Wright Auction

Frances Adler Elkins was a leading force in 20th-century interior design, renowned for her ability to blend traditional and Modernist elements with effortless sophistication. Born into a prosperous family in Milwaukee in 1888, she was introduced to the world of architecture and design through her older brother, David Adler. Their shared travels in Europe exposed them to classical and avant-garde aesthetics, shaping the foundation of Frances' design philosophy. While David pursued formal architectural studies in Paris, Frances cultivated relationships with influential designers such as Jean-Michel Frank and Alberto Giacometti, collaborations that would later define her signature style.

Settling in Monterey, California in 1918, after marrying artist and polo player, Felton Broomall Elkins, Frances embarked on an ambitious restoration of the historic, adobe Casa Amesti. This project, undertaken with her brother, was Frances' first major foray into interior design and showcased her ability to harmonize architectural integrity with audacious decorative choices. Following her divorce in 1923, Frances turned her passion into a profession, quickly gaining recognition among the elite of Pebble Beach and San Francisco. She masterfully combined Chippendale furniture, Queen Anne mirrors, and