The Legendary Elsie de Wolfe

Elsie de Wolfe was the first professional interior designer in America. Before her, interior design was not a profession in the way we know it now. Her work is legendary and historical because she introduced a new look to decor, one that was very different from the Victorian design of her time. Before de Wolfe came along, American homes had never been "designed."

Elsie de Wolfe started as an actress doing theater, and eventually transitioned into interior design. Her reputation as a set designer, her keen eye for beauty and design, as well as her connections in society all aided her advancement in the field. Her first major break came when she was hired to design the interior of the Colony Club, New York’s first social club for women. There she demonstrated her signature principles of design: simplicity, airiness (through the use of mirrors and light hues of paint and fabric), and visual (rather than simple stylistic) unity. She created a look for the Colony Club that was completely different than any men’s club and resonated with the socialites. Her striking success established her as America’s first female professional interior decorator.

Elsie de Wolfe has developed her own distinctive style, which includes bright colors, fresh paint, and easily maintainable surfaces. Her book "The House in Good Taste" (1913) has influenced several generations of designers. What is most incredible about her design and her vision is that even now, decades later, it is still appealing to the eye and is not outdated, making her a true design legend.