Sheds and hideaways like you've never seen

Seattle craftsman John Akers finished the interior of a humble 7-by-7-foot chapel with care, adding shelves and cupboards just the right size for displaying votives at dusk. Owner Edgar Lee fills the nooks with his collection of primitive and historic religious artifacts.

“Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways: Big Ideas for Small Backyard Destinations” by Debra Prinzing with more than 200 photographs by William Wright, Clarkson Potter, $30.

Also in Home & Garden:

• Fresh ideas at new L.A.-area hotels
• Cozy hideaways
• A futuristic, midcentury movie set for 'Speed Racer'

Local author appearances:

May 31: 3 p.m., Local Hero Books, Gifts & Wine Tasting, Ojai.

June 7: 1 to 3 p.m., Botanik, Summerland, (805) 565-3831.

June 28, 10 a.m. to noon, Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge.