Last Updated on April 23, 2026
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 British and American domestic architecture. Covering more than 500 years of architectural styles from Tudor to Post-Modern and unique in its range of
illustrations, this invaluable sourcebook is designed for everyone from owners of period houses, restorers and architects, to interior designers and all those interested in our building heritage.
In this fully revised edition, more than 3,000 analytical drawings and historic engravings, together with 400 photographs in colour and over 1,000 in black-and-white, provide a clearly presented 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 mouldings and door furniture. A system of colour-coded tabs on each double-page spread enables the reader to compare specific features as they have evolved over time.
At the heart of the book is a chronological treatment of the key styles and periods of architectural design during the past 500 years, now brought up-to-date with extended Modern and Beyond Modern sections with new information and illustrations. 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 the book is enriched by the coverage of permanent or semi-permanent fixtures such as lighting, kitchen ranges, wall coverings, as well as strictly architectural details. At the back of the book separate chapters dealing with vernacular architecture are followed by a glossary, and an updated directory of suppliers of authentic materials and 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 under the guidance of Stephen Calloway, The Elements of Style is the first book on domestic architectural styles that is not only comprehensive, but also unusually thorough and accessible in its presentation of individual details, An invaluable guide for either authentic period restoration or period-style decoration, Iterally thousands of details are presented in this definitive resource.
This book was previously for sale at Margot’s Books. The shop is now closed — this post is kept as an archive record only.
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