What Edith Wharton Taught Me About Interior Design

I would like to start this blog post with a disclaimer stating that I've only been made aware about the existence of Edith Wharton a couple of months ago. And I'd like to point out that not only am I an avid reader, I've also studied american literature in my senior year of high school. Which made my discovery so incredibly baffling that I'd never heard the name of this fantastic, pulitzer prize winning and prolific author. After falling down a rabbit hole I became a little obsessed with finding old published versions of her books. I started with a 1920 copy of the Age of Innocence found in Annemasse (in English of course) and followed up by getting an ORIGINAL copy from 1897 of her treaty on interior design: The Decoration of Houses. I still cannot believe I got it for only 23 euros. All this to say that while I read it in 2024, so much still feels relevant and I'd like to share the principles that still apply today. Thank you for coming to my ted talk.

Original edition of Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman Jr. The Decoration of Houses

Edith Wharton, the acclaimed American novelist known for her keen observations of society and culture, may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of interior design. Best known for her novels such as "The Age of Innocence" and "The House of Mirth," she's actually the first author to lay down the foundation of interior design as we know it, creating a bridge between architecture and decoration. In her book "The Decoration of Houses," she takes the best of French, British and Italian design to help the "modern" american design their home with taste and convenience. Here are my takes on Edith Wharton's interior design principles:

1. Simplicity is Key

"Decorators know how much the simplicity and dignity of a good room are diminished by crowding it with useless trifles. Their absence improves even bad rooms, or makes them at least less multitudinously bad. It is surprising to note how the removal of an accumulation of knick-knacks will free the architectural lines and restore the furniture to its rightful relation with the walls."

One of the key lessons I've learned from Edith Wharton's approach to interior design is the importance of simplicity. Wharton believed in the principle of "less is more," advocating for clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a focus on quality over quantity. She understood that simplicity does not mean sacrificing style or elegance but rather creating spaces that are serene, inviting, and timeless.

2. Proportion and Scale Matter

Another valuable lesson from Wharton's work is the significance of proportion and scale in one's space. She stressed the importance of carefully considering the proportions of furniture, architectural elements, and decorative accessories to create a sense of balance and harmony in a room. By paying attention to scale and proportion, designers can ensure that each element in a space complements the others, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing environment.

3. Form follows function

“Whatever extravagances the upholstery may have committed in other parts of the house, it is usually conceded that common sense should regulate the furnishing of the den.Fragile chairs, lace-petticoat lamp-shades and irrelevant bric-a-brac are consequently excluded; and the master’s sense of comfort often expresses itself in a set of “office” furniture—a roller-top desk, a revolving chair, and others of the puffy type already described as the accepted model of a luxurious seat.”

Wharton was a strong advocate for the idea that form should always follow function in interior design. She believed that the purpose of a room should dictate its design, with each element serving a practical as well as aesthetic function. Wharton understood that a well-designed interior should not only be beautiful but also functional and comfortable, reflecting the needs and lifestyle of its occupants.

4. Attention to Detail

“Those who really care for books are seldom content to restrict them to the library, for nothing adds more to the charm of a drawing-room than a well-designed bookcase: an expanse of beautiful bindings is as decorative as a fine tapestry.”

Finally, Edith Wharton's work reminds us of the importance of attention to detail in interior design. Wharton and Codman emphasized the significance of thoughtful craftsmanship, quality materials, and fine finishes in creating interiors of enduring beauty and elegance. From the selection of fabrics and furnishings to the arrangement of accessories and artwork, every detail should be carefully considered to achieve a cohesive and polished look.

In my opinion, Edith Wharton's approach to interior design offers timeless principles that continue to inspire designers today. By embracing simplicity, proportion, functionality, and attention to detail, we can create interiors that are not only beautiful but also practical, comfortable, and harmonious. I like to draw inspiration from Wharton's work, and in a small way, honor her legacy as a pioneer in the field of interior design and celebrate the enduring relevance of her design philosophy.

I hope you enjoyed this post on Edith Wharton interior design philosophy.

If you'd like to know more about how her principles can be applied to your home, let's chat!

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