Yesterday I published a history of Hazel Dell Brown, including why I believe she is the most influential interior decorator of the 20th Century. Today as follow-up, take a look for yourself at scores of her room designs, captured in catalogs from 1929-1951. Perhaps you will find some great ideas for your own home!
You can see a good selection of Mrs. Brown’s work in the vintage brochures archived in the Building Technology Heritage Library and my personal collection. I’ve done some work for you by organizing them in chronological order here:
- 1929 — New Ideas in Home Decoration
- 1935 — Beauty Hints for the Home Decorator
- 1935 — The Story of Five Dream Kitchens
- 1937 — Floors that Keep Homes in Fashion
- 1941 — Dream Kitchens for 1941 from my personal collection
- 1941 — Ideas for Old Rooms and New
- 1946 — Portfolio of Room Interiors
- 1948 — Ideas for Every Room
- 1949 — Decorator’s Answer Book
- 1950 — How to Plan Smart Basement Rooms
- 1951 — Go Ahead and Decorate
- 1951 — Rooms for Better Living in Basements and Basementless Houses
Designers from the Mrs. Brown’s department continued making room designs like these into the 1950s and 1960s. They are captured in two books, which are huge favorites of mine:
When remodeling my previous home (built in 1947) I removed the carpet and found some of this vinyl. I loved it, but it was too worn to not recover with something else. Loved hearing about its origin. I feel a little part of history. Impressive woman!
It’s probably just as well no one has made any of these today. I’d never be able to choose.
Great article, Pam! Thanks for all your work on that.
That 1929 sun room ? !!!
I wish I had lived back then and had money. Thak you for all you do.
You’re welcome!
Thank you so much for sharing. Enjoyed each of the brochures! So much fun to see some of the patterns I remember from the older homes of my childhood, Detroit neighborhood outside Hamtramck, MI. Circa 1950s.
I lived in the Detroit area for many years — and was just thinking this weekend about all the fantastic food in Hamtramck!