Interior designers have transformed how we live, work, and experience spaces throughout history. From pioneering women who broke barriers to innovative men who redefined aesthetics, these creative visionaries have left lasting impressions on our homes and workplaces. At NextGen Interiors BD, we draw inspiration from these legendary figures as we create beautiful spaces for our clients in Dhaka and across Bangladesh.

The Birth of Modern Interior Design

Early Pioneers Who Changed Homes Forever

The interior design profession as we know it today began taking shape in the early 1900s when the term “Interior Decorator” was first used in America. Before this time, architects or upholsterers typically handled interior spaces, but soon specialized professionals emerged who focused solely on creating beautiful, functional interiors.

Candace Wheeler: The Mother of Interior Design

Often called the “mother” of interior design, Candace Wheeler (1827-1923) played a crucial role in establishing interior design as a respectable profession for women. In 1877, she founded the Society of Decorative Arts in New York alongside Louis Comfort Tiffany and others, aiming to help women support themselves through creative work.

Wheeler’s contributions were remarkable – she co-founded the interior decorating firm Tiffany & Wheeler in 1879, which decorated important buildings including Mark Twain’s house. In 1883, she established Associated Artists, a textile firm employing only women who created beautiful tapestries and curtains. Her commitment to empowering women in design helped establish the profession as we know it today.

Influential Female Interior Designers in History

Throughout history, women have overcome significant barriers to become leaders in interior design. Their vision and determination forever changed how we think about our living spaces.

Elsie de Wolfe: America’s First Professional Interior Designer

Elsie de Wolfe (1865-1950) is widely recognized as America’s first professional interior designer. Starting as an actress, she turned to interior design in 1903 and quickly became influential thanks to her theater connections.

De Wolfe revolutionized American homes by rejecting the dark, heavy Victorian style that dominated at the time. Instead, she created light, soft, feminine rooms that felt more welcoming and modern17. She loved using mirrors to brighten and visually expand spaces, and popularized white-painted furniture.

Her impressive client list included Oscar Wilde, Condé Nast, and wealthy families like the Vanderbilts. In 1913, she published “The House in Good Taste,” considered the first major book on interior design.

Dorothy Draper: The Queen of Color

Dorothy Draper (1889-1969) broke new ground as a businesswoman when she established Dorothy Draper & Company in 1923 – the first interior design company in the United States. This was especially remarkable during a time when women rarely owned businesses.

Draper completely transformed American design by rejecting historical “period room” styles in favor of bold creativity. She became famous for her vibrant, unexpected color combinations and introduced what became known as “Hollywood Regency” style.

Her most famous project was redesigning The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia in the 1940s. She received an unprecedented $4.2 million fee and completed the massive job in just 16 months, using 45,000 yards of fabric, 40,000 gallons of paint, and 15,000 rolls of wallpaper. Draper was also the first woman to specialize in commercial interior design.

Syrie Maugham: The White Queen

British designer Syrie Maugham became known as “The White Queen” for her revolutionary all-white interiors that stood in stark contrast to the heavily decorated Victorian spaces. Her elegant, light-filled rooms attracted elite clients and influenced countless interior designers who followed.

Charlotte Perriand: Function Meets Beauty

Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999), a French architect and designer, focused on creating functional spaces that improved people’s daily lives. She believed strongly that our living environments directly affect our wellbeing.

After studying furniture design in Paris, Perriand gained attention with her innovative “Bar sous le Toit” design in 1927, which used modern materials and machine-age aesthetics. She later joined Le Corbusier’s studio, helping design furniture that balanced comfort with utility.

In the 1930s, Perriand embraced more accessible design, using traditional materials like wood and cane to create beautiful yet practical pieces. Her thoughtful approach to spaces – appreciating their unique qualities and drawing inspiration from them – continues to influence interior designers today.

Sister Parish: American Country Style Comes to the White House

Sister Parish (1910-1994) made history as the first interior decorator brought into the Kennedy White House. Her distinctive style blended American country and English cottage elements to create comfortable, elegant spaces that felt lived-in yet sophisticated. Her approach, which came to be known as “American Country Style,” significantly influenced residential design across the United States.

Notable Male Interior Designers Who Shaped History

While women pioneered many aspects of interior design, men have also made tremendous contributions to the field. These visionaries pushed boundaries and created enduring styles that continue to inspire.

Jean-Michel Frank: Master of Refined Simplicity

From a timeline perspective, Jean-Michel Frank stands as one of the earliest recognized male interior designers. This French creative genius developed a unique style that balanced minimalism with touches of luxury. His designs resulted in some of history’s most iconic pieces, including the Hermes Club Chair, the Parsons Table, and the Block Lamp – all still considered timeless classics in modern design.

