Small Homes and Cottages: Top 10 Best Books

In today’s world, the allure of small homes and cottages has captured the imagination of many. Whether it’s the charm of a cozy cottage nestled in nature or the efficiency of a well-designed small home, there’s something uniquely appealing about these spaces. If you’re looking to build, design, or simply dream about living in a small home or cottage, this carefully curated list of the top 10 books on the subject will guide you every step of the way.

Author: Oliver Warren, a seasoned architect and writer with a passion for sustainable living. Oliver has spent over a decade designing small spaces and is the go-to expert for anyone looking to make the most out of minimal square footage.

Discover the Best Books on Small Homes and Cottages

For those fascinated by the world of small homes and cottages, the following books are essential reads. Each offers a unique perspective, whether you’re interested in design, lifestyle, or the practicalities of small living. These books are more than just guides; they are sources of inspiration that will help you turn your small home dreams into reality.

10. Elements of Family Style: Elegant Spaces for Everyday Life

Author: Erin Gates
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars | 713 ratings
Elements of Family Style: Elegant Spaces for Everyday Life

Erin Gates brings a refined touch to the world of small homes and cottages with her book Elements of Family Style. This book provides a detailed look at how to infuse elegance into everyday spaces, making it a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their small living space.

Why You’ll Love It: Erin’s experience as an interior designer shines through in this book, offering practical advice on how to make a small space feel luxurious without overwhelming it.

Fun Fact: Erin Gates is also a popular blogger, and her design tips have been featured in numerous top-tier magazines.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: Elements of Family Style: Elegant Spaces for Everyday Life


9. The Little Book of Cottagecore: Traditional Skills for a Simpler Life

Author: Emily Kent
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars | 558 ratings
The Little Book of Cottagecore: Traditional Skills for a Simpler Life

Emily Kent’s The Little Book of Cottagecore explores the traditional skills and simplicity that define the cottagecore lifestyle. This book is perfect for those who appreciate the rustic charm of small homes and cottages, offering practical tips for bringing this aesthetic into your everyday life.

Why You’ll Love It: The book is packed with DIY projects and tips that make it easy to incorporate cottagecore elements into your small home or cottage.

Fun Fact: Cottagecore has become a viral trend on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where people showcase their quaint, countryside-inspired lives.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: The Little Book of Cottagecore: Traditional Skills for a Simpler Life


8. Cabin Porn: Inspiration for Your Quiet Place Somewhere

Author: Zach Klein
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars | 1,667 ratings
Cabin Porn: Inspiration for Your Quiet Place Somewhere

Zach Klein’s Cabin Porn is more than just a book—it’s a movement. This book features stunning photography and inspiring stories of people who have created their own small homes and cottages in remote areas, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Why You’ll Love It: If you’ve ever dreamed of building a cabin in the woods, this book will provide you with the inspiration and practical advice to make it happen.

Fun Fact: The Cabin Porn website was started by a group of friends who shared their passion for simple living and remote cabins. It quickly gained a massive following.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: Cabin Porn: Inspiration for Your Quiet Place Somewhere


7. Cozy Cottage and Cabin Designs, Updated 2nd Edition: 200+ Cottages, Cabins, A-Frames, Vacation Homes, Apartment Garages, Sheds

Author: Design America Inc.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars | 268 ratings
Cozy Cottage and Cabin Designs, Updated 2nd Edition

This updated edition by Design America Inc. is a comprehensive guide to designing cozy cottages and cabins. With over 200 design options, this book is perfect for anyone looking to build or remodel a small home or cottage.

Why You’ll Love It: The variety of designs included in this book ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a traditional cottage or a modern A-frame.

Fun Fact: Design America Inc. has been creating architectural plans for over 35 years, making them a trusted name in home design.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: Cozy Cottage and Cabin Designs, Updated 2nd Edition


6. Ultimate Book of Home Plans, Completely Updated and Revised 4th Edition: Over 680 Home Plans in Full Color

Author: Editors of Creative Homeowner
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 out of 5 stars | 376 ratings
Ultimate Book of Home Plans, Completely Updated and Revised 4th Edition

The Ultimate Book of Home Plans offers an extensive collection of over 680 home designs, making it a valuable resource for anyone planning to build or remodel a small home or cottage. Each plan is presented in full color, providing a clear and detailed vision of the possibilities.

