The Elements of Style: A Practical Encyclopedia of Interior Architectural Details from 1485 to the Present

by Stephen Calloway

The Elements of Style is the most comprehensive visual survey, period by period, feature by feature, of the styles that have had the greatest impact on interiors of American and British domestic architecture. Unsurpassed in its range of illustrations, this magnificent volume covers more than 500 years of architectural styles from Tudor to Post-Modern and includes a wealth of American and British vernacular styles. Everyone from owners of period houses, restorers, and architects to interior designers, do it-yourself homeowners, and all those interested in our building heritage will find this reference indispensable. More than 3,000 analytical drawings and historic engravings are included in this updated edition as well as 400 photographs in color and over 1,000 in black and white. These extraordinary images provide a systematic guide to the features appropriate for every part of a building, from the major components such as doors, windows, walls, floors, ceilings, and staircases to the small but important embellishments such as moldings and door hardware. At the heart of the book is a chronological treatment of the primary styles and periods of architectural design during the past 500 years. Each chapter begins with an illustrated essay, then looks in turn at individual features, from doors and windows to ironwork and woodwork. The usefulness of this book is further enriched by the inclusion of permanent or semipermanent fixtures such as lighting, kitchen stoves, and floor and wall coverings, as well as strictly architectural details. A useful system of quick reference, employing color-coded tabs keyed to each feature, enables the reader to trace how particular features evolved over time. And at the back of the book, separate chapters dealing with vernacular architecture are followed by a glossary and a fully updated directory of suppliers of authentic materials as well as period and reproduction features. For this new edition, a biographical directory of architects and architectural practices has been added. Compiled by a team of experts headed by Stephen Calloway and Elizabeth Cromley, The Elements of Style is the first book on architectural styles that is comprehensive, incredibly thorough, and accessible in its presentation of individual details. Equally invaluable for authentic period restoration or simply for saying to your contractor, "I want one like that" -- this definitive resource presents literally thousands of details.

Genres: Architecture, Reference, Design, Nonfiction, Interior Design, Art, History

568 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 1991

About the author

Stephen Calloway is a curator of paintings at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

He is an expert on 19th century art, and has made a particular study of the decadent and dandy culture of the fin de siecle.

He staged the V&A's exhibition on the 1890s, 'High Art and Low Life' in 1993, and curated the 'Aubrey Beardsley Centenary Show' in Tokyo and London in 1998.

He writes on the history of taste and lectures widely in England and America.

He also worked, in his role as a consultant on period sytle and manners, with Nicole Kidman and John Malkovich on Jane Campion's film of Henry James' novel 'The Portrait of a Lady'.

Reviews

[Dodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Elements of Style is an amazing reference book. The edition I read was about 30 years old, and it didn't matter. It's a big coffee-table book and quite heavy. It's arranged by time periods; Tudor, Georgian, Regency, and so on up to Contemporary. Each section has line drawings of every feature you could imagine in a home of that time. These are accompanied by color photos of larger proportions showing a room or home containing these fixtures or styles. The end section of the book includes tips for maintaining parts of a home such as the front door and exterior woodwork. Stephen Calloway lists resources and beyond that, biographies of the architects and designers discussed in the text of the book. If I didn't already own way too many books, I would consider searching for one of these to keep around.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and resourceful book that is packed with information on architectural styles. While the book emphasizes interior elements, there is also information pertaining to exterior stylistic elements.

[Katie Knight]

Incredible reference book that provides excellent details of specific Western style periods (Classical, Georgian, Baroque, etc.). Perfect for students who need help identifying ornamental and architectural details. Ample illustrations and photographs to supplement descriptions.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has ever wondered, "What is that thing on my house called?"

A great resource for writers of period fiction.

[julia]

Very comprehensive reference book.

[Philip Bergstresser]

I use it to faithfully reconstruct any house that I work on. then I modernize!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant, in-depth reference that I will utilize again and again for research purposes.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covers British & American styles from Tudor, Jacobean, Baroque, Georgian, & Colonial to the contemporary era. Each style is broken down into roughly the same sub-sections: doors, windows, walls, ceilings, floors, fireplaces, lighting, staircase, metalwork, woodwork etc. The book is well illustrated with photos & drawings. The drawings can be a bit small & cluttered and clash somewhat due to disparate hands (ie not a single author).

[Daniel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the holy bible for all film and TV Art Directors.

[Jalu Wardhana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful book

[Michael Heath-Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Large comprehensive and well presented book on architecture