10 Interior Designers of history everyone Should Know

Interior design has a long and illustrious history, with some of the most renowned names in the business having been working for centuries.

If you’re interested in learning more about the profession, then read on for 10 interior designers who you should definitely know!

Marie Antoinette (1770-1793)

One of the most famous interior designers of all time is Louis XVI‘s wife, Marie Antoinette – she’s credited with creating some of the most beautiful interiors in France during the 1700s. Marie Antoinette was known for her lavish interiors, designed by Jacques-François Oeben and Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne. Queen Victoria was also a fan of decorative art, which is evident in many of her palaces and residences. 

In the 1800s, interior design was in its infancy. There were very few designers during this time, and most of those who did work in the field were not well-known.

These individuals include: Jean-Paul Gaultier, Patrick Negrier, Lili Elbe, Sir Edwin Lutyens, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Adolf Loos. Each of these designers had a significant impact on the way people interact with their surroundings, and their work has helped define modern interior design.

Elsie de Wolfe(1865-1950)

Elsie de Wolfe was a prolific American interior designer who is best known for her work in the early 20th century. De Wolfe designed homes for celebrities and wealthy patrons, as well as schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. Her most famous works include the Frederick Law Olmsted House (1905) and the Tudor-style Riverside Drive House (1907).

Elsie De Wolfe: America's First Interior Decorator | AnOther
AnOther

Frank Lloyd Wright(1867-1959)

Frank Lloyd Wright is without a doubt one of the most influential interior designers of all time. His work is still popular and admired today, more than 100 years after he first started designing buildings. Wright was born in 1867 in Ohio and began his career as an architect in Chicago. Munch’s most famous interior design is for the Church of Our Lady at Eikanger in Norway.

Fallingwater - Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Wright’s most famous work is the Usonian houses, which are highly stylized, futuristic structures designed for middle-class families in the 1930s. The houses are now considered some of the finest examples of American Modernism and have been featured in several films and TV shows. Wright died in 1959 but his legacy continues to be admired by architects and interior designers around the world.

Jean-Michel Frank(1895-1941)

Jean-Michel Frank is a French interior designer who has gained international renown for his work in contemporary design.

His clients include celebrities, businesspeople, and ordinary people alike who seek to transform their homes into spaces that areboth stylish and functional. Jean-Michel Frank’s signature style is based on three essential principles: simplicity, purity, and restraint. He believes that a home should be designed to reflect the owner’s personality and lifestyle, without being too ornate or extravagant.

Design Focus: Jean-Michel Frank and His Creative Journey
Home Journal

Jean-Michel Frank is known for his use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass, as well as for his focus on creating comfortable environments that are both visually appealing and functional.

Florence Knoll(1917-2019)

Florence Knoll is a world-renowned interior designer who has worked in some of the most prestigious places in the world. She has also designed residences for some of the wealthiest people in the world, such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

Her work has been featured in many magazines, including Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and O: The Oprah Magazine. Florence Knoll was born in 1921 and grew up in Connecticut.

Florence Knoll | Knoll
Knoll.com

After graduating from college, she moved to New York City to start her career as an interior designer. She quickly gained recognition for her unique style and was hired by several high-end clients, including Malcolm Forbes and Jasper Johns. In 1954, Florence Knoll married her husband, Robert Knoll. Together they started their own company, which became one of the leading interior design firms in the world.

Mario Buatta(1935-2018)

Mario Buatta is an Italian interior designer who has been in the business for over 25 years. He is internationally known and his work can be found in high-end hotels, restaurants, and homes all over the world.

He has won numerous awards including two prestigious Red Dot Design Awards. In this interview, Mario Buatta discusses his design philosophy, how he approaches a project, and some of the challenges he faces as an interior designer.

The Mario Buatta: Prince of Interiors Sale at Sotheby's - Charlotte Moss
Elle Decor

Joseph Dirand (1892- 1978 )

Joseph Dirand is a well-known interior designer who specializes in designing homes and offices. He has worked on many high-profile projects, including the White House and the Kennedy Center.

Dirand’s unique style is characterized by its focus on function and aesthetics. His clients appreciate his attention to detail, his ability to create a cohesive design scheme, and his penchant for using traditional materials and techniques.

AD Pro: Behind the design - Joseph Dirand | Noë & Associates - YouTube
Noë & Associates

In the 2000s, interior design became a popular hobby for many people. This was due to the popularity of TV shows such as Designing Women and Property Brothers, which showed people how to design their own homes. These shows inspired many people to start their own interior design businesses.

Some of the most famous interior designers of this decade include Michael Sacks, Joanna Gaines, and Tanya Abraham. Michael Sacks is known for his modern style, while Joanna Gaines focuses on country style. Tanya Abraham is known for her use of natural materials and textures.

Albert Hadley (1920-2012)

Albert Hadley is a world-renowned interior designer. His work has been featured in magazines and newspapers around the world, and he has won numerous awards for his design work. He has also lectured on interior design at various universities around the United States.

Huqin, Erhu, String instrument, Sitting, Musical instrument,
GETTY IMAGES

Albert Hadley was born in England in 1939, and he began his career as a designer in 1967. He has since designed many famous homes, including the home of actress Julia Roberts and President George W. Bush’s Texas ranch. Albert Hadley is a world-renowned interior designer who has designed many famous homes, including the home of actress Julia Roberts and President George W.

Joanna Gaines (1940-1998)

Mark Hampton is a professional interior designer who has been working in the field for over 25 years. He has worked with a variety of clients, including small businesses and high-end residences. His work has been featured in various magazines and newspapers, and he has also taught at various design schools. Mr. Hampton is currently the president of Hampton Design, a company that provides interior design services to clients throughout the United States.

Replica of the Oval Office as decorated by Mark Hampton for President George H.W. Bush
Replica of the Oval Office as decorated by Mark Hampton for President George H.W. Bush

David Hicks (1929-1998)

David Hicks is an Australian interior designer who has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. His work is known for its modern and sleek aesthetic, and his clients include celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Victoria Beckham. Hicks has also designed furniture, home accessories, and even food items for some of the world’s top chefs.

At Home with David Hicks - Australian Design Review
Source: Dianna Snape

David’s work is sure to inspire anyone who wants to create a beautiful home of their own – be it in style or substance!