Elsie de Wolfe, often hailed as one of the most iconic interior designers, revolutionized interior design in the early 20th century. Renowned for her innovative approach, she transformed spaces with light, airy designs.

“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful – that will be my life”

 

Elsie de Wolfe, also known as Lady Mendl, was born in 1865 in New York and led a glamorous life as a prominent figure in European café society. Often referred to as the “grand dame of modern decorating,” she is widely credited with pioneering the profession of interior design and is considered by many to be the first modern professional decorator.

Her career began in the theater under the guidance of theatrical agent Elisabeth Marbury. Though her acting received modest attention, it was her impeccable fashion sense that captured the public’s eye. Women admired her carefully curated outfits and began to emulate her style, establishing de Wolfe as a fashion icon of her era. In fact, she was named the “best-dressed woman in the world” in 1935.

But who exactly was Elsie de Wolfe, and what lasting impact did she leave on the world of interior design?

Elsie de Wolfe, often hailed as one of the most iconic interior designers, revolutionized interior design in the early 20th century. Renowned for her innovative approach, she transformed spaces with light, airy designs.

Elsie de Wolfe: The Woman Who Invented Interior Design

Known and revered as America’s first decorator, Elsie de Wolfe changed the course of interior design forever. Her influence is still felt today — in every bright, airy and feminine space that rejects heavy drapes and dark furniture. Even decades after her passing, her legacy lives on through the casual elegance she championed.

Elsie once described herself as a “rebel in an ugly world”. At a time when late Victorian interiors were weighed down with clutter and gloom, she brought in simplicity, comfort and light. Mirrors, chinoiserie, soft color palettes and whimsical flourishes became her signature. She believed in “plenty of optimism and white paint, comfortable chairs with lights beside them, open fires on the hearth and flowers wherever they belong, mirrors and sunshine in all rooms”.

In 1913, she published The House in Good Taste, a guide to decorating that became an instant hit and remains a design classic today. De Wolfe was the one who proved that pale color schemes, painted woodwork and floral chintz could be not only stylish but timeless. She introduced the use of painted trellis as wallcovering, animal-print carpets and mirrored walls — elements still used by designers around the world.

Interior of Elsie De Wolfe' music pavilion looking out on to the pool , The Villa Trianon, painted by William Bruce Ellis Ranken
The Villa Trianon painted by William Bruce Ellis Ranken

Elsie De Wolfe’s Career

In 1887, de Wolfe formed a partnership with Elisabeth “Bessie” Marbury, a prominent literary agent. Together, they transformed their shared residence on Irving Place by replacing the dark, heavy furnishings typical of the Victorian era with lighter, more inviting decor. This successful endeavor inspired de Wolfe to pursue interior decoration professionally. In 1905, she secured her first major commission to design the interiors of the Colony Club, New York’s inaugural social club for women, with the support of architect Stanford White and her influential social circle.

The triumph of the Colony Club project catapulted de Wolfe into high demand among affluent clients, including notable figures such as industrialist Henry Clay Frick. By 1913, her burgeoning reputation enabled her to establish a substantial studio on Fifth Avenue. De Wolfe’s design philosophy emphasized simplicity and suitability, advocating for interiors that were both elegant and comfortable. She favored light fabrics, pale color schemes, and practical furnishings, often incorporating mirrors to enhance natural light and create a sense of spaciousness. Her work not only revolutionized interior aesthetics but also laid the foundation for interior decoration as a recognized profession.

Elsie de Wolfe, often hailed as one of the most iconic interior designers, revolutionized interior design in the early 20th century. Renowned for her innovative approach, she transformed spaces with light, airy designs.
Tea House, New York

Hollywood’s Favourite Designer

Fleeing Paris ahead of World War II, Elsie de Wolfe settled in Los Angeles, where her refined and airy aesthetic captivated the film industry’s elite. Her clientele included notable figures such as Countess Dorothy di Frasso, for whom she designed a Beverly Hills villa. De Wolfe’s influence extended beyond private residences; she also served as a set decoration adviser for films like The Razor’s Edge,further cementing her status as Hollywood’s goto designer during its golden age.

Notable clients: The Colony Club, Hope Hampton, Anne Vanderbilt, the Duchess of Windsor, Condé Nast.

Elsie de Wolfe, often hailed as one of the most iconic interior designers, revolutionized interior design in the early 20th century. Renowned for her innovative approach, she transformed spaces with light, airy designs.
Marlene Dietrich Home, Beverly Hills

Elsie de Wolfe’s Most Famous Designs

Elsie de Wolfe, often hailed as one of the most iconic interior designers, revolutionized interior design in the early 20th century. Renowned for her innovative approach, she transformed spaces with light, airy designs.
Colony Club, New Work
Elsie de Wolfe, often hailed as one of the most iconic interior designers, revolutionized interior design in the early 20th century. Renowned for her innovative approach, she transformed spaces with light, airy designs.
Villa Trianon, Versailles
Elsie de Wolfe, often hailed as one of the most iconic interior designers, revolutionized interior design in the early 20th century. Renowned for her innovative approach, she transformed spaces with light, airy designs.
Adelaide Frick's Boudoir, New York City’s Upper East Side
Elsie de Wolfe, often hailed as one of the most iconic interior designers, revolutionized interior design in the early 20th century. Renowned for her innovative approach, she transformed spaces with light, airy designs.
Marlene Dietrich Home, Beverly Hills

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And you? What do you think of Elsie de Wolfe’s design style? Do you like it?

Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice and timeless elegance.

 

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