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This series of 4 articles takes a brief but informative look at 21 of the most famous and Interior Designers, from the earliest pioneers right through to the most celebrated modern day designers.

The Pioneers of Interior Design

Jean-Henri Jansen (1854-1928)

Dutch designer, Jean-Henri Jansen, launched one of the first ever international interior design companies ‘Maison Jansen’ (House of Jansen) in 1880, which became renowned for designing and creating exceptionally beautiful and high quality furniture which would be utilized in a multitude of interior decoration projects. House of Jansen opened branches in 8 of the major cities of the world. Jansen worked closely with the talented interior designer Stephane Boudin whom he made director of the company. The clients of House of Jansen included Royalty and the rich and famous.

Elsie de Wolfe (1865-1950)

The first lady of interior decoration, Elsie de Wolfe considered herself an ‘ugly child’. This Victorian stage actress was a rebel of her times and was credited by many to be the inventor of the modern profession of interior design, even though there were already established interior designers in her time. Elsie disliked Victorian tastes altogether, her designs were therefore generally made up of light and bright colors, contrary to the drab and gloomy Victorian décor coupled with unnecessary excesses such as heavy velvet draperies. This was a pioneering departure from the contemporary designs of the time. Elsie’s influence continues to be felt in the modern world of interior design.

Ogden Codman (1863-1951)

American interior decorator and architect, Ogden Codman spent his childhood in his birthplace of Boston before heading to France in his youth for a period of time. Codman had two uncles who influenced him tremendously – architect John Hubbard and decorator Richard Ogden. Some of Ogden Codman’s works include Edith Wharton’s Newport home, Land’s End, the Rockefeller family estate of New York client John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and the Newport summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Along with novelist Edith Wharton, Codman co-authored a guidepost of American interior design, ‘The Decoration of Houses’ in 1897.

Frances Elkins (1888-1953)

Born in Milwaukee, Frances Adler Elkins was one of the most prominent interior decorator and designer of the previous century. Sister of the famed Chicago architect David Adler, Elkins was known for her futuristic designs that brought together different styles and elements from various periods. They included country French styles, chinoiserie and art deco. The furnishings featured in her designs included designers such as Jean-Michel Frank and Alberto Giacometti. The career of Elkins that spanned over three decades is glittered with many high profile commissions in Hawaii, the Midwest and northern and southern California, none more interesting than the restoration of the 1830s structure, Casa Amesti in Monterrey, California.

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)

Frank Lloyd Wright was an interior designer and architect whose career included more than 1000 projects, 500 of them that have been complete. Wright was known for his promotion of organic architecture, an example of which is Fallingwater. The Robie House is an example of Wright’s leadership of the Prairie School architectural movement, while the Rosenbaum House depicts Wright’s Usonian home concept. Wright also had refreshing ideas for every kind of building, be it church, office, school, hotel or museum. Along with excellent architectural renderings, Wright also designed much of the interiors of his buildings including the Décor, layout and furniture.

In Part 2 of this article – which can be accessed through the ‘Article Source’ link below – we take a look at the early interior designers including Fritz August Breuhaus, Stephan Bouldin, Emilio Terry and Dorothy Draper.

One of the cornerstones of many great interior designs is the choice of art. Paintings in particular are often sourced by modern designers to complement the rest of the the design scheme. The popularity of art has increased considerably in the UK over the last decade, not only the number art enthusiasts increased but also the number of artists at all levels; from hobbyists right through to professionals. For those artists, ABC Art supplies provide Blank Canvas and Canvas Boards which are durable, long lasting and suitable to be used for art produced for use as part of an interior design scheme.

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Wealthy home buyers who buy multi-million dollar homes are typically self-made millionaires with new money, according to a recent online survey of 683 Coldwell Banker Previews International property specialists. The study revealed the top professions of these affluent customers. According to the respondents, 88 % of their customers are business or corporate executives, 37 % are physicians, 31 % are lawyers, 30 % are financial professional and 14 % are entertainers, entertainment executives or professional athletes.

Wealthy home buyers require their real estate agents to be equipped with special skills, according to the Coldwell Banker’s survey. Given the magnitude of the financial transactions involved in luxury home purchases, 78 % of sales associates said that the top most need their clients require from their real estate agents is privacy and confidentiality. The luxury customers also want their real estate agents to exercise discretion while dealing with their multi-million dollar transactions. Almost 70 % of respondents polled that their wealthy clients want their real estate professionals to offer customized services while 44 % said that the luxury home buyers want their agents to have good network and work relationship with executive assistants, CPAs and attorneys.

Wealthy home buyers also want their agents to know the inside scoop on the real estate market, according to 36 % of the respondents in the Coldwell Banker’s survey. Seventeen percent of the sales associates surveyed indicated that one of the necessary skills for real estate professionals working with affluent customers was the ability to provide emotional support to their clients. And according to 11 % of respondents, luxury customers want their real estate agents to establish personal rapport with their clients.

