The Decoration of Houses

by Alexandra Stoddard

Book Overview

In 1897, Edith Wharton and architect Ogden Codman, Jr., collaborated on a groundbreaking book on the art of interior design titled The Decoration of Houses. Now renowned decorator Alexandra Stoddard... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688149596
• ISBN13: 9780688149598
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 7.8" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Beautifully Written and Very Helpful

If you love Garden and English Country styles this book is a must for your library. It includes information about color and fabric to hanging chandeliers and dealing with contractors and everything between. It also includes a wonderful index that is easy to refer to after you've enjoyed reading it cover to cover. It is written in Alexandra's fun and personal style with bits of wisdom from many of her favorite authors. Don't miss this book!

Very helpful and beautifully written.

I love this book. When I got it- I read it cover to cover. It is beautifully written and a delightful informative read. Since I initially read it, however, I have referred to it many times. If you need to know how to hang a chandelier, solve storage problems, and a million things you only think of when the issue comes up - you can use the very helpful index in the back and find the information needed. For those who love Garden and English Country styles. This is a must have for your library. This is the most useful book I have ever purchased.

Wonderful advice and real-life examples

This book is one of my all-time favorite design books. I read it over and over again. Alexandra's positive style of writing and emphasis on the personal statement a person makes when beautifying one's home is a joy to read. I am converted to her beleif that all homes should have wood floors and a personal collection. Her experiences with various clients are funny and interesting, and her enthusiasm is so catching! A must read!

A Useful Book for People Decorating Their Homes

Stoddard is an interesting writer. She is well-read and her work usually reflects her general rounded background. This book, unlike most of her others, gets down the the nitty-gritty of design. The illustrator does an amazing job rendering the different pieces of furniture, so that the reader can actually decide what style he or she prefers before wandering into stores. Stoddard gives tremendous detail about the basics and the essentials of design, as well as the practical point that if you don't like it you shouldn't do it.This book is indispensible for people who are decorating or redecorating their home.

Excellent!Detailed, invigorating,educational.

I found this book to be very educational. It is also very thought provoking. Learn to view your rooms and decorating practices with new insights. As always Alexandra's writing grabs you, stimulates you, and soothes you at the same time.