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Good Character

Design with Intention to Reveal Your Home's Personality

Hardcover
$30.00 US
8.75"W x 10.38"H x 1"D   | 42 oz | 12 per carton
On sale Jun 30, 2026 | 256 Pages | 9780593968727

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Any house can become a home with character.

For David and Stephen St. Russell, aka the Renovation Husbands, a home with character does not need to be historic, but it must be crafted with intention. Join them on a room-by-room journey as they break down the process behind every design decision, from structural to decorative, and explain how each element can contribute to building character in your home.

Discover the power of architectural millwork to add interest and depth; experiment with color to create bold, impactful spaces; and learn how to expertly mix vintage and modern furniture (at every price point) for a contemporary yet timeless feel.  Whether you live in an older home or a new build, this accessible guide provides a blueprint for making the most of your existing space, removes the illusion of complexity from home renovation, and empowers you to transform any room in your house into something unique.
David and Stephen St. Russell are a husband-husband design and DIY team with a passion for a good project. Together, they’ve renovated multiple historic homes—including their 1893 Boston Victorian and 1975 chalet-style cabin—documenting their process and building a devoted audience of followers along the way. In 2024, they took the top prize on HGTV’s Battle on the Mountain with their beautiful mountain home design. David graduated from Springfield College where he studied medicine before finding his passion lies elsewhere. Stephen graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design where he studied architecture. They have been together since 2008.

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About

Any house can become a home with character.

For David and Stephen St. Russell, aka the Renovation Husbands, a home with character does not need to be historic, but it must be crafted with intention. Join them on a room-by-room journey as they break down the process behind every design decision, from structural to decorative, and explain how each element can contribute to building character in your home.

Discover the power of architectural millwork to add interest and depth; experiment with color to create bold, impactful spaces; and learn how to expertly mix vintage and modern furniture (at every price point) for a contemporary yet timeless feel.  Whether you live in an older home or a new build, this accessible guide provides a blueprint for making the most of your existing space, removes the illusion of complexity from home renovation, and empowers you to transform any room in your house into something unique.

Author

David and Stephen St. Russell are a husband-husband design and DIY team with a passion for a good project. Together, they’ve renovated multiple historic homes—including their 1893 Boston Victorian and 1975 chalet-style cabin—documenting their process and building a devoted audience of followers along the way. In 2024, they took the top prize on HGTV’s Battle on the Mountain with their beautiful mountain home design. David graduated from Springfield College where he studied medicine before finding his passion lies elsewhere. Stephen graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design where he studied architecture. They have been together since 2008.

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