The Art Deco style arose in France in the early 20th century and combined modern design with a sense of luxury. In 1929 America, few could afford to use the style in their homes, much less in a teenager's bedroom. But it was well within reach for 17-year-old Elaine Wormser, whose wealthy father enlisted Austrian American designer Joseph Urban to design her bedroom. The commission cost what would be $100,000 in today's dollars.
What is now left of Elaine's bedroom will go on exhibition at the Cincinnati Art Museum later this year, and the bedroom is the subject of a book, Joseph Urban: Unlocking an Art Deco Bedroom.
Every inch of Elaine Wormser's bedroom was meticulously considered, from the silver ceiling to the porcelain tea service. Read about the room that served as Urban's last Art Deco showcase at Hyperallergic. -via Nag on the Lake
Proposed sketch by Joseph Urban (1929) titled "A Young Lady's Room"
Elaine Wormser (1930), photo by Alvina Lenke Studios
Bedroom for Elaine Wormser (1930) by Joseph Urban. Photo by Alvina Lenke Studios with colorization by Light Work, New York (2020).
Porcelain tea service (1914-1923) by State Porcelain Factory and design by Mikhail M. Adamovich - image courtesy of John T. Reis.