The Decoration of Houses

The Decoration of Houses is a 1897 interior design manual co-authored by novelist Edith Wharton and architect Ogden Codman. The book presents a systematic critique of Victorian-era design principles, particularly opposing the excessive use of drapery, ornate furniture, and decorative clutter. Through sixteen detailed chapters, Wharton and Codman establish guidelines for creating living spaces based on classical architectural principles and proper space planning. The text emphasizes the importance of proportion, symmetry, and architectural harmony while providing specific recommendations for room arrangements and furniture selection. The authors advocate for a return to European design traditions and the incorporation of historically-informed elements into American homes. Their prescriptions extend beyond aesthetics to address practical considerations of comfort, functionality, and the relationship between a room's purpose and its design. This influential work helped establish interior decoration as a legitimate profession and represents an early American challenge to prevailing Victorian tastes. The principles outlined in the book continue to influence contemporary discussions about the relationship between architecture and interior design.

Readers value this 1897 design manual for its enduring principles and detailed insights into classical interior decoration. Many note its relevance to modern homes despite its age. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of proportion and scale - Room-by-room breakdown of design elements - Historical context for architectural choices - Practical advice on furniture placement - Hand-drawn illustrations Common criticisms: - Dense, academic writing style - Dated references to servants and formal living - Focus on wealthy homes limits accessibility - Some find the tone elitist Amazon: 4.5/5 (121 reviews) "Remains the bible of interior decoration" - Interior designer reviewer "Too theoretical for practical use" - DIY homeowner Goodreads: 4.1/5 (478 ratings) "Her principles on proportion saved me from many design mistakes" - Reader review "The writing is dry but the fundamentals are solid" - Architecture student The book maintains an active readership among design professionals and architecture students.

The Classical Language of Architecture by John Summerson Presents architectural principles and classical design elements that form the foundation of Western building traditions, expanding on Wharton's emphasis on architectural harmony.

An Eye for Design by Allegra Hicks Details the technical aspects of interior design through architectural drawings and floor plans, connecting decorative choices to structural elements as Wharton prescribes.

The Perfect House by Witold Rybczynski Examines Andrea Palladio's architectural principles and their influence on residential design, reinforcing Wharton's advocacy for classical European traditions.

The Architecture of the Classical Interior by Steven W. Semes Provides a systematic approach to classical interior design principles, building upon Wharton's methodology for creating harmonious living spaces.

Houses of the Hamptons by Gary Lawrance and Anne Surchin Documents the evolution of American residential architecture through examples that demonstrate the integration of European design principles Wharton championed.

🏛️ Published in 1897, this was Edith Wharton's first published book, written a decade before her acclaimed novel "The Age of Innocence" 🎨 The book was inspired by Wharton's experience decorating her own 35-room mansion, The Mount, in Lenox, Massachusetts, which she designed applying the principles outlined in the book 📚 Despite being over 120 years old, many of the book's core principles about proportion, symmetry, and simplicity remain fundamental to modern interior design education 🗺️ Wharton drew heavily from her extensive travels through Europe, particularly Italy and France, incorporating classical design elements she observed in historic villas and châteaux 🎯 The book directly challenged the Victorian preference for dark, heavily draped interiors filled with knick-knacks, promoting instead well-lit spaces with clean lines and carefully chosen decorative elements