The Decoration of Houses

by Edith Wharton, Ogden Codman

Overview

"The Decoration of Houses," by Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman, Jr., remains a foundational text for anyone interested in interior design. This meticulously prepared edition offers readers a unique opportunity to explore the principles of classical architecture and their application to home decoration and furniture arrangement. First published in 1897, the book champions balance, proportion, and architectural integrity in house interiors. Delve into historical architectural styles and discover timeless techniques for creating beautiful and functional living spaces. A seminal work in the history of interior design, "The Decoration of Houses" provides invaluable insights into the art of creating harmonious and elegant homes.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781023421232
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/29/2025
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.42(d)

About the Author

Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer. Nominated three times for the Nobel Prize in Literature, she received the Pulitzer Prize for The Age of Innocence in 1921. Wharton drew upon her privileged social position to create witty and psychologically insightful novels and short stories.
Ogden Codman, Jr. (1863–1951) was a noted American architect and interior decorator in the Beaux-Arts tradition. His many famous designs include Wharton's residences Land's End and The Mount as well as her Park Avenue townhouse; the Vanderbilts' Newport home, The Breakers; and the Codman-Davis House in Washington, D.C.

Date of Birth:

January 24, 1862

Date of Death:

August 11, 1937

Place of Birth:

New York, New York

Place of Death:

Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt, France

Education:

Educated privately in New York and Europe

Table of Contents

Introduction     xix
The Historical Tradition     1
Rooms in General     17
Walls     31
Doors     48
Windows     64
Fireplaces     74
Ceilings and Floors     89
Entrance and Vestibule     103
Hall and Stairs     106
The Drawing-room, Boudoir, and Morning-room     122
Gala Rooms: Ball-room, Saloon, Music-room, Gallery     134
The Library, Smoking-room, and "Den"     145
The Dining-room     155
Bedrooms     162
The School-room and Nurseries     173
Bric-a-Brac     184
Conclusion     196
Index     199