William Haines: From Hollywood Star to Design Icon

William Haines (1900-1973) had an unusual career path, transitioning from being one of America’s most popular movie stars to becoming a highly respected interior designer. His client list included actress Joan Crawford and U.S. ambassador Walter Annenberg.

Haines developed a glamorous yet unconventional style that mixed vintage with modern pieces. He preferred low-to-the-ground furniture, insisted on quality materials, and wasn’t confined by specific color schemes. His work balanced formal and casual elements, and he collaborated with notable architects like James E. Dolena and A. Quincy Jones.

Juan Montoya: International Vision

Born in Colombia, Juan Montoya studied architecture in Bogota before graduating from the Parsons School of Design in New York. Now considered one of the world’s leading interior designers, Montoya isn’t tied to a single style or period.

His distinctive work features thoughtful use of shadow, skillful layering of large and small furniture pieces, and beautiful contrasts between textures and fabrics. These elements create depth and visual interest in every space he designs.

Geoffrey Bradfield: Luxurious Sophistication

Geoffrey Bradfield has created stunning interiors worldwide, including the 200-room Equinox Resort in Vermont and the historic Gertrude Vanderbilt-Whitney estate. Born in South Africa, his work clearly shows influences from his homeland.

What makes Bradfield special is his ability to combine contemporary art, functionality, and opulence in perfect harmony. As his career progressed, his style evolved to incorporate Oriental and Art Deco influences, creating a recognizable signature look that exemplifies luxury.

John Saladino: The Designer’s Designer

John Saladino, born in Kansas City in 1936, developed a unique approach to colors and masterfully mixed old and new elements. His deep appreciation for nature and history appears consistently throughout his work and has become his trademark.

Though Saladino generally prefers minimalist designs, he creates emotionally impactful environments through carefully detailed furnishings. His sophisticated yet approachable spaces have influenced countless interior designers.

Famous American Interior Designers Who Changed the Industry

American interior designers have made exceptional contributions to the field, setting trends that spread worldwide and establishing the United States as a center of design innovation.

Billy Baldwin: America’s Dean of Design

Often called the “dean of American interior decorators,” Billy Baldwin created elegant, clean-lined interiors that emphasized comfort and livability. His work for clients like Cole Porter and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis established American design as sophisticated yet practical.

Baldwin believed in “decorating from the floor up” and famously said, “The first rule of decoration is that you can break almost all the other rules.” His unpretentious approach made good design seem accessible to everyone.

Mark Hampton: Traditional Elegance

Mark Hampton became known for his classically elegant designs that often incorporated English and American antiques. His impressive client list included Brooke Astor, Estée Lauder, and the Bush family – he even designed spaces in the White House.

Hampton’s rooms combined comfort with sophistication, creating timeless interiors that felt both grand and welcoming. His influence on American traditional design remains strong today.

Kelly Wearstler: Bold Contemporary Vision

Kelly Wearstler has emerged as one of America’s most influential contemporary designers. Her signature style blends vintage and modern elements with vibrant colors and strong patterns, creating spaces that feel both glamorous and livable.

Wearstler has designed numerous hotels, restaurants, and private homes across America, and her bold approach has significantly shaped contemporary American interior design. Her fearless use of color and pattern continues to inspire designers worldwide.

International Interior Designers Who Transformed Spaces

Interior design flourishes globally, with influential designers from around the world contributing unique perspectives and innovative approaches.

Philippe Starck: French Revolutionary

Philippe Starck stands as a legendary French designer known for his daring, innovative approach. His work is never predictable but always captivating – from sleek hotels to striking private residences.

What makes Starck special is his ability to blend playfulness with luxury. His designs often challenge conventions while remaining functional and beautiful, making him one of the world’s most influential interior designers for decades.

Kelly Hoppen: British Elegance

British designer Kelly Hoppen has become synonymous with sophisticated luxury. Her signature style features clean lines, neutral tones, and rich textures that appeal to clients worldwide.

Hoppen masterfully balances contemporary and timeless elements, creating spaces that feel both modern and enduring. Her elegant approach has influenced countless designers and homeowners seeking refined, comfortable interiors.

Patricia Urquiola: Spanish Innovation

Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola celebrates color, form, and functionality in her vibrant work. Known for creative use of materials and textures, she creates inviting, energetic spaces with distinctive character.

Urquiola successfully blends contemporary style with traditional influences, resulting in unique, timeless interiors. Her innovative approach continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in interior design.

Marcel Wanders: Dutch Dreamer

Dutch designer Marcel Wanders creates avant-garde designs that push creative boundaries. His work uniquely combines fantasy with functionality, resulting in spaces that surprise and delight.

