Have you ever finished a book and felt an urge to change your life? Some stories are so evocative that they plant a seed of inspiration, urging us to travel, cook, fall in love, or even dream of creating our own personal sanctuary. For me, books like Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert inspired me to explore new places and indulge in life’s pleasures. But when it comes to dreaming about home—a place uniquely yours—there are some books that truly make you want to pick up a hammer (or at least a phone to call us!).
Here are some of the stories that inspired my own love for the idea of home and might spark the same for you:
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
If you’ve ever dreamed of buying a dilapidated old home in the countryside and turning it into something magical, this book is for you. Mayes’ memoir details her journey of restoring an old villa in Tuscany, capturing the romance, hard work, and eventual beauty of the process. After reading this, I couldn’t stop thinking about buying a crumbling stone house in France or Italy and bringing it back to life—surrounded by vineyards, of course.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
While this book may not seem directly related to building a home, its focus on the open road and the quest for freedom made me think about what a home really means. To me, On the Road inspired the idea of creating a home base—a space so uniquely yours that you can return to it after every adventure, feeling grounded and at peace. It’s the kind of home that reflects a life well-lived.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This classic story isn’t about building a home per se, but the way the characters bring a neglected garden back to life mirrors the joy of restoring something forgotten. It’s a reminder that a home isn’t just about walls and a roof; it’s about creating spaces—inside and out—that nourish your soul.
Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Growing up, these books were my first introduction to the concept of creating a home from scratch. The Ingalls family’s determination to build a life on the frontier, crafting their own cabin and cultivating the land, showed me the resilience and creativity involved in making a house a home. It’s a nostalgic reminder of how much love and effort go into building something from the ground up.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Set in post-World War II England, this charming novel highlights the importance of community and belonging. While the story focuses more on relationships, the descriptions of cozy English cottages made me dream of a home filled with character, history, and warmth. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to design a space where people naturally gather and share stories.
Why These Books Inspire Homebuilding Dreams
- Personal Connection: These stories remind us that a home is an extension of ourselves, a place where we can express our individuality and values.
- Community and Collaboration: Many of these narratives highlight the joy of coming together to create something meaningful, whether it’s a garden, a restored villa, or a welcoming gathering space.
- Romantic Idealization: The dream of crafting a home—whether it’s from scratch or through restoration—is deeply rooted in the idea of building a life filled with purpose and beauty.
What Are Your “Home-Inspiring” Books?
Whether it’s a memoir about restoring a historic property or a novel that paints vivid pictures of cozy cottages, stories have the power to inspire our real-world dreams. What books have made you want to design or build your own perfect space? Share your favorites with us—you never know who you might inspire next!
At Radius Design, we’re passionate about staying ahead of the curve and helping clients create homes that fit their unique needs—today and in the future. If you’re ready to bring your dream home to life, we’d love to help!