Good House Parts: Creating a Great Home Piece by Piece, from The Taunton Press, delivers 224 pages of photographs and explanations of very specific design ideas, rather than whole-house concepts, that can be combined or used alone to create a very custom home. Author Dennis Wedlick, an architect, aims the book at consumers and doesn't include construction details or drawings, but the photos communicate his ideas well.

Wedlick focuses on innovative window uses, strong entries, interior and exterior material choices, functional yet beautiful storage, and more, encouraging readers to mix and match styles and ideas.

Another Taunton book, A House on the Water: Inspiration for Living at the Water's Edge, showcases 24 waterfront homes in 224 pages. Robert Knight, also an architect, outlines six design keys: siting and massing, the approach (paths from land and water), framing views, gracious transitions and outdoor spaces, cohesive interior design, and wedding a house to its site.

Both books can be ordered through www.HousingZone.com/store.