Early Interior Designers
Fritz August Breuhaus (1883 - 1960)
One of the most brilliant architects and famous interior designers of his time, Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot has many legends surrounding his genealogy, as he claimed to descend from the Breuhaus de Groot dynasty of Dutch painters. Though he was an architect, Fritz August Breuhaus sought to make a name for himself in the field of interior design. Breuhaus founded the fabric manufacturing facility Mikado-Werkstaatten in Bonn in 1923 to manufacture fabrics printed after his designs. He also designed decorative as well as utilitarian objects during the period. He was always a reputed interior designer, though the peak of his design career was in the late 1920s.
Stephan Bouldin (1880- 1967)
Stephan Bouldin was a Parisian interior decorator and designer who became the president of 'Maison Jansen', one of the leading interior design companies of the 20th century. In the early 1960's he became involved renovation and redecoration of many of the rooms within the Whitehouse - including the Oval Office and the Cabinet room - at the request the first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy. He was also a great teacher and mentor in interior design inspiring his assistants, peers and followers to also excel in the discipline of design.
Emilio Terry (1890-1969)
Jose Emilio Terry y Dorticos or Emilio Terry was an interior decorator and designer, landscape artist and artist of Cuba, though he is mostly known for his career in France. Terry's family has acquired the Chateau de Chenonceau, and he was immediately influenced by its style. This influenced his design of furniture, tapestries and other works of art. His style was basically a blend of classical and baroque influenced by the Chateau de Chenonceau, a style referred to by him as 'Louis XVII style'. Among Terry's famous interior design works was carried out in the Chateau de Groussay acquired by Charles de Beistegui in 1939.
Dorothy Draper (1889-1969)
Referred to as "America's Most Fabulous Decorator", Dorothy Draper was a highly influential American interior decorator who was active from the early to the middle of the 20th century. Her style was marked by contrast and a boldness that was truly refreshing. What really became the influential factor for an entire generation of designers was her use of floral glam and color stripes. Possibly the best way to describe her style is through the words of her own saying, "If it looks right, it's right." Her book, "Decorating is Fun" has brought interior decoration and design from its lofty pedestals to the common man.
In Part 3 of this article - which can be accessed through the 'Article Source' link below - we look at the careers of modern interior designers including Jean Royere, Jed Johnson, Verner Panton, Terence Conran, Kelly Hoppen, Mauro Lipparini and Ron Arad.
