Books feed the soul! Whenever I need to feel refreshed or learn about a specific topic, I’m typically turning to a book. As a homemaker, I have found that there is much to learn about keeping a home. It’s not as simple as just buying a house and putting furniture in it. These 10 essential homemaking books will inspire, equip, and encourage you on your homemaking journey.
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Even from the time of being a little girl, I can remember the propensity I had for homemaking. I have vivid memories of cleaning our bathroom and making it into a ‘talk show’ as I showed everyone how to best clean and make beautiful a living area.
I always wanted my room clean and pretty looking. Overflowing garbage even in my elementary years was a point of contention as I wondered why I was the only one it bothered.
Now I know these are not necessarily ‘homemaking’ tendencies, but my point is that I had an acute awareness of my surroundings and I seemed to have an instinct for making my surroundings into a place of organization, cleanliness, and coziness.
Although my styles in my homes have changed drastically over the years, my desire for a healing and life-giving home has not.
As I got married and had a home of my own, I started to turn to books, podcasts, and blogs to learn about homemaking. I have been inspired by women who have gone before me to make their homes.
I have learned that homemaking is not just physically making a home, but it also means cultivating a space that is welcoming physically and spiritually to those we encounter. Sometimes it means letting go of our ‘wants’ and desires to create a space that better suits our children or husband.
So without further ado, here are 10 of the most influential homemaking books that I have found.
10 Homemaking Books
1. The Life-Giving Home by Sally Clarkson
If you have not heard of this book, I might dare ask if you live under a rock! This has turned into a classic book on homemaking and I love it so much, I have it in a paper copy, on my Kindle, and in an audiobook format!
2. The Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
Published in 1985, this book has stood the test of time. The book explores what it means to be an artist through the scope of God being the first artist. She goes on to explore the idea of art being discovered in the home and through the ordinary days of life.
3. Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave by Joanna Gaines
This book is just simply beautiful! Then again, anything produced by Joanna Gaines tends to be beautiful. However, this book gives you more than just pretty pictures. It inspires you to create your own type of beauty in your home and create a space that you don’t want to leave. Your
4. Cozy White Cottage: 100 Ways to Love the Feeling of Being Home by Liz Marie Galvan
This is another simply beautiful book. I would consider this a more inspirational look at homemaking. Liz outlines nine areas of the home and then inspires you with beautiful pictures and ideas. Each area of the home also corresponds to a theme. The porch & entryway area corresponds to the theme of ‘welcome’ and the living room area corresponds to the theme of ‘dwell’. It’s a lovely book that causes you to think through the intention of each room of your house.
5. The Grace-Filled Homestead: Lessons I’ve Learned about Faith, Family, and the Farm by Lena Stenner
You do not have to be a homesteader to enjoy this book. It is for every homemaker! In the book, she speaks to themes such as ‘pursue your dreams,’ ‘learn how to enjoy hard work,’ and ‘intentional living’. These are themes that any homemaker can appreciate and glean wisdom from. I specifically like her emphasis and wisdom in the area of simple living.
6. The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith through Feasting, One Meal at a Time by Sally Clarkson
This book was one that I knew I needed. I have struggled with food and weight my entire life and as a result, I truthfully have a dysfunctional view of mealtimes. I knew I needed this book to help inspire and encourage me to value the family meal table more. It did. It did by leaps and bounds. Sally challenges us that the meal table is a way to connect with our child’s heart.
7. Gather and Give: Sharing God’s Heart Through Everyday Hospitality by Amy Nelson Hannon
I’m currently listening to this book on audiobook and the author’s passion is contagious! Amy inspires us to look at hospitality through the lens of the Bible. She encourages us to value connection more than perfection when we show hospitality to others. Your view of hospitality and home will change through this book.
8. The Theology of Home II by Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering
Although I would recommend either book in this series, I specifically like the second one because of its emphasis on the spiritual art of homemaking. They specifically look at the role of the homemaker and combat the idea that a homemaker is an oppressed role.
9. Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff by Myquillyn Smith
I am not a minimalist, but I do aspire to have less stuff. I appreciate Myquillyn’s emphasis on having less stuff but more style. Homes can be beautiful and not be covered from head to toe in ‘things’. She will help you think through purposeful design decisions.
10. Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow by Jamie Erikson
How do we unite the concept of hygge that has received so much hype and the gospel? I appreciate that in this book each chapter concludes with scripture passages, questions, and a prayer. Within the first few chapters, I knew that this was going to be one of my favorite reads in 2023. The author also does a hilarious description of what living in Minnesota is like. Spoiler! I think she exaggerated just a little.
Are there any others you would add to this list? What books have impacted you as a homemaker? I hope that you check many of these out! Let me know what you think of them. I would love to connect over on IG or FB.