The study also included queries on the “must have” amenities that the affluent clientele want in their luxury homes. Wealthy home buyers want media rooms in their homes, according to 60 % of respondents and another 60 % polled that their affluent customers want “wired” homes. However, there are a few home design elements that are out among luxury home buyers. Gourmet kitchens, granite countertops and wet bars are no longer counted as luxuries by wealthy home buyers, according to the survey respondents.

The survey also found that the multi-million dollar home buyer pays a typical down payment of 20 % to 30 %, while a quarter of clients put down 30 % to 50 % of the sale price.

For Janet and Andy Alston their dream modern fitted kitchen was miles away from what they currently had and they were doubtful it could ever be achieved with the space they had to work with.

After commissioning the Kitchen Design Centre and showing Managing Director and designer Roger Astin their ideal contemporary kitchen and their hopes for the room, their dreams became reality.

Roger said: “Janet and Andy had seen a style of kitchen they wanted in our showroom but they were concerned it would not be possible to recreate in their kitchen.

“The space we were working with was lacking natural light, divided into two separate areas, had a stair way leading to the back door and was quite an unusual shape – making it a challenging project.

“Because the space was dark and features such as curved walls making it difficult to fit cupboards, it required some imaginative thinking to give them the kitchen they desired.”

Janet said: “For the Kitchen Design Centre to transform our two rooms into one light, contemporary living area with all the functions we asked for is amazing.

“We wanted a functional kitchen, an informal dining area and a relaxation space, all of which we now have and enjoy as a family.”

The kitchen is fitted with all the latest appliances including a combination microwave, oven, warming drawer, cube extractor, induction hob, integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher and a 100 degrees Quooker hot tap.

Roger added: “As well as all the latest appliances a wine cooler was also built into the wall.”

“A small wall dividing the two rooms was removed to make way for a large island and concealed lighting under the units make a nice feature as well as adding extra light.”

“The island sits in the middle of the kitchen and extends following the curved wall to create an eating space for four people.

Janet added: “The whole process from design to fitting and aftercare has been handled with utmost professionalism and the Kitchen Design Centre have always been obliging and willing to help.

“Our kitchen is now a fantastic, spacious area that we use to its full capacity, the living area with the TV and seating adds another dimension to room that we love to relax in.”

“This project was challenging but with a mix of modular units and a redefinition of space the finished product flows and we achieved what we set out to do,” said Roger.

“We would certainly have no hesitations in recommending the Kitchen Design Centre to anyone considering purchasing a new kitchen – they would not be disappointed with the quality and service,” added Janet.

To find out more about kitchen Design Centre or to find details of your nearest showroom, visit www.kitchendesigncentre.com

For the O’toole family, converting their existing home into a contemporary dwelling was full of interesting challenges.

The dark and more cramped feeling of the old original property needed to be totally rethought.

With the combination of their own design skills and the sensitive approach of designers at  Kitchen Design Centre, they managed to create their perfect designer kitchen within their perfect cooking, living and dining space.

The kitchen was transformed from a small and relatively dark area into a light, spacious, modern room with lots of personality.

The O’tooles wanted a modern, luxurious kitchen, with helpful appliances to assist them with day-to-day living and entertaining.

Louise O’toole said: “The old kitchen was in desperate need of a makeover. It was a small cottage-like kitchen. So we spoke to one of Kitchen Design Centres designers.

“Roger Astin came up with several draft design ideas which we carefully considered before settling on one scheme which seemed to tick all the boxes. These ideas were then developed in much more detail.

The scale of accuracy and the help his team offered was of very great help. Our building ideas really came to life when we saw their fantastic artwork’

In order to create more space and light, a new area was created – with light pouring through a large glass construction which links the main kitchen area to a large dining area and to a sunny lounge too.

“The walls were knocked through and the whole area came together as one living space” said Louise.

“The overall theme change from dated and cramped to multifunctional, contemporary and roomy’

“Now every time I walk into the room I feel in better mood – instantly.”

The modern kitchen is nothing short of luxurious. There are a multitude of innovative Neff appliances throughout the room – including fridge-freezers which are discreetly concealed side by side within an alcove formed from an old doorway.

There is a Quooker – a permanent boiling water tap – and a coffee machine with its own warming drawer for cups. A multifunction Circotherm oven and separate combination Microwave with another warming drawer for plates or food containers.

Louise said: “Our kitchen and everything I wanted and more. The Kitchen Design Centre craftsmen were extremely professional and arrived on the day they first gave and punctually, they completed the work with diligence and care.”

The couple chose Kitchen Design Centre because of their reputation for design, quality installation and cost effectiveness..

Designer Roger Astin said: “It was a combined effort really because Sean and Louise had some great ideas and a fantastic building for us to work in, they were able to accommodate the best ideas and had a real desire to do so.”

Louise added: “We created more space for the children, while at the same time keeping it safe. Overall it turned out brilliantly.”

“The help and support Kitchen Design Centre offered was fantastic. Every step of the way we were helped with enthusiasm.”

“I’ve already recommended the company to a number of my friends.”

Kitchen Design Centre has showrooms are located in Manchester just off the M60 at junction 22, in Blackburn – positioned on the A666 at Brownhill’s roundabout – and in Colne near the end of the M65.