But houses had to be built before they could be stuffed with the wares of our new factories and emporiums. For example, the Palliser architectural firm in Connecticut published a set of designs in 1878. They gave floor plans with estimated building costs. Once you had the layout, you were supposed to know how to build the house. Even the most modest ones are more ornate than mine today.
Later catalogs show the general layout, but they charge a fee for the detailed plans.
I wish I could show you the pictures. Since I can't, remember the Addams Family's house where Morticia, Gomez, and Lurch lived. Remember Norman Bates's house in the movie Psycho . Fine, gaudy old houses like those became the stuff of bad dreams in our brave new utilitarian world. The balloon-frame opened up too much possibility.