the first space homeowners want to modernize, and often where the bungalowās integrity gets lost. This book is an excellent reference for understanding what made early 20th-century kitchens so enduring.
Iām not a purist, but I do believe that honoring the spirit and materials of those original spaces gives modern kitchens more longevity and soul.
Bungalow Nation by Diane Maddex & Alexander Vertikoff
This book celebrates the regional variations of bungalow design across the country, from California Craftsman to Prairie-influenced homes. It offers not just visual inspiration, but thoughtful commentary on the architectural elements that define the style: porches, fireplaces, built-ins, and furnishings.
Small House Design: The āNot So Bigā Philosophy
The Not So Big House Series by Sarah Susanka
The Not So Big House/Thrift Books
This series has been around since the late 1990s, and definitely feels like it. But its message remains timeless. Susankaās philosophy - designing for quality, not quantity - resonates deeply with me and aligns perfectly with our āsmall-not-tinyā ethos at The Whiskey Porch.
The books are filled with thoughtful design solutions, detailed floor plans, and clear architectural insights that still feel relevant today. Yes, the aesthetic leans a little East Coast, and some imagery now feels dated, but the design principles are gold: scale, proportion, connection, and beauty in restraint.
I occasionally pull one out when Iām stuck on a design challenge. Itās always grounding to return to the fundamentals of thoughtful space-making.
Why These Still Matter
Not every resource here is strictly about small homes, nor do they all reflect my exact style.
But they each remind me that good design has less to do with size or trend and more to do with intention - the pursuit of a home that feels right.
I hope this collection inspires you to explore, to notice, and to keep shaping your own version of āsmall, not tiny.ā
Join the Conversation
Do you have a favorite design book thatās earned a permanent spot on your shelf?
Iād love to hear your recommendations in the comments below šš¼.
With contentment & possibility,
