Rise of The Decorator/ History of Women in Interior Design

 

 Rise of The Decorator/ History of Women in Interior Design

March 26th 

Rise of Decorator

Back in the 1900s there were Interior Decorators but what was it like when they weren't around at the time? This is when people would go to a variety of craftsmen to be able to compensate for what Interior Decorators were able to entail. Which was to fully furnish an interior to its fullest. This normally would entail art, accessories and many other elements to collaborate  to the interior spaces. 

Elise de Wolfe was a very important designer that contributed to the rise of decor. Before she became an Interior Decorator she was an Actress. Which was quite a role switch but she succeeded. As a Designer she took Victorian interiors and turned them into a brighter space using essential furniture to bring out the best features in the space.  She wanted to rebel against the Victorian Era and bring more of a modern design. She became  a role model to women to become an Interior Designer.  As she rebelled upon the Victorian Design she brought in some key elements to change the design such as quality of light, fresh colors, and white walls/furniture. Below are some examples of her work. 

 Living room

House and Gardens

Another key designer was Dorthy Draper, who was an American Interior Designer who had the same concept of design as Elise. Dorthy wanted to style places that were not only appealing but also a fun environment for people.  Her focus was flashy colors , large public spaces and white/black floor combinations. Below are some spaces that she has designed.

 Greenbrier Hotel- White Sulphur Springs , West Virginia

Overall the rise of Art Decorator is focused on objects that make aesthetic choices to provide a space that is an expansion from Art Deco. It explored the variation of colors, patterns and variety of textures. 

History of Women in Interior Design

Architecture back then was a very male dominant career that slowly has turned into an equal opportunity for both men and women. In 2012 only 18 percent of women were Architects out of 83,000 members. Yet with Interior design it was 69 percent of women were in that career path. Which was a big difference in the architecture career path. Yet women are taking Interior design into a whole different path welcoming men also to join. 

Which leads to the five most famous women known worldwide. 

Dorothy Draper who is famous for contemporary designs.

  Francis Elkins who loved the contrast of colors to bring unity. 

Petra Blaisse who focused on Textiles and landscape design

Clodagh, Simple materials, with harmonious pieces

Laura Day , Who believed in elegance and natural elements. 

These women were very important due to the approach they took in design. They all had one goal but each explored different key elements that were very essential to change the design. Which is why they are very important to the history of Interior Design.  Below are some residential designs of  Interior design with their concepts now.

One Step Further

Petra Blaisse ( 1955 British Designer) 

Petra specialized in interior design,architecture,landscape architecture and textiles. She started her own firm in 1991 and worked with other famous architects. She focused on creating designs that were large scale and based on fabrics and materials. Some of her famous work included “Inside outside, Amsterdam (1991) and Golden Theatre for the Netherlands Dance Theater”.  She was described as very focused on textile which you can tell in most of her work. She used textiles in a unique way which is why she became so accomplished today. 

Other Sources

Petra Blaisse Ted talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXVbnJR7vls

Dorthy Draper Interior Design

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdUfQIH63pc