WHY: Albert Hadley

“The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what’s in or what’s out. This is not an easy job.” – Albert Hadley

WHEN: “The Dos and Don’ts of Designing Your Own Line,” October 12 and 18

You’ve got great ideas for launching your own line – but how do you start? Before you put pen to paper, attend “The Dos and Don’ts of Designing Your Own Line” on October 12 (at New York’s Decoration & Design Building) or October 18 (at the Washington Design Center). A panel of home furnishings experts including legendary designer Jamie Drake; legal and licensing expert Kate Verner; Edward Ferrell-Lewis Mittman President Jobi Blachy and other will share their experiences and provide valuable tips on how to create, market and sell your line.

For more information, please visit ddbuilding.com or dcdesigncenter.com.

Image courtesy Schumacher.

WHAT: “Interior Design Industry” at NYU

Everyone needs to start somewhere!

Whether you're considering an interior design career by starting your own company or joining an existing firm, acquire a working knowledge of the principles and business practices of interior designers. Topics include an overview of the industry, governmental standards and professional requirements, design project phases and scope, standard fees and compensation, the essence of good working relationships with clients, and letters of agreement and contracts. The course will also cover the elements of purchasing, including estimates; quotes; placing orders; and specifying furniture, fabric, and finishes, especially on custom goods.

This course meets Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The fee is $495. For more information, please visit scps.nyu.edu.

Info courtesy New York University. Image courtesy wallpapers.cc.

WHO: Elsie DeWolfe

Elsie De Wolfe’s well-cultivated popularity and outsize persona coincided with a rise in interest in interior design in the early 1900s. She wrote The House in Good Taste, and The New Yorker credited her with inventing the profession of interior design.

De Wolfe transformed the design of wealthy homes from the dark Victorian style into designs featuring light, fresh colors and a reliance on 18th-century French furniture and reproductions. She helped popularize faux finishes and leopard print.

In addition to being one of the pioneers of American interior design, De Wolfe was a true character. She practiced yoga and stood on her head daily at age 70. She married Sir Charles Mendl, a diplomat, but scandalized Paris society when she once turned handsprings as an entrance to a fancy-dress ball. She inspired lyrics by Irving Berlin and Cole Porter.

And on first seeing the Parthenon, De Wolfe exclaimed “It’s beige – my color!”

Image and info courtesy Wikipedia. For more information, please visit this month’s edition of Matchbookmag.com.