Introduction This article takes a brief but informative look at 21 of the most famous 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 dcor 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 Dcor, layout and furniture.

Fritz August Breuhaus (1883 - 1960) One of the most brilliant architects and famous interior designers of his time, Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot has many legends surrounding his genealogy, as he claimed to descend from the Breuhaus de Groot dynasty of Dutch painters. Though he was an architect, Fritz August Breuhaus sought to make a name for himself in the field of interior design. Breuhaus founded the fabric manufacturing facility Mikado-Werkstaatten in Bonn in 1923 to manufacture fabrics printed after his designs. He also designed decorative as well as utilitarian objects during the period. He was always a reputed interior designer, though the peak of his design career was in the late 1920s. Stephan Bouldin (1880- 1967) Stephan Bouldin was a Parisian interior decorator and designer who became the president of 'Maison Jansen', one of the leading interior design companies of the 20th century. In the early 1960's he became involved renovation and redecoration of many of the rooms within the Whitehouse - including the Oval Office and the Cabinet room - at the request the first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy. He was also a great teacher and mentor in interior design inspiring his assistants, peers and followers to also excel in the discipline of design. Emilio Terry (1890-1969) Jose Emilio Terry y Dorticos or Emilio Terry was an interior decorator and designer, landscape artist and artist of Cuba, though he is mostly known for his career in France. Terry's family has acquired the Chateau de Chenonceau, and he was immediately influenced by its style. This influenced his design of furniture, tapestries and other works of art. His style was basically a blend of classical and baroque influenced by the Chateau de Chenonceau, a style referred to by him as 'Louis XVII style'. Among Terry's famous interior design works was carried out in the Chateau de Groussay acquired by Charles de Beistegui in 1939. Dorothy Draper (1889-1969) Referred to as "America's Most Fabulous Decorator", Dorothy Draper was a highly influential American interior decorator who was active from the early to the middle of the 20th century. Her style was marked by contrast and a boldness that was truly refreshing. What really became the influential factor for an entire generation of designers was her use of floral glam and color stripes. Possibly the best way to describe her style is through the words of her own saying, "If it looks right, it's right." Her book, "Decorating is Fun" has brought interior decoration and design from its lofty pedestals to the common man. Jean Royere Jean Royere is often considered to be one of the all time great French famous interior designers. His career spanned from 1931 to 1970 in which he opened galleries on 3 different continents for the sole purpose of exhibiting his designs. His list of clients included some of the world's elite and royalty where he was entrusted to design the interiors of palaces and some of the most exclusives houses in the world. He was also a world redounded furniture designer and his works were displayed in various art galleries and exhibitions.

Jed Johnson Jed Johnson started his interior decoration and design company in the 1960's from Andy Warhol's Manhattan house. He was to undertake projects for the celebrity clients including Pierre Berg, Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, Richard Gere, and Barbara Streisand. In 1996 he was awarded the Interior Design Hall of Fame Award as recognition to his remarkable contribution to the profession. Verner Panton Verner Panton is generally regarded to be the most talented Danish interior designer and furniture designer of the twenty first century. His not only characteristic of the 1960's, they helped to define the furniture and interior decoration styles developed in the era. His work was often considered to be modern ad futuristic, utilising vivid colours and technologies of day. He was the first designer to create the 'form-moulded chair' which was constructed in plastic without the use of joints. He is considered to be one of the most important contributors in interior decoration and design in the 20th century. Terence Conran Terence Conran's contribution to architecture and interior design has enabled him to win a great number of awards. He is the founder of the highly successful 'Habitat' furnishing chain which grew to 36 stores in Britain France and Belgium. He also founded the Conran Design Group in 1956 and went on to establish the leading European interior design consultancy, Conran Associates. One of his most important projects was the renovation and restoration of a large historic riverside area of London. He has also authored many books on various subjects, although mostly on interior design. Kelly Hoppen The multi award winning interior designer, Kelly Hoppen, is recognized as a modern day trend setter in the world of interior design. Her style is renowned for its individuality, simplicity and excellence where she incorporates colours and shades inspired by nature to give a luxurious timeless and simplistic ambiance. She is also a respected author on the subject, successfully publishing several best selling books. Although her designs are varied and dynamic, she is perhaps most well known for the signature 'East Meets West' Style. Mauro Lipparini Italian Mauro Lipparini is another eminent interior designer. He is probably best known for his 'natural minimalism' style. Lipparini's style is characterized by wonderful touches of pleasure and joy. His use of bold colors and innovative visual ideas conveys several elements of the artistic. Lipparini has made several commendable contributions to the industrial design industry, including developing products for Japanese and European firms of high repute. Accolades that he has won in the course of his career include the International Du Pont Award Koln and the Young & Designer Milano. Ron Arad A celebrated name from the Middle East that has graced the interior design world and met the needs of the rich and famous is Israel-born Ron Arad. Ron Arad achieved popularity in the 1980's for being a self-taught maker and designer of sculptural furniture. He is the creator of the Ron Arad Studio in Como, Italy and his works appear in many architectural and design publications across the world. He has also exhibited at a number of galleries and museums. Rachel Ashwell is popularly recognized as the owner and founder of Shabby Chic and also the host of the TV program of the same name. 'Shabby Chic' is a term that reflects Ashwell's interior design tendencies. This includes providing the home with anything from antique furnishings to new tables, sofas, rugs and lamps. She gives importance to the cosy feel and also to flowers. Ashwell always goes for a combination of creams and whites; and light pinks, sea-foam greens and blues. Several top names in the celebrity business have benefited from Ashwell's exceptional designing talents, including singer Jennifer Lopez. Madonna, Anthony Hopkins and Julia Roberts are her other star status devotees. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen The celebrity designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, became a house hold name in the UK after appearing in the BBC television interior design and decorating programs 'Changing Rooms' in 1996 and Home Front

in 1999. In addition to his celebrity status he is also a respected interior designer whose services have been sought for design projects including work at Buckingham Palace and The Royal Albert Hall. He as also written many popular books on the subject of design and has written for the Saturday and Sunday Express on a regular bases. Linda Barker Linda Barker shot to fame in the UK TV series 'Changing Rooms' following her previous carrer as a set designer. She is well known for her simplistic designs which are intended to suit the tastes of a wide range of clients. She also wroth articles for populsr interior design magazines and for the weekend supplement of the Daily Express., as well as publisjhing main mainstream books on the subject. Nina Campbell Nina Camble started her own design business at a relatively early age and quickly gained notoriety for providing luxurious and practical dcor utilizing a rich palette of colors, making her one of the most respected interior designers in the world. Campbell has gained international acclaim for her designs enabling her to work on impressive projects for The Savoy, The Queen of Denmark, and a number of private homes of the rich and famous around the world. Her work has gained her a number of prestigious awards. She is also the author of three books on the subject. Tara Bernard Tara Bernard is probably best known as a celebrity interior designer after first appearing on the design program 'Wow Factor' for UKTV Style, but she has proven to be a capable and award winning designer in her own right. Her approach involves the clients heavily in the design process, even to the extent that she is accompanied by her clients on shopping trips to find the necessary furniture and accessories for the project. She is a partner in an interior design consultancy called 'Target Living' along with architect Thomas Griem.