When On Decorating was published in 1989, it immediately became a touchstone for design professionals and enthusiasts. Since then, the ideas and illustrations within these pages have inspired countless room schemes, vignettes, and color palettes. Mark Hampton's expert insights into the creation of elegant rooms, and his remarkably immediate voice, remain just as relevant today.
Posthumously celebrated by Architectural Digest as "one of the world's twenty greatest designers of all time," Hampton regarded every design project as a collaboration. That same generosity of spirit pervades this book, offering signature principles that can easily be applied to any home. In the Colors section, Hampton makes a convincing case for using dark green as a neutral, and encourages readers not to fear painting walls red. In Plans, he explains the keys to arranging a living room that telegraphs comfort, not just refinement. In Materials, Hampton demonstrates how strongly patterned wallpaper can visually enlarge a small space, contrary to popular belief.
Throughout this collection of essays, which were substantially expanded from his popular House & Garden columns, Hampton shares witty anecdotes and observations that render this education in home decoration a delight. Faithfully reproduced with his original, often-emulated watercolor illustrations and with an afterword by his daughter, renowned designer Alexa Hampton, this beautiful reprint edition is a book to pore over, savor, and share.
