Customer Reviews

The House in Good Taste

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Elsie De Wolfe is acknowleged as the first woman to make a fortune as a decorator and can be called the first life style maven of the 20th century. Her opinions on home decor were eagerly seized upon by millions of aspirational women around the country. She wrote The House in Good Taste 90 years ago but it's just as fresh and suitable now as it was then.

I can't bring myself to agree with her on patchwork quilts, lace curtains or rocking chairs but she's absolutely correct in her advice on wallpaper, paint and apartments. It's amazing how much this delightful and informative book still has to teach us.

I bought this book when it first came out. I tried reading it, was (too) quick to call it 'trite' and gave it away. Later my boyfriend gave me a copy (not knowing that I'd tried it before) so I had to slog through it. I am so very glad I did. Ms. DeWolfe has a unique style of writing that must be understood before you will truely enjoy the book. She has a wit and charm that is backed by such sincerity that few designers today could pull this level of writing off. The book will make you want to find more by or about this stylishly pragmatic decorator

This book was a surprise. Written in 1914 it seems current. I had delayed reading this classic, to my regret. De Wolfe's wonderful book is back with an updated introduction and several additions in the note section at the back that refer to today's decoration. It also includes the reasons behind her dislike of Eastlake furniture--which is just fabulous stuff, especially when re-upholstered in a updated print (the same goes for most Victorian furniture). I agree with her on her dislike of brass beds and lace curtains...but she also disliked rocking chairs...and for that, one must consider she never had a baby...

First, a lot of what she said is relevant then, as it is today. There is a big difference though, and that is simply put, people do not have her kind of money...so in some ways her advice has a bit of Marie Antoinette feeling to it. That shouldn't surprise as she lived across the street from Versailles.

Her writing is vibrant,and conveys the person behind the taste. She loved chinoiserie, fireplaces, leopard print, stripes, chintz and trellis. Would she fit into a Nate Berkus world...no...but decorating tastes move on and one can see a hint of Elsie here and there. Though I still prefer Sister Parish by far...Elsie is a close second.

This is an authoritative well written book, offering sound advice. However, there are no photos of any of the rooms, if you have a visual imagination you'll be fine. If not, you will have to turn to secondary resources to see the interior decor photography.

This was the first time I ever ordered something from Amazon. Great service,easy check-out and I received my book so quickly.
I highly recommend your site for everything! I will be ordering a video soon and probably some other items
Great job Amazon !!