Overview:
Elsie de Wolfe, a renowned interior designer and actress, provides a comprehensive guide to creating stylish and comfortable homes in her 1913 book, “The House in Good Taste.” De Wolfe argues that a home should be an expression of its occupants’ personality and should be designed for both beauty and functionality. She emphasizes the importance of suitability, simplicity, and proportion, advocating for the use of natural light, well-placed furniture, and harmonious color schemes.
De Wolfe traces the evolution of the modern house, highlighting the influence of women like Isabella d’Este and Catherine de Rambouillet who challenged traditional interior design trends. She promotes the use of comfortable furniture, functional spaces, and the incorporation of nature through windows and gardens. She also advocates for the use of chintz fabrics, simple lighting fixtures, and painted furniture, demonstrating her belief in creating homes that are both stylish and livable.
Key Findings:
- Suitability: The most important aspect of interior design is choosing furniture, colors, and decor that are appropriate for the house’s inhabitants and its intended use.
- Simplicity: A home should be free of clutter and excessive ornamentation, allowing the architecture and furniture to take center stage.
- Proportion: The placement and size of windows, doors, and furniture should be carefully considered to create a sense of balance and spaciousness.
- Chintz: Chintz is a versatile and durable fabric that is perfect for creating a comfortable and stylish atmosphere.
- Painted Furniture: Painted furniture can be a beautiful and practical way to add color and personality to a room.
- Mirrors: Mirrors can be used to enhance the sense of space and reflect light.
Learning:
- The Evolution of the Modern House: The book traces the history of interior design, highlighting the gradual shift from formal, opulent interiors to more comfortable and personal spaces.
- The Importance of Light and Air: De Wolfe emphasizes the importance of natural light and ventilation in creating a healthy and inviting home.
- The Value of Simple, Functional Design: She argues that good design should be both practical and beautiful, focusing on the use of well-made furniture and well-planned spaces.
- The Art of Color and Proportion: The book offers practical advice on choosing color schemes and achieving a sense of balance in a room.
- The Versatility of Chintz: De Wolfe shows how chintz can be used to create a variety of different styles, from formal to informal.
- The Appeal of Painted Furniture: She demonstrates how painting furniture can be a creative and economical way to update a room’s look.
Historical Context:
- Early 1900s America: The book reflects the growing interest in interior design in early 20th century America, as the country experienced a period of economic prosperity and social change.
- Influence of European Design: De Wolfe draws inspiration from European design trends, particularly French and English styles, but also encourages the use of American furniture and materials.
Facts:
- 1496: Isabella d’Este, the Marchioness of Mantua, created her own personal retreat called the “Grotta,” which emphasized simplicity and reticence in its design.
- 1522: Isabella d’Este created a suite of apartments, the “Paradiso,” after her husband’s death.
- Early 17th Century: Catherine de Vivonne, Marquise de Rambouillet, created a salon in her home that celebrated beauty, reserve, and simplicity, challenging the flamboyant style of the French court.
- 1737: Colonel Byrd built “Westover,” a stately Colonial home in Virginia.
- 1760: Oberkampf established a factory in Jouy, France, where he produced printed linens and cottons, contributing to the rise of chintz as a popular decorative fabric.
- 1685: Louis XIV commissioned the Grand Trianon for Madame de Maintenon.
- 1750: The deed to Villa Trianon includes a clause reserving a right-of-way for the King, demonstrating the lingering influence of French royalty.
- 1830: Black chintzes, printed with intricate designs, were in vogue.
- Early 1800s: The use of willow furniture became increasingly popular in American homes.
- Late 1800s: The “black walnut era” saw a surge in the use of this wood for furniture, often with exaggerated, ornate designs.
- 1900s: The “brass bed” craze emerged as a response to the heavy walnut beds of the previous generation.
- 1913: The first trellis room in America was created in the Colony Club, showcasing the resurgence of trellis as a decorative element.
- 1913: The duplex apartment, a multi-level apartment with a two-story high living room, was becoming increasingly popular in urban areas.
Statistics:
- 20 years: De Wolfe and her friend, Elizabeth Marbury, lived in the Washington Irving house.
- Thousands: There are tens of thousands of “pinkish brownstone” houses in New York City.
- 22 by 60 feet: The swimming pool at the Colony Club is 22 by 60 feet.
- 15 to 20 rooms: Some New York apartment houses offer suites of 15 to 20 rooms.
- Five to ten baths: Some New York apartment houses offer suites with 5 to 10 baths.
- Twenty-five dollars: A reproduction of a Chippendale ladder-back chair can be purchased for approximately $25.
- Seven thousand dollars: The cost to extend the heating system to the roof garden at the Colony Club was estimated at $7,000.
Terms:
- Précieuses: Women of refinement and intellectual interests, who were particularly fond of conversation and often gathered in salons during the 17th century.
- Rocaille: A flamboyant and ornate style of decoration prevalent during the 1730s and 1740s, characterized by excessive use of curves, scrolls, and shell motifs.
- Folies: Ornamental garden structures or small houses built for pleasure or recreation in the 18th century.
- Grands appartements: Large suites of rooms intended for formal receptions and gatherings.
- Lit de parade: A ceremonial bed, typically large and ornate, used for special occasions and to display wealth.
- Salon de famille: A family living room, intended for informal gatherings.
- Salon de compagnie: A formal salon intended for receiving guests.
- Objets d’art: Works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative objects.
- Tapis vert: A smooth expanse of lawn in a formal garden.
- Salle de verdure: An outdoor drawing room or garden area enclosed by trees or hedges.
Examples:
- Isabella d’Este’s Grotta: The Marchioness of Mantua created a small studio-like apartment, the “Grotta,” as a personal retreat, emphasizing simplicity in her design.
- Catherine de Rambouillet’s Hôtel: The Marquise de Rambouillet seceded from the French court and created her own salon, characterized by reserve, elegance, and a focus on conversation.
- The Washington Irving House: De Wolfe shares her experiences transforming this historic New York City mansion into a comfortable and charming home.
- The “Little House of Many Mirrors”: De Wolfe transformed a gloomy brownstone building into a light-filled home, using mirrors to create a sense of spaciousness.
- The Colony Club: De Wolfe designed the interior of this women’s club, showcasing her use of chintz fabrics, painted furniture, and innovative spaces.
- The Iselin House Dining Room: This room, with its paneled walls, simple furniture, and lack of clutter, exemplifies De Wolfe’s belief in the beauty of simple design.
- The Villa Trianon: De Wolfe shares the story of how she and her friend, Elizabeth Marbury, transformed this historic French villa into their summer home.
- The Trellis Room at the Colony Club: This room, with its latticework walls, ivy-covered fountain, and use of natural elements, illustrates the possibilities of trellis in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Conclusion:
Elsie de Wolfe’s “The House in Good Taste” offers a timeless approach to interior design that emphasizes functionality, suitability, and the expression of personal style. The book provides valuable insights into the evolution of the modern house, the importance of light and air, and the power of simple, well-chosen elements. Her practical advice on choosing furniture, colors, and decor, along with her charming anecdotes and historical insights, make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to create a beautiful and comfortable home.