The House in Good Taste

"The House in Good Taste" by Elsie De Wolfe is a comprehensive guide on interior design and home decoration written in the early 20th century. De Wolfe, a pioneering interior designer, shares her insights on creating beautiful and livable spaces, reflecting her belief that a home should express the personality of its inhabitants while adhering to principles of simplicity, suitability, and proportion. At the start of the book, De Wolfe discusses the evolution of modern homes and the rising desire among American homeowners to improve their living spaces. She emphasizes that the identity of a home is shaped by the taste and personality of its female inhabitants, who transform mere houses into homes filled with warmth and comfort. De Wolfe highlights the importance of collaborating with architects who understand the intimate needs of their clients, urging readers to focus on creating spaces that resonate with their aspirations and reflect their individuality. Through her opening remarks, she lays the groundwork for her detailed examination of various aspects of home design, from color schemes and furniture selection to the significance of light and practical decor choices. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Elsie de Wolfe, Lady Mendl was an American actress who became a very prominent interior designer and author. Born in New York City, de Wolfe was acutely sensitive to her surroundings from her earliest years and became one of the first female interior decorators, replacing dark and ornate Victorian decor with lighter, simpler styles and uncluttered room layouts.