Introduction
This series of 4 articles briefly but informatively takes a look at 21 of the most famous interior designers, from the early pioneers to the most celebrated modern designers.
The pioneers of interior design
Jean-Henri Jansen (1854-1928)
The 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 director of the company. House of Jansen patrons 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 day and was considered by many to be the inventor of the modern profession of interior design, although there were already established interior designers in her day. Elsie disliked Victorian tastes in general, so her designs were generally made up of light, bright colors, as opposed to drab, gloomy Victorian decor coupled with unnecessary excesses like heavy velvet curtains. This was a pioneering departure from 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 hometown of Boston before traveling to France in his youth for a period of time. Codman had two uncles who greatly influenced him: architect John Hubbard and 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 Decoration of Houses’ in 1897.
Francis Elkins (1888-1953)
Born in Milwaukee, Frances Adler Elkins was one of the most prominent interior designers and decorators of the last century. Sister of 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 her designs included designers such as Jean-Michel Frank and Alberto Giacometti. Elkins’s career spanning more than three decades is highlighted by many high-profile commissions in Hawaii, the Midwest, and Northern and Southern California, none more exciting than the restoration of the 1830s structure, Casa Amesti in Monterey, Calif.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)
Frank Lloyd Wright was an interior designer and architect whose career included more than 1,000 projects, 500 of which have been completed. Wright was known for his promotion of organic architecture, an example of which is Fallingwater. The Robie House is an example of Wright’s leadership in the Prairie School architectural movement, while the Rosenbaum House represents Wright’s Usonian concept of the home. Wright also had refreshing ideas for every type 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 decoration, layout, and furnishings.
