Rise of the Decorator

 The rise of the decorator began to take shape after tensions between functionalists and decorators at the Paris world fair. The world went through the lavish art deco design as well as traditional but, the decorators wanted their time to shine and show the importance of interiors. This rise started by attempting to display people's wealth through the design of their homes. In this role we began to see more women, such as Elsie de Wolfe, Elizabeth Marbury, and Francis Elkins. These women started to pave the way not only for decorators but, women in general. These women all had their own take on style and how to approach it, these bold choices helped to make interior design a separate entity from interior decorating. With this, the role of the interior designer became more formed and further from the role of a decorator. 

Designed by Elsie de Wolfe

One step further:

When looking into the different designers of this time period one of them stood out to me and that was Dorothy Draper. In her designs she was able to successfully tie in antique traditional pieces into a modern design, she was able to do this by using the pieces in nontraditional ways. While she mainly worked with more modernized traditional spaces, she did have some "stylistically modern" projects where bright bold colors and patterns were largely at play. Her traditional designs included places such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art Cafeteria (1954) and the Coty Salon (1941). The Coty Salon seen below used very ornate detailing to create a luxurious feeling to the Manhattan Fifth Avenue space. Draper's modern designs included the Lobby for Greenbrier, this design featured black and white checkered flooring and white columns with black bases to help create balance within the space. Bright blue walls with bold floral furniture pieces gave way to a modern design. This hotel was filled with colorful surprises in every room with tropical patterns seen throughout. Looking back, designers have been able to characterize this unique style as modern baroque and is a style that has inspired designers today. 

Lobby in Greenbrier Resort 
Greenbrier Resort

Coty Salon 



Metropolitan Museum of Art Cafeteria



Modern Applications:

1. 

Dorothy Draper Fabrics and Wallcoverings is a company still in business today started in 1925 by Draper. While this was created nearly 100 years ago I felt it was important to show the impact she still has today as her business and fun wild patterns have a prominent place in modern design. The original brand style is still very much intact and helping to spread her design style into modern times. 




   



2. Kelly Wearstler

Wearstler is one of the most praised interior designers of our time, and is on of my personal favorites. It is no surprise that her bold and eccentric designs were inspired by Draper as she says "The sense of play in her interiors is infectious". As seen below the use of different colors and patterns work together within the space to create a glam modern look. I included below an article that discusses the effect of Draper on young designers such as Wearstler as it truly tells how large of a role she played in shaping the interior design world. 








Link to article: "The Draper Effect"- 
https://nymag.com/homedesign/features/16438/ 








Link to Dorothy Draper Fabrics & Wallcoverings
https://dorothydraperfw.com/



Comments

  1. Dezaray MillerMarch 19, 2022 at 1:42 PM

    Meaghn,

    Your post was really great, I like that you mentioned the most influential women during this rise of decorators. I also like your explanation of Dorthy Draper and how her style was so influential. Your current applications were great examples too, I especially liked that you mentioned the fabrics and wallcoverings that began to come popular. overall great summary and post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Professor VanderNoordaaApril 2, 2022 at 1:28 PM

    Meaghan,
    I appreciate this informative blog post. Excellent summary of our material. I love that you focused on the the advancement of women in the interior design movement.
    Your focus and investigation into Dorothy Draper was excellent. It is so wonderful that her wallcoverings are still in production. Kelly Wearstler is also a great example of a current designer inspired by Draper. Total points 50/50

    ReplyDelete

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