L’harmonie des couleurs Pl.015
1880
Before Pinterest boards and Instagram mood boards, 19th-century Parisians had 'Le Moniteur de la Mode' to tell them how to decorate. This striking page, titled 'L’Harmonie des Couleurs' (The Harmony of Colors), looks like a psychedelic 1960s poster or a topographical map of an alien planet, but it’s actually a very practical guide for interior design. Architect-Decorator Édouard Guichard uses these bold, wavy bands of blue, teal, and gold to show homeowners exactly which shades should go on the ceiling, the curtains, and the wainscoting to achieve perfect visual harmony. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Victorian aesthetics, proving that the struggle to match your drapes to your walls is a timeless human problem.
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