Distinctly American - by Heide Hendricks & Rafe Churchill Hardcover

Book Synopsis

Known for its authentic and emotionally resonant designs, Hendricks Churchill presents its recent projects--both country and city residences--that effortlessly combine the disciplines of vernacular architecture and decoration in a purely American way.

Founding partners Heide Hendricks and Rafe Churchill have been collaborating for more than twenty years--whether designing new houses and interiors or overseeing historic renovations--and this is the first book to present a comprehensive look at the firm's projects, refreshingly relevant exercises in reinvention. Every project is rooted in tradition, truth, and an inherent connection to historical architecture and the rural landscape--whether that be a country house in Litchfield County, Connecticut, or an apartment in New York's Greenwich Village.

Drawing inspiration from Shaker cleanness of line, Arts and Crafts integrity, Dutch agricultural buildings, and bohemian chic, the interiors team selects paint colors, furnishings, textiles, lighting, and general finishes--all chosen with an appreciation for historical and contemporary art, design, film, and literature. The goal is to create eclectic, well-informed, and emotional interior spaces that do not play to today's design trends. The designs express the essence of rural America--the practicality and purity of materials and design, with a keen understanding and deep knowledge of traditional buildings and construction.

Review Quotes

House Beautiful Best New Design Book of 2025: "For Heide Hendricks and Rafe Churchill, American living isn't just about location; it's a state of mind. Their second book examines their process, showing historic renovations and new builds that combine hallmarks of Americana, from Shaker simplicity to Arts and Crafts whimsy."

Architectural Digest: The Best Design Book Releases This Season, According to AD Editors: "Heide and Rafe are preservationists at heart, but it's a practice born of emotion not dogma. By taking care not to disturb a property's character, all the while layering in their own timeless sensibilities, this design duo conjures spaces that feel rooted in authenticity, truth, and a bohemian spirit. I would happily move in to any of them." -- Sam Cochran, Global Features Director, AD

Interior Design Master Class Favorite Interior Design Books for 2025: "The pages of Hendricks Churchill's second book, Distinctly American reveal twenty years of design collaboration rooted in tradition and rural American vernacular. Drawing inspiration from Shaker minimalism to Arts and Crafts integrity, the firm creates eclectic, historically informed interiors that transcend fleeting trends. Each project--from Connecticut country houses to Greenwich Village apartments--showcases a sophisticated understanding of regional architecture and landscape."

"Embrace the power of history. "Distinctly American: Houses and Interiors," by Heide Hendricks and Rafe Churchill ($75), of acclaimed studio Hendricks Churchill, showcases their recent projects that illustrate how architecture and design, informed by history and craft, transcends trends. " -- MANSION GLOBAL (NYC)

"...chronicles two decades of simple yet emotionally resonant interiors that reflect a reverence for vernacular traditions while embracing the individuality of each client, the title underscoring how their work has come to embody a particularly American sense of history and place. " -- GALERIE MAGAZINE

"Each project is grounded in history and a deep connection to place, whether it's a country house in Litchfield County, Connecticut, or an apartment in New York's Greenwich Village." -- EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

"Embrace the power of history. "Distinctly American: Houses and Interiors," by Heide Hendricks and Rafe Churchill ($75), of acclaimed studio Hendricks Churchill, showcases their recent projects that illustrate how architecture and design, informed by history and craft, transcends trends." -- MANSION GLOBAL (USA)

"ELLE Decor A-List design firm Hendricks Churchill shares ten new projects, including this Carnegie Hill apartment, that showcases their Distinctly American style through craft and color. --BH" -- ELLE DECOR

"This sophisticated book compiles some of their most stunning projects, highlighting the duo's unique synergy: Rafe's architectural expertise and Heide's suburban charm converge to create interiors that are modern yet timeless." -- MY MODERN DARCY

"In [Hendricks and Churchill's] book, Distinctly American: Home and Interiors, published by Rizzoli, the pair look back at some of their best projects, many of which are rooted in historical architecture and the rural landscape." -- DOMINO

"...the pair look back at some of their best projects, many of which are rooted in historical architecture and the rural landscape. " -- NEW ENGLAND HOME MAGAZINE

"Partners in life and work, architect Rafe Churchill and interior designer Heide Hendricks' first book shares two decades' worth of projects, many rooted in a rural vernacular, where a Shaker-like purity and restraint meets often-exuberant color and pattern. From a new-old farmhouse in Litchfield, Connecticut, to a whimsical Carnegie Hill apartment in Manhattan, their through line is authenticity, natural materials, individuality, and soul." -- FREDERIC

"Heide Hendricks and Rafe Churchill invite us into American homes that weave vernacular architecture with warm, lived in interiors." -- AT HOME (CONNECTICUT STATE)

About the Author

Hendricks Churchill is a multidisciplinary design firm representing the powerful alliance of architecture and interior design. It is on Elle Decor's A-List and has received other industry recognitions.