Mario Praz's An Illustrated History of Interior Decoration

An Illustrated History of Interior Decoration by Mario Praz

An Art History of Interior Design

First published in 1964, Mario Praz’s An Illustrated History of Interior Decoration (also known as An Illustrated History of Furnishings) is the most cited source of inspiration for interior design.  As an art historian who loves interiors, Mario has dissected hundreds of paintings and watercolors that are exceptional for their inclusions of interiors as a background or central theme.  

Starting with Pompeiian frescos, but focusing on European interiors from the 19th century, he has created an incredible catalog with detailed descriptions that is a timeless source of inspiration.  

Highlights include John Nash’s drawings of the Brighton Pavilion, the album of watercolors from the Wittgenstein family, and Eugène Lami’s watercolors of the Rothschild’s Château de Ferrières.  This book is a must have for anyone serious about interior design, and serves as an incredible source book for period design and inspiration.