Rise of the Decorator / Women in Interiors

The 1925 L'Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Indrustriels Modernes created a divide between two groups of people the functionalists and decorators. Decorators were defined as someone who creates a composition; choses objects, combines objects, all while making aesthetic choices. A functionalist was more focused on the practicality of an object and its form and theory. They did not promote excessive use of accessories or ornamentation.

The need for this decorating profession arose as more and more people were acclimated to a wealthier status, along with their houses and aesthetics. The description of an interior designer was and is to fully furnish the interior, including furniture, art, accessories, floor applications, etc. Billy Baldwin was an interior designer that created environments for the middle class client and the famous client as well. He invited the sense of comfort into his designs, but kept it neat and tidy. People today look to his style as being easily recognized.

In the interior design profession, women arose to the challenge. Elise de Wolfe, Francis Elkins, and Dorothy Draper gave way to present day designers that are extremely well known. Clodagh, Laura Day, and Petra Blaisse all are women in interior professions today and are sought after for their talents.

Design Examples:

A room designed by Dorothy Draper located in the Greenbrier Hotel.
This room is complete with her famous black and white floor.

A designed interior by Elsie de Wolfe of the Villa Trianon.

Current Applications:

A living room in a space that has furniture inspired by
Dorothy Draper. 

The Abington House interiors designed by Clodagh. This bench was custom made
to add a touch of whimsy.

One Step Further: 

Petra Blaisse was educated in London and in Groningen. She specialized in the fields in interior design, architecture, landscape architecture, and textiles. She works as a curator in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. She also has her own firm called Inside Outside that works with designing the interior and the exterior. Her specialty is designing large curtains to create a more artistic and beautiful environment. She is an extremely influential for women in design and great spaces. 

A curtain designed by Petra Blaisse. The Chazen Museum of Art
at the University of Wisconsin is the location for this piece. 

An installation of curtain's by Blaisse that was used for the
13th International Architecture Exhibition.