The Decoration of Houses Audiobook (Free)

One of the basic works on interior decoration, Edith Wharton’s The Adornment of Houses presents a comprehensive go through the history and personality of turn-of-the-century home design. Cowritten with architect Ogden Codman, Jr., this invaluable reference provides us with many keen and practical axioms for home design, such as for example (1) The better the house, the less need for curtains, and (2) the elevation of a well-proportioned doorway should be twice its width.

In what of John Barrington Bayley, President of Classical America, “this book has charm. The Decoration of Houses brings to mind the images of Walter Gay: There are the reflections in looking-glasses, and on parquet, and the garnitures of chimney-pieces, boiseriers, the smell of wax; beyond your tall glazed doors there is a sunny silent terrace, we are actually at Mrs. Wharton’s Pavillon Colombe-a well organized parterre, a increased backyard, and an orchard of Reinette apples and luscious dual cherries.”