Designing Women

Celebrating Female Pioneers In The Design World

Breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings – all in a day’s work. The world we know today would not be the same without the influential women who helped shape the creative landscape. Many have helped pave the way for new narratives, telling stories with every line, curve, and shade! Since it’s Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight some of the women who helped launch the field of interior design- which is especially important to this female founded company! Taking you through time, let’s explore their contributions and the lasting impacts on the continuously developing landscape of design.

Candace Wheeler (1827-1923)

Candace Wheeler has been called the mother of interior design (not to mention also being a talented textile designer). Candace grew up to become a dedicated feminist, a woman ahead of her time! In 1877 she founded the Society of Decorative Arts, helping women learn the crafts of sewing, embroidery, and other daily tasks that would help them become more independent and self-sufficient. In 1878, she founded the New York Exchange for Women’s Work, giving women a space to sell their work for profit. Her final large milestone- designing the interior of the Woman’s Building at the World’s Columbian Exposition. Candace Wheeler started to pave the way for women to take charge and earn a living from a creative career. Wheeler created beautiful textiles, focusing on various flora and fauna. 

Elsie de Wolfe (1859-1950)

If Candace Wheeler is the mother of interior design, Elsie de Wolfe is the mother of interior decorating! Born in 1859, Elsie de Wolfe went on to be an decorator as well as an actress. She designed the interiors of The Colony Club in New York and Henry Clay Frick Residence (now the Frick Collection). Much of de Wolfe’s style was influenced by 18th Century French Rococo style, pulling the creamy walls, gold ornamentation, and even furniture from that time period. Elsie is widely regarded as America’s first professional interior decorator.

Dorothy Draper (1889-1969)

Dorothy Draper is considered one of the most prominent women in interior design history. She was also one of the first women to work in commercial interiors. Dorothy designed and decorated many hotels, starting with the Carlyle Hotel in New York, then continuing to design the Drake in Chicago, the Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia, and the Fairmont in San Francisco.  Draper was known for her attraction to luxurious and rich palettes, creating a new style called Modern Baroque, giving a modern look to a classic style. Her design and aesthetic has had a lasting impact on today’s style- how could it not!

Sister Parish (1910- 1994)

Sister Parish (a nickname as great as the lady), the cousin of Dorothy Draper, and also an interior designer! She started her business young, building to be a design powerhouse (still in business!), leading up to when she was hired by Jacqueline Kennedy to decorate the White House in the 1960s. The American Country style is thought to have originated with Parish, providing a design of mismatched furniture and mixing prints. A designer for America!

Florence Knoll (1917- 2019)

Florence Knoll was an American architect and furniture designer, a woman of many talents! She was a key figure in the Knoll Furniture Company, focusing on the International Style, with clean lines, function, and simple aesthetic. Knoll helped create the idea of “total design” which focuses on designing all aspects of a space, from the walls to furniture to art.

Cecil Hayes (1945- )

Cecil Hayes has made a name for herself over the years as one of the first African American designers to mass produce furniture, upholstery, and other furnishings. She was also one of the first African American designers to be featured in Architectural Digest. Hayes combines modern style with traditional African influences, creating a unique design for every space. In 1975, opened her own design shop, Cecil’s Designs Unlimited, and has helped design numerous homes, such as Samuel L. Jackson and Wesley Snipes. We love this designer to the stars!

Zaha Hadid (1950- 2016)

Zaha Hadid- a leading female architect of the 21st century! Known for her fluid, spatial designs, she worked on various architectural projects like Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Haydar Aliyev Centre. Hadid also designed interiors, like Capital Hill Residence in Moscow, Donna Karan store in Seoul, and Neil Barrett store in Toyko. She was the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, an international architecture award. A truly unique visionary!

These remarkable women have contributed to the field of design, splashing creativity on the world in the process. Their influences and styles are still recognized in modern projects and their names won’t soon be forgotten. As a woman-founded + owned company ourselves, we are truly inspired and grateful for those who have come before us. Whatever your passion is, let these beacons of change and talent influence you to blaze your own trail!

To read more about these women:

https://gatherit.co/12-influential-female-interior-designers-of-the-20th-century/

https://designdash.com/2023/09/30/trailblazing-female-interior-designers-who-shaped-the-industry/

https://www.luxdeco.com/the-luxurist/iconic-female-designers-who-changed-the-game

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/hayes-article-042007