The Decoration of Houses

by Edith Wharton

"The Decoration of Houses" by Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman is a manual of interior design published in 1897. The authors boldly reject Victorian-style decoration, criticizing heavy curtains, cluttered bric-a-brac, and overstuffed furniture that sacrifice comfort for upholstery. Instead, they champion classical design principles—symmetry, proportion, and architectural balance—with rooms featuring strong wall treatments and carefully chosen furniture. This groundbreaking work sparked a revolution in interior design, inspiring a new generation of professional decorators.