Work: Commercial Interiors / History of Women in Interior Design

Throughout history, women have played a major role in shaping the field of interior design, even when they were not always fully recognized for their contributions. Women often faced barriers in professional design fields, especially architecture, where leadership roles were dominated by men. However, interior design became a space where women could thrive creatively and professionally. In fact, while only a small percentage of architects were women, a majority of interior designers have historically been female. Despite this, women still had to overcome challenges such as being taken less seriously or having their work labeled as decorative rather than meaningful.

One of the most influential early designers was Dorothy Draper, who helped establish interior design as a legitimate profession. She founded one of the first official interior design firms in 1925 and became known for her bold, colorful, and dramatic interiors. Her work, especially in hospitality spaces like hotels, used large patterns, vibrant colors, and a style often described as Hollywood Regency. Draper believed that color had a strong emotional impact, famously stating that bright colors could improve happiness. Her designs rejected minimalism and instead embraced energy and personality.

 

Dorothy Draper

Another important designer is Clodagh, whose work focuses on wellness and the connection between people and their environment. Unlike Draper’s bold and decorative style, Clodagh uses natural materials, neutral tones, and principles like Feng Shui to create calming, balanced interiors. She is also known for incorporating sustainable and environmentally friendly design practices, making her a pioneer of what we now call “green design.” Her projects, including spas and hotels, are designed to support mental and physical well-being.

Clodagh

Additionally, designers like Petra Blaisse expanded the role of interior design by blending it with architecture, textiles, and landscape. Her work often focuses on creating fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, using large-scale curtains and innovative materials. This shows how women in design have contributed to aesthetics and pushed the boundaries of how interior spaces function and feel.

Petra Blaisse

Overall, women in interior design have had a lasting impact on the field by introducing new ideas about color, material, wellness, and spatial experience. Even though they have historically faced limitations, their influence continues to shape both residential and commercial design today.

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One Step Further: Dorothy Draper

Dorothy Draper stands out as a pioneer because she not only created a recognizable design style but also helped define interior design as a professional field. At a time when women had limited career opportunities, she built a successful business and worked on large-scale commercial projects. Today, we still see her influence in bold, colorful interiors and the concept that spaces should evoke emotion and personality. Draper’s work proves that interior design is not just about decoration but about creating experiences that impact how people feel.

 

Learning about women in interior design alongside the development of commercial interiors helped me see how much the field has evolved. I didn’t realize how many women were actually leading the industry, even while facing challenges in recognition and leadership. It was fascinating to see how early commercial interiors were mainly focused on efficiency and function, especially in office spaces, but over time shifted to prioritize experience, comfort, and well-being. Designers like Dorothy Draper and Clodagh really stood out to me because they showed how interiors can impact emotions, not just serve a purpose. This makes me contemplate how design today is much more human-centered, especially in workplaces and hospitality spaces. Overall, this topic helped me understand that interior design is not just about how a space looks, but also about how it makes people feel and interact within it.

Extra Credit:

https://dorothydraper.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Mei81slgM

https://interiorimpressions.org/2023/03/04/women-in-history-interior-designers/