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Cover of The Decoration of Houses

The Decoration of Houses

Written by Edith Wharton,Ogden Codman

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Interior decoration

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About this book

"The Decoration of Houses" by Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman is a practical guide on interior design, written in the late 19th century. The work explores the principles and foundations of house decoration, emphasizing the importance of architecture in the decorative arts. The text focuses on how to harmonize decorative elements with structural features, offering insights into creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. The opening of the book presents the authors’ thoughts on how rooms may be decorated through two contrasting methods: superficial application of ornamentation or integrating inherent architectural features. They discuss the evolution of decoration from medieval times, where practicality dictated aesthetics, to more modern approaches that sometimes disconnect the interior from the exterior. Wharton and Codman critique the current trend of separating architectural design from decoration, positing that a deeper understanding of historical styles and principles can lead to a more cohesive and pleasing aesthetic in modern homes. They also touch on the confusion and misconceptions surrounding house decoration, asserting that mastery of architectural proportion is essential for effective decoration.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Decoration of Houses, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • instructive
  • critical
  • authoritative

Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman's "The Decoration of Houses" is a seminal late 19th-century guide that revolutionized interior design by advocating for an architecturally grounded approach. The authors critique the prevalent trend of superficial ornamentation, arguing instead for the integration of decorative elements with a building's inherent structural features. Emphasizing historical principles and mastery of proportion, the book champions the creation of aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces that reflect a cohesive understanding between interior and exterior design. It posits that a deep appreciation for architectural history is crucial for achieving truly harmonious and enduring domestic aesthetics, rejecting the modern separation of architecture from decoration.

“No amount of applied ornamentation can redeem a fundamentally ill-proportioned room.”

Key themes

Architectural Integrity
This is the foundational theme, asserting that interior decoration must be an organic extension of a building's architecture, not a superficial addition. The book argues that true beauty arises when decorative elements harmonize with the structural form, purpose, and historical context of a space. It critiques the separation of decoration from architectural design as leading to incoherent and aesthetically unsound results.
Historical Understanding and Precedent
The authors stress the vital importance of studying historical styles and architectural principles, not for mere imitation, but to grasp the underlying rules of good design. They argue that an informed appreciation of how past eras solved design challenges provides an essential toolkit for creating effective and beautiful modern spaces, preventing the pitfalls of uninformed eclecticism.
Functionalism and Proportion
Wharton and Codman champion the idea that design should prioritize functionality and proper proportion. They argue that a space must first serve its intended purpose efficiently and then be embellished in a way that enhances, rather than detracts from, its form. Mastery of architectural proportion is presented as the key to creating aesthetically balanced and comfortable environments.

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