Maison Jansen: The Epitome of Luxury in Interior Design

Founded in Paris in 1880 by Jean-Henri Jansen, Maison Jansen became synonymous with elegance and luxury in interior design. The firm, which began at 9 Rue Royale, stood out for its ability to combine traditional styles with contemporary influences such as Anglo-Japanese and Arts and Crafts.

Expansion and Global Recognition

From its early years, Maison Jansen won an exclusive clientele thanks to its meticulous attention to detail and the quality of its restoration and cabinetmaking work. The company expanded its reach with offices in cities such as Buenos Aires, London, Rome, Cairo and New York. It imported exotic materials, such as mahogany from Argentina and Cuba, to create unique pieces inspired by styles such as Rococo and French Neoclassicism.

Stéphane Boudin and the Golden Age

With the arrival of Stéphane Boudin in 1923, Maison Jansen reached new heights. Boudin, known for his historical precision and his ability to create dramatic spaces, led landmark projects such as the renovation of the White House during the John F. Kennedy administration. In the 1930s, much of Boudin’s work was in England, where Sir Henry “Chips” Channon, a wealthy American socialite who had become part of the English political establishment, described him as “the best decorator in the world.” The White House renovation cemented the firm’s reputation as the pinnacle of interior design.

Innovation and Extravagance

Maison Jansen not only adapted to new trends but also introduced innovations such as mirrored surfaces and low lacquered tables. One of the firm’s most extravagant projects was the decoration for the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire, commissioned by the Shah of Iran: an event of unprecedented luxury that, impressive as it was, contributed to the company’s financial decline.

After Boudin’s death in 1967, Pierre Delbée took the helm and carried on the firm’s legacy until 1979. Although it closed in 1989, Maison Jansen’s legacy endures. Its designs, blending the historic with the modern, remain a source of inspiration for contemporary designers. Maison Jansen pieces, such as its gilded mirrors and metal palm trees, are coveted objects today that keep alive the spirit of one of the most prestigious firms in the history of interior design.

Decline and Lasting Legacy

Maison Jansen defined luxury and elegance in interior design for more than a century, leaving a legacy that still influences the world of design today.