Wanders’ interiors often feature whimsical elements alongside sophisticated details, creating environments that tell stories and engage the imagination. His influence extends far beyond the Netherlands, inspiring designers globally.

The Distinctive Style of 1970s Interior Designers

The 1970s marked a turning point for interior design – moving away from rigid modernism toward self-expression, comfort, and individuality. This decade’s distinctive style remains influential today.

Design reflects society, and the 1970s embodied cultural change. The back-to-nature movement, artistic freedom, and bohemian living all influenced how people wanted their homes to feel.

People increasingly rejected mid-century modernism’s rigidity in favor of mixing styles, materials, and bold statements. The resulting look was lived-in, expressive, and deeply personal – qualities that resonate just as strongly today.

Key Elements of 1970s Interior Design

Several distinctive features defined 1970s interiors:

Wall Paneling & Statement Ceilings: Dark wood paneling dominated walls, while ceilings became design features. Today’s designers reinterpret this with modern wood slats or walnut paneling for warmth and architectural interest.
Conversation Pits & Modular Seating: The decade embraced casual, cozy socializing with sunken living areas designed specifically for gathering. Modern versions use large, low-profile modular sofas and layered rugs to create intimate spaces within open plans.
Curves, Arches & Organic Shapes: The 1970s loved curved furniture, arched doorways, and organic forms. These elements added flow and softness to interiors, countering the sharp lines of earlier modernism.
Earth Tones & Bold Patterns: Warm browns, oranges, golds, and avocado greens dominated, often paired with geometric patterns and textures like shag carpeting.

Interior Designers Who Became Famous Through Television

Television has dramatically increased public interest in interior design, turning designers into household names and making design principles accessible to everyone.

Stacey Solomon: Organizing with Heart

Stacey Solomon hosts “Sort Your Life Out” on BBC One, where she helps families declutter their homes – an emotionally challenging but rewarding process. After clearing the space, Solomon demonstrates creative upcycling and DIY skills to create beautiful, organized interiors.

Her approachable personality and practical solutions have made interior design seem achievable for viewers at home, regardless of budget.

The Transformative Power of Queer Eye

Netflix’s “Queer Eye” reboot offers exceptional interior design inspiration wrapped in heartwarming personal transformations. The show’s design experts demonstrate how thoughtfully designed spaces can positively impact people’s daily lives and self-image.

The show’s popularity has helped demystify the design process and emphasized how interior design goes beyond aesthetics to affect wellbeing and functionality.

Scarlette & Stuart Douglas: Finding Hidden Potential

Brother-sister duo Scarlette & Stuart Douglas host “Worst House on the Street” on Channel 4, helping DIY renovators transform neglected properties into dream homes. As property developers themselves, they provide valuable insights on which improvements add value and which might not be worth the investment.

Their practical guidance helps viewers understand the relationship between design decisions and property value, making good design seem like both a pleasure and a smart investment.

How NextGen Interiors BD Draws Inspiration From Design Legends

At NextGen Interiors BD, we’re more than just an interior design company in Dhaka. We’re a passionate team under the United Saud Group, dedicated to creating spaces that perfectly fit our clients’ lives and needs. Here’s how we incorporate lessons from famous interior designers into our work:

Blending Global Excellence with Local Understanding

Like international designers such as Philippe Starck and Kelly Hoppen, we combine diverse influences to create distinctive spaces. However, we always ensure our designs reflect Bangladesh’s unique cultural context and our clients’ specific needs. This balance of global inspiration and local relevance helps us create truly special interiors.

Prioritizing Both Beauty and Functionality

Following Charlotte Perriand’s belief that living spaces directly impact wellbeing, we create designs that look beautiful and enhance daily life. Whether planning a home interior design, office interior design, or bedroom interior design in Dhaka, we carefully consider how people will use and experience the space.

Embracing Creative Freedom

Dorothy Draper wasn’t afraid to use bold colors and break free from historical constraints. Similarly, we encourage creative expression in our designs, helping clients discover unique solutions that reflect their personalities while remaining timeless and sophisticated.

Combining Traditional Elements with Modern Design

Like masters such as John Saladino, we thoughtfully blend traditional and contemporary elements. This approach works particularly well in Bangladesh, where rich cultural heritage meets modern living needs. Our designs honor tradition while embracing innovation.

As the best interior design company in Bangladesh, we’re committed to delivering exceptional designs that transform houses into homes and offices into inspiring workplaces. Our team of talented interior designers in Dhaka works closely with each client, ensuring every project receives the attention to detail it deserves.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Interior Designers

1. Who is considered the first professional interior designer?

Elsie de Wolfe is widely recognized as America’s first professional interior designer. Born in 1865, she transformed dark Victorian interiors into lighter, more welcoming spaces and published “The House in Good Taste” in 1913, considered the first major interior design book.

