Colonial Homes and Their Furnishings

Step back into early American domestic life with Colonial Homes and Their Furnishings by Mary H. Northend, a richly illustrated study of the interiors, objects, and craftsmanship that shaped New England homes in the colonial and Federal eras. Northend’s engaging historic nonfiction traces the story of household taste and material culture through detailed photographs and descriptions of furniture, doorways, family heirlooms, Lowestoft porcelain, and the everyday objects that survived centuries. Drawing on visits to notable Salem collections and other New England houses, the author situates each piece within the maritime commerce and social history that brought exotic wares to American tables and parlors. Themes include craftsmanship, preservation, domestic life, and the evolving aesthetics that bridged the 18th and early 19th centuries—rendered with an eye for visual detail that makes the illustrations come alive for listeners. Rich with context but free of jargon, this architecture-and-interiors book offers both historical insight and aesthetic appreciation. Perfect for lovers of American history, antique collectors, interior designers, preservationists, and anyone fascinated by the tangible stories of the past.