In "Decoration of Houses," Edith Wharton provides a comprehensive guide to creating a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing home. The book covers everything from the basic principles of design to the importance of harmony and cohesion in interior decoration.

Wharton's writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to follow along and understand the concepts she presents. The book is also filled with beautiful illustrations that help to bring her ideas to life.

One of the standout features of "Decoration of Houses" is Wharton's emphasis on the importance of simplicity and restraint in design. She argues that less is often more when it comes to decorating a home, and encourages readers to carefully consider each element they introduce into their living space.

Overall, "Decoration of Houses" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in creating a beautiful and harmonious home. Wharton's insights and advice are timeless, making this book a must-read for anyone looking to improve their interior design skills.

Book Description:
The Decoration of Houses, a manual of interior design written by Edith Wharton with architect Ogden Codman, was first published in 1897. In the book, the authors denounced Victorian-style interior decoration and interior design, especially those rooms that were decorated with heavy window curtains, Victorian bric-a-brac and overstuffed furniture. They argued that such rooms emphasized upholstery at the expense of proper space planning and architectural design and were, therefore, uncomfortable and rarely used. Wharton and Codman advocated the creation of houses with rooms decorated with strong architectural wall and ceiling treatments, accentuated by well-suited furniture, rooms based on simple, classical design principles such as symmetry and proportion and a sense of architectural balance. The Decoration of Houses is considered a seminal work and its success led to the emergence of professional decorators working in the manner advocated by its authors.