1939: Interior Design

The year 1939 was an interesting year from the point of view of the professional designer of interiors. Although the numerical growth of the profession was conservative, the number of people in this country living in professionally designed interiors increased considerably.

A recent survey conducted among the readers of Interior Design and Decoration, a professional magazine for interior designers, indicates that over 1,000,000 persons in this country purchase home furnishings through them. This figure is significant because it shows that their services are being utilized not only in the upper income brackets but in the medium brackets as well. The acceptance of the interior designer's services is now closely paralleling the acceptance of that of the architect.

The terms 'interior designer' and 'interior design' are employed here instead of 'interior decorator' and 'interior decoration.' The reason for this is the confusion in the minds of many with the painter who often calls himself, and rightfully so, a decorator; generically, the word 'decoration' means applying something to surfaces. It is an erroneous appellation for the professional designer of interiors.

During 1939, it was noticeable that the services of the interior designer were utilized in the interiors of every important ship, train, club, hotel or shop, store, cocktail lounge, or bar that was either newly constructed or renovated.

The Modern Style.

The acceptance of the Modern or Contemporary Movement in America is gradual but very definite. A greater refinement is noticeable in Modern furniture; the harsh structural lines are being softened, with less importance being placed on the strictly functional aspect. The interior designer has brought this about because of the theory that the fine contemporary interior is one wherein the simple 18th century English and French pieces are blended with the Modern. To accomplish this, Modern furniture had to be refined to a degree that would permit its association with fine period pieces.

Color.

Colors have become a little deeper and more vibrant. The year 1938 was notable for the delicate pastel colors; 1939 saw the pastels assuming subtle shades of stronger pigments, such as pink, gray-green, and taupe hues. It is our prediction that they will become in 1940 still deeper, assuming the lush tropical hues.

Lighting.

The influence of the interior designer has been effectively felt in the field of lighting. For a number of years the lamp manufacturers have been producing very efficient lamps from the point of view of light distribution, but 1939 marked the beginning of a renaissance in design. The number of well-designed lamps on the market is noticeable even today and greater improvement is well on the way.

Wallpapers and Fabrics.

Wallpapers and fabric have also shown a decided improvement in design, as a result of the exacting demands of the interior designer. There has been a transition from small, indeterminate patterns and hues to vigorous examples of design and coloring.

Perhaps one of the outstanding things in 1939 from the interior designer's viewpoint has been the introduction of new materials affecting the present and future design of interiors. Especially noteworthy is the use of plastics in furniture, fabrics, lighting, wall coverings, and accessories of all kinds.

Plastics are synthetic materials, products of our chemical laboratories. Although it is necessary to use the word 'synthetic,' these products are in no way inferior to the natural materials. They have an inherent beauty all their own and will be used because of their unique characteristics.

Another outstanding achievement is glass fabrics — yarn can now be spun from glass and made into the most beautiful fabrics. These fabrics are sunfast and non-shrinkable. They can be cleaned with soap and water and are fire-resistant.

Domestic Merchandise v. Imports.

Domestic-made goods of all kinds have been given a boost because of the European situation. Since the inception of this country there has been a subconscious feeling that goods from the older countries were superior to those of our own manufacture. This assumption is fast being proved to be without any basis whatever.

The last European war was the beginning of a greater emphasis on the value of domestic merchandise. Already the present European War, because of the resulting economic blockades, has given new impetus to a keener appreciation accompanied by a greater pride of ownership in fine domestic products. Also immigrants, in a number of instances, have brought over the secrets of some of the older crafts which have been exclusive knowledge with them and their families for generations, and American arts and crafts are the beneficiaries.

Adoption into College Curricula.

Another very enlightening thing, and perhaps the most important of all, is the great interest being shown now by schools, colleges, and universities in the training of the interior designer. Architectural courses in many of the schools and colleges are being adjusted to encompass the field of interior design. See PLASTICS; CHEMISTRY; TEXTILES.