INT331: History of Interiors

After World War II, many European countries were in a standstill with new architecture, as they were trying to revive. Because American soil was left untouched by the war, Americans were able to come out in good shape, especially economically. Founders of the modernism movement fled to America, along with journals and books that helped spread. Modernism before the war was theoretical and idealistic, but after the war modernism was more practical and applied. There was experimentation with disposable furniture, and a need for interior design arose. Molded plywood and plastic started to emerge as common materials. Modernism saw the work of Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, and Frank Lloyd Wright.  Frank Lloyd Wright The Milliard House The Schindler House Rudolph Schindler The Womb Chair Eero Saarinen Current Applications: Eastbrook Elementary School  Perkins + Will Modernist Inspired Interior Today One Step Further… ...

Rise of The Decorator and History of Women in Interior Design Around the turn of the century and through the early 1900’s, the profession of Interior Design started to become more common. It emerged through the profession of Architecture, which was learned through formal training, but many early interior designers were untrained. They claimed the name of Interior Decorator by collecting furniture and accessories. At this time in history, there was a growing need for professionals who could furnish homes according to a style. Interior designers filled the position for this need, that before, was mostly done by various craftsmen that were hired by architects. An interior designer, or perhaps more appropriately called decorator, could fully furnish a home and include art and floor coverings to create an overall scheme. The growing middle and wealthy upper classes were huge contributors to this need.              O...

The era of Art Deco was a rather quick movement in art, design, and culture. It was an emphasis on luxury, after WWI, almost like a celebration. It was right before WWII. Art Deco originated in France, and was heavily inspired by the advancements in electricity, transportation, and industrialism. Materials and themes also recognized as Art Deco were; the skyscraper profile, decoration, chevron, zig-zags, African tribal print, large mirror, lacquered wood, ebony, large light fixtures, polished metals, leather, and glass. There were two types of Art Deco, one being the more feminine side and the other considered the more masculine side. The small scale, dainty decorative aspect of design was considered feminine, with high quality decorations, and mostly hand-crafted lacquered woods. The larger scale aspect of design that was inspired by chrome, plastics, and the machine was considered masculine.             During the Art Dec...