Syrie Maugham
British, 1879 - 1955
Syrie Maugham (1879-1955) was a British interior decorator who was renowned for her elegant, understated style and her use of light, neutral colors. She was born as Syrie Barnardo and was the daughter of the founder of the Barnardo's charity.
Maugham began her career as a fashion model and later opened a small dress shop in London. She began to receive commissions for decorating the homes of her clients, and her success in this field led her to abandon fashion and focus solely on interior design.
Maugham's style was characterized by its simplicity and sophistication. She favored pale colors, such as creams and grays, and used minimal ornamentation to create a sense of understated luxury. Her designs were highly influential and helped to define the look of the Art Deco period.
Maugham's most famous commission was the interior design of the White House during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson. She also designed interiors for a number of other prominent clients, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the Rothschild family.
Today, Syrie Maugham is remembered as one of the pioneers of modern interior design, and her work continues to influence designers around the world.
Maugham began her career as a fashion model and later opened a small dress shop in London. She began to receive commissions for decorating the homes of her clients, and her success in this field led her to abandon fashion and focus solely on interior design.
Maugham's style was characterized by its simplicity and sophistication. She favored pale colors, such as creams and grays, and used minimal ornamentation to create a sense of understated luxury. Her designs were highly influential and helped to define the look of the Art Deco period.
Maugham's most famous commission was the interior design of the White House during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson. She also designed interiors for a number of other prominent clients, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the Rothschild family.
Today, Syrie Maugham is remembered as one of the pioneers of modern interior design, and her work continues to influence designers around the world.
