The Rise of the Decorator

During the Art Deco period, the Rise of the Decorators began in Paris. The1925 L’Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, World’s Fair in Paris was designed to highlight the new style moderne of architecture, interior decoration, furniture, glass, jewelry and other decorative arts in Europe and throughout the world. World’s Fair fell into two distinct categories: Functionalists & Decorators. Functionalists “focused on function, form, theory and did not promote the excessive use of accessories or furnishings”. Decorators were “the ones who creates an ensemble, choses objects, combines objects and in doing so makes aesthetic choices.”

This was a period of electric architecture and a need arose for design professions who could furnish interiors according to a particular period style and building they were housed in. This period helped the interiors of individuals who were wealthy and wanted their houses to reflect their status. There was a growing need for professionals to help with outfitting the interiors of these houses, they provided a better way for the multitude of residentials homeowners to have a beautiful interior environment.

Elsie de Wolfe, Dorothy Draper, and Billy Baldwin were three main figures who were huge influences during this period. The quality of admiring historical styles while at the same time treating them off-handedly were characteristics of these designers. They helped define our profession and the growing importance of women in shaping the interior design field.

Step Further:

One of the main influencers during this period was Dorothy Draper. She was a pioneer in interior design, dominating the field from 1925 to 1962. She used traditional furniture but turned it into something unique and use in a non-traditional way. She showed how designers could use traditional pieces of furniture and be modern. She had a fun and appealing style using vivid colors and focused on large spaces. Expanding her influence beyond residential interiors, Draper made her mark on big-city hotels, offices, department stores and apartment buildings.

 Draper was hired to renovate the Greenbrier Hotel after it was used as a hospital during World War ||. She left the hotel with a bold new personality, using color and oversized patterns to paint a picture that reflected the luxury of space, elegance, and sense of history in every detail.



Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 22, 2021 at 9:47 AM

    Erica,
    This is a great post about Dorothy Draper and her decorative style. I think we look to her as an inspiration without even knowing it. She loved contrasting black and white, which pops of bold colors. I think we all try to incorporate her methods in modern day designs. It helps create a great balance without it being overwhelming. Overall great job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Professor VanderNoordaaApril 5, 2021 at 11:04 AM

    Erica- great introduction and summary of The Rise of the Decorators! Dorothy Draper was quite an inspiration to all of us. These Pioneering women blazed a trail that we follow today. Thank you for your summary and illustrations!

    ReplyDelete

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