Why You’ll Love It: This book is a treasure trove of ideas for those who are serious about building their dream small home or cottage, with designs that cater to various tastes and needs.

Fun Fact: Creative Homeowner is known for its extensive catalog of home design books, and this edition is one of their most comprehensive collections.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: Ultimate Book of Home Plans, Completely Updated and Revised 4th Edition


5. Big Book of Small Home Plans, 2nd Edition: Over 360 Home Plans Under 1200 Square Feet

Author: Design America Inc.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars | 379 ratings
Big Book of Small Home Plans, 2nd Edition

The Big Book of Small Home Plans is an excellent resource for those who need functional yet stylish design ideas for homes under 1200 square feet. This book features over 360 plans that maximize space without sacrificing style.

Why You’ll Love It: If you’re working with limited space, this book offers creative solutions that make small homes and cottages feel spacious and comfortable.

Fun Fact: The popularity of small home plans has surged in recent years, driven by a growing interest in minimalism and sustainable living.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: Big Book of Small Home Plans, 2nd Edition


4. Mountain House: Studies in Elevated Design

Author: Nina Freudenberger
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.3 out of 5 stars | 40 ratings
Mountain House: Studies in Elevated Design

Nina Freudenberger’s Mountain House explores the unique challenges and rewards of designing homes in elevated, mountainous terrain. The book showcases stunning designs that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings.

Why You’ll Love It: This book is perfect for those who are fascinated by the idea of living close to nature and are looking for design inspiration that complements rugged landscapes.

Fun Fact: Nina Freudenberger is also the author of Bibliostyle, a book that delves into the homes of book lovers around the world.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: Mountain House: Studies in Elevated Design


3. Best-Selling 1-Story Home Plans, 5th Edition: Over 360 Dream-Home Plans in Full Color

Author: Editors of Creative Homeowner
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars | 630 ratings
Best-Selling 1-Story Home Plans, 5th Edition

This edition from Creative Homeowner offers a collection of the best-selling one-story home plans. Each plan is crafted to combine comfort, style, and functionality, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering building a small home or cottage.

Why You’ll Love It: The full-color designs and detailed descriptions make it easy to visualize your future home, ensuring you choose the right plan to suit your needs.

Fun Fact: One-story homes are particularly popular among retirees and families with young children, due to their accessibility and ease of maintenance.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: Best-Selling 1-Story Home Plans, 5th Edition


2. Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills

Author: Abigail Gehring
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4,614 ratings
Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills

Back to Basics by Abigail Gehring is a comprehensive guide for those who want to live a simpler, self-sufficient lifestyle. The book covers a wide range of traditional skills, from gardening to home construction, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in building and maintaining a small home or cottage.

Why You’ll Love It: This book is packed with practical advice for living off the grid, making it a valuable resource for those who want to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

Fun Fact: Abigail Gehring has written several books on self-sufficiency and homesteading, making her a well-respected authority in the field.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills


1. Pocket World: Adult Coloring Book with Miniature Worlds inside Tiny Items for Relaxation and Stress Relief

Author: Coco Wyo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars | 297 ratings
Pocket World: Adult Coloring Book with Miniature Worlds inside Tiny Items for Relaxation and Stress Relief

Pocket World by Coco Wyo offers a unique take on small homes and cottages through the medium of an adult coloring book. This book allows you to explore miniature worlds within tiny items, providing a relaxing and creative escape for anyone fascinated by the idea of small, cozy spaces.

Why You’ll Love It: This coloring book is a great way to unwind and explore your creativity, making it perfect for those who love small homes and cottages and want to bring a little bit of that charm into their everyday life.

Fun Fact: Adult coloring books have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, making them a popular choice for relaxation.

Category: Small Homes and Cottages
Buy it now on Amazon: Pocket World: Adult Coloring Book with Miniature Worlds inside Tiny Items for Relaxation and Stress Relief


Check out some more Top10 categories: www.top10books.org

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”