Family Home of the New West

By Eliza Cross Castaneda

Family Home of the New West

By Eliza Cross Castaneda

Winner - 2007 Colorado Authors' League Award for Nonfiction Service/Informational Book

The traditional nuclear family of the last century is an ideal as nostalgic as an Old West Calistoga wagon; these days, more than half of all families are "blended." As families have changed, so have our definitions of what a family home should be. Today's living spaces must often function for family members with widely varying ages, sometimes also accommodating the comings and goings of stepchildren and the diverse needs of extended families. At the same time, the home environment is constantly evolving as family members grow up. To cope with the ongoing challenge, we search for furnishings and materials that are flexible, adaptable and beautiful - yet able to withstand the rigors of daily living.

You'll find inspiration from the homes in Family Home of the New West for everything from tiny details to major remodels. From the desert vistas of the Southwest to the high country panoramas of the Rocky Mountains, homeowners open their doors to share living spaces that are stylish and personal, yet inherently practical. You'll discover solutions to common challenges and ideas that translate to varying budgets, with the details and resources to help you develop your home's own personal style and character.

(Northland Publishing, 144 pages, $21.95)