American Modernism and Rise of the Decorator.

Eero Saarinen was an architect in the 20^th century. His styles varied according to the project he was doing. His architecture has characteristics of simple, sweeping, arching structural curves. He is well known for creating the Tulip chair. Knoll was the company that commissioned the Tulip chair. Eero Saarinen also designed the womb chair, a dining chair in 1957 and an executive chair. Charles and Ray Eames worked with Eero Saarinen to create la chaise. Charles and Ray Eames also created the aluminum group, lounge chair in 1956, the compact sofa, molded plywood chairs and tables, molded plastic and plastic rockers, an executive chair, walnut stools, wire chairs and tables, the elliptical table, conference tables, screens and coat hangers.

George Nelson was also one of the founders of American Modernism. He was the director of design for the Herman Miller furniture company and created many iconic pieces. George Nelson created the coconut chair and end table, marshmallow sofa, platform bench, swag leg group and clocks.

The rise of interior design happened in Paris during the Art Deco period. Functionalists were grounded in the theory of ensemblier. Ensemblier is someone who creates an ensemble, chooses objects, combines objects and in doing so makes aesthetic choices. Elsie de Wolfe was a founder of the interior design profession. She was an actress that pursued interior design. She restored Victorian interiors into light and bright spaces using French furniture. She was completely opposed to the Victorian style. She designed the house of good taste. Her motto was “I'm going to make everything around me beautiful- that will be my life.

Dorothy Draper used traditional furniture in non-traditional ways. Her style was fun and appealing. She also helped interior design become a profession. Dorothy Draper was known for dramatic use of black and white on walls, flooring, and upholstered pieces. She used clear vivid colors and her style was Modern Baroque. Dorothy Draper designed the Green brier hotel.

The last founder of the interior design profession was Billy Baldwin. He designed for the middle class as well as for many famous clients. He worked with a restricted color scheme. His style was very clean cut, hard edged, and pared down. His motto was “Nothing is interesting unless it is personal”.

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This week I reviewed Paige's blog. I really liked how she gave her opinion about her favorite aspects of the topics. She did not just describe and give facts, she also gave her own opinion.