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.
Toni says
It’s probably just as well no one has made any of these today. I’d never be able to choose.
Mary says
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!
Ranger Smith says
I have a book titled Inspiring 1950’s Interiors by Armstrong Flooring, published in the ’90s. It mentions Hazel Dell Brown and is full of color pictures from the original Armstrong brochures. It has been a great resource for me.
Pam Kueber says
Yes, I’ve written about that often:
Ranger Smith says
Perhaps it is to your credit that bought it. I don’t recall.
Joan says
Thanks for sharing these fabulous catalogs! Do you know if these are in the public domain?
Pam Kueber says
See their landing pages for info.
K258 says
Linoleum is alive and well. It’s my favorite resilient flooring. Colors and patterns are incredible. I don’t know why more people don’t use it. It requires no special maintenance. I had it installed in the kitchen of my previous house using a 3 color border design. I loved it.
Amber says
I am going through these slowly and savoring them….imagining rooms to build around these lovely floors!
I wonder if someone wealthy wants to start a museum, with a collection of actual historic flooring pieces, laminate counter tops (or pieces thereof) wall paper and curtain fabric. I would love to visit such a place, see real pieces of these linoleum patterns that were large enough I could get a sense of the pattern. Same with wallpaper and curtain and maybe upholstery fabric….and while I’m dreaming there should obviously be a wing devoted to sinks, showers, toilets and tubs….and old tile.
Yup, back to dreaming!
Pam Kueber says
LOL, come see my basement hoard!
Amber says
Now of all times, I WISH!
MaryAnne S says
Pam,
You have made me so happy with the links to these catalogs. I am rationing them so they will last longer. Love, love, love this stuff. Thank you so much!!!
Pam Kueber says
So glad! Enjoy! And like I said, I look at them over and over and over — so go ahead and dive in!
Lori Tevis says
Hey Pam, Thanks for giving us something FUN and so COLORFUL to look at. We all need something positive and interesting now for sure. Thanks again, you’re the best. Lori in N.C.
Vintigchik says
This is the perfect time for some eye candy! Thanks Pam. I’m sure we all needed this reprieve!
Pam Kueber says
Yes, serious eye candy indeed!
Be well!
Debbie in Portland says
Marbelle and Jaspe and Inlaid, oh my!! These give me a serious case of flooring envy.