Introduction
This series of 4 articles offers a brief but informative look at 21 of the most famous interior designers, from the early pioneers to the most famous modern designers.
The pioneers of interior design
Jean-Henri Jansen (1854-1928)
Dutch designer Jean-Henri Jansen launched one of the first international interior design companies ‘Maison Jansen’ (House of Jansen) in 1880, which became famous for designing and creating exceptionally beautiful, high-quality furniture that would be used in a multitude of interior decorating projects. House of Jansen opened branches in 8 of the world’s major cities. Jansen worked closely with the talented interior designer Stephane Boudin, whom he appointed as a director of the company. House of Jansen clients included Royalty and the rich and famous.
Elsie de Wolfe (1865-1950)
The first lady of interior decoration, Elsie de Wolfe considered herself an ‘ugly girl’. This Victorian stage actress was a rebel of her time and was recognized by many as the inventor of the modern profession of interior design, despite the fact that there were already established interior designers in her time. Elsie did not like Victorian tastes entirely, therefore her designs were generally made up of light and bright colors, contrary to drab and gloomy Victorian decor, along with unnecessary excesses such as heavy velvet drapes. This was a pioneering departure from the contemporary designs of the time. Elsie’s influence continues to be felt in the modern world of interior design.
Ogden codman (1863-1951)
American architect and interior decorator, Ogden Codman spent his childhood in his Boston birthplace before heading to France in his youth for a period of time. Codman had two uncles who greatly influenced him: the architect John Hubbard and the decorator Richard Ogden. Some of Ogden Codman’s works include Edith Wharton’s Newport home, Land’s End, the Rockefeller family estate of New York client John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s Newport summer home. Along with novelist Edith Wharton, Codman co-authored a guide to American interior design, ‘The Decorating of Houses’ in 1897.
Frances elkins (1888-1953)
Born in Milwaukee, Frances Adler Elkins was one of the foremost interior decorators and designers of the previous century. Sister of the famous Chicago architect David Adler, Elkins was known for her futuristic designs that brought together different styles and elements from various eras. They included French country, chinoiserie, and art deco styles. Furniture featured in his designs include designers such as Jean-Michel Frank and Alberto Giacometti. Elkins’ career, spanning over three decades, shines with many high-profile commissions in Hawaii, the Midwest, and Northern and Southern California, none more interesting than the restoration of the structure from the 1830s. Casa Amesti in Monterrey, California.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)
Frank Lloyd Wright was an interior designer and architect whose career included more than 1,000 projects, 500 of them completed. Wright was known for his promotion of organic architecture, one example of which is Fallingwater. The Robie House is an example of Wright’s leadership of the Prairie School architectural movement, while the Rosenbaum House represents Wright’s Usonian home concept. Wright also had refreshing ideas for all types of building, be it church, office, school, hotel, or museum. Along with excellent architectural renderings, Wright also designed much of the interiors of his buildings, including the décor, layout, and furnishings.