The House In My Head

The previous reviews written here on The House In My Head are thoroughly correct and beautifully written. I would like to add a few thoughts of my own, beginning with the books' timelessness. As one of the reviews here asks if some aspects of it are dated-- yes. A few are moderately not of our current era. However, perhaps its most important use today would be as a guide for anyone building a fine custom home. The goal should not be to build a trophy house that so many of today's McMansions are, but a significant design specific to an individual's or family's needs and lifestyle. A house shouldn't be designed for anyone else but the inhabitants and their circle of family and friends. Yes, Dorothy didn't really have to think of resale when she designed and built this exceptional and personal house, however these days maybe that doesn't matter as much anymore. The House In My Head, in my opinion, is a must read for anyone building a house today. Rodgers' underlying philosophy is as germain now as it was in 1965. As someone who has visited this house several times, as it's my favorite residence in the world, I've written an article about it on my blog which you may find entertaining: [...] Happy reading, designing, building, entertaining and living!

I am fascinated with houses that enhance living and have compiled my own notes on what facilitates people spending time together. Dorothy Rodgers not only built her dream house but takes us along for the entire journey. While her lifestyle is of a different time, one that includes help and bold prints, her message is very educational and timeless. This gracious lady was "Martha Stewart" before the current version.

After many years of running across this book in used bookstores, I finally purchased a copy thinking it was a college textbook. I was pleasantly surprized that it was one woman's thought process on how to make life better for her family. Finally, after looking at the black and white photos and reading most of the book, I was able to pick up that this was the wife of one of that famous duo.It's a bit dated, but if 1950's to 1960's is your thing, then it's well captured.It would be nice to see a recent photo of this house as it stands today with landscaping grown up; to see if it was stood the time as a good piece of architecture. As for me it was the whole process she went through that was the most important; the design was secondary.And for the good hostess, there are some menus and recipes tucked into the back for the ultimate in American-Continental cuisine from Dorothy's own cookbooks. It's a slice of history!

Many years ago (1967)I discovered this fascinating "journal" of the "concept to realization" of Dorothy Rodger's dream home in Connecticut (she was the wife of Richard Rodgers's of Rodgers and Hammerstein fame). It is a heartwarming personal story of her quest to find the "perfect" home in the country for herself, her family and friends. It is filled with thoughtful anecdotes of her experience of making her dream become a reality. It is personal,sophisticated and reflective of a woman of great charm and style. Dorothy Rodgers had the genius of combining contemporary and tradition elements successfully quite ahead of her time.In 1976 I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book as a gift from her when I wrote to ask her if she had any copies I could purchase as it was out of print. It is one of my prized possessions. It has formed some of the core concepts of my personal architectural and decorating "life" for the past 30 years! It is THAT classic in my view. Since then I found a copy at a garage sale and have given it as a gift. I would value other copies to do the same!