2. How did women influence the development of interior design as a profession?

Women played crucial roles in establishing interior design as a profession. Candace Wheeler, the “mother of interior design,” founded organizations supporting women in decorative arts in the late 1800s. Dorothy Draper created the first interior design company in the United States in 1923. These pioneering women established design standards and business practices that continue today.

3. Who are some influential male interior designers in history?

Jean-Michel Frank created iconic furniture pieces like the Parsons Table that remain classics today. William Haines transitioned from Hollywood stardom to becoming a leading decorator for celebrities and dignitaries. Contemporary designers like Philippe Starck and Juan Montoya continue pushing boundaries with innovative approaches to space and form.

4. How has American interior design influenced global design trends?

American designers like Dorothy Draper, Sister Parish, and Billy Baldwin developed distinctive styles that spread worldwide. American design typically balances practicality with beauty, creating livable yet stylish spaces. Concepts like American Country Style and Hollywood Regency have been adopted and adapted globally, influencing designers across cultures.

5. What were the main characteristics of 1970s interior design?

The 1970s embraced individuality and comfort with distinctive elements like conversation pits, earth tones, curved furniture, and textural contrasts. Wood wall paneling, statement ceilings, houseplants, and modular seating defined the era. These elements created warm, social spaces that prioritized personal expression over formal design rules.

6. How has television changed people’s interest in interior design?

Television shows like “Sort Your Life Out,” “Queer Eye,” and “Worst House on the Street” have made interior design accessible to everyday people. These programs demonstrate transformation processes, share practical tips, and help viewers understand design principles. This exposure has increased public interest in interior design and raised expectations for beautiful, functional homes.

7. What’s the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior designers typically have formal education in spatial planning, building codes, and structural considerations. They can work on comprehensive projects involving construction and renovation. Interior decorators focus primarily on aesthetics – selecting colors, furniture, fabrics, and accessories for existing spaces. The term “interior decorator” was common before “interior designer” emerged to reflect the profession’s technical expertise.

8. How do interior designers in Bangladesh adapt international trends for local homes?

Interior designers in Bangladesh, like our team at NextGen Interiors BD, thoughtfully blend international design principles with local considerations. We adapt trends to suit Bangladesh’s climate, available materials, cultural preferences, and practical needs. This might mean incorporating traditional crafts in modern ways or modifying Western furniture styles for greater functionality in Bangladeshi homes.

9. Who are some famous interior designers known for sustainable practices?

While sustainability is a relatively modern focus, designers like Charlotte Perriand emphasized the connection between living spaces and wellbeing, an early version of sustainable thinking. Contemporary designers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and reduced waste. At NextGen Interiors BD, we incorporate sustainable practices whenever possible while meeting our clients’ aesthetic and functional needs.

10. How can I incorporate ideas from famous interior designers in my own home?

You can apply principles from famous designers without copying their entire style. From Elsie de Wolfe, try using mirrors to brighten and visually expand spaces. Dorothy Draper’s bold use of color can inspire accent pieces. Charlotte Perriand’s focus on functionality reminds us to prioritize how spaces work, not just how they look. For personalized guidance, consulting with professional interior designers in Dhaka like NextGen Interiors BD can help you create a space that reflects both timeless principles and your individual preferences.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Great Interior Design

The history of interior design shows us how creative vision can transform not just our spaces but how we live within them. From Candace Wheeler and Elsie de Wolfe to Philippe Starck and Kelly Hoppen, great interior designers have consistently challenged conventions while creating beautiful, functional environments.

At NextGen Interiors BD, we’re proud to carry forward this tradition of excellence in Dhaka, Bangladesh. As part of the United Saud Group, we bring both established expertise and fresh perspectives to every project. Whether designing a cozy home, efficient office, or stylish commercial space, our interior designers combine global knowledge with local understanding.

We believe every space deserves thoughtful design that enhances daily life. That’s why we’re committed to being the best interior design company in Bangladesh – creating interiors that aren’t just visually stunning but also perfectly suited to our clients’ needs and aspirations.

Great design isn’t about following trends; it’s about creating spaces that work beautifully for the people who use them. This principle guides everything we do at NextGen Interiors BD, and it’s why our clients trust us with their most important spaces.

Reach out to our team of skilled interior designers in Dhaka today, and let’s create something extraordinary together – a space that honors the legacy of design masters while reflecting your unique story and enhancing your everyday life.