Influential Interiors

Book excerpt: The first book that reveals the history of 20th-century interior design by showcasing the styles and offering the trade secrets of the key decorators and designers who have shaped -- and continue to shape -- today's taste.The art of interior design as we know it emerged at the beginning of the 20th century, and Influential Interiors chronicles the most significant people, styles, and moments in its history. From early stars such as Elsie de Wolfe, Syrie Maugham and Jean-Michel Frank to today's leading practitioners, such as Andree Putman, Peter Marino and Sills & Huniford, biographical details, photographs and explanations of important projects and key designs (e.g. for furniture or fabrics) are supplied and their influence worldwide is discussed. Twenty-four designers are featured in depth; their work, in each case outlined over several spreads, has had a lasting influence on those that followed them. And for six major figures, a full-color scrapbook-like collage breaks down the key elements of the designer's signature style, offering at a glance the types of colors, fabrics, patterns, furniture and accessories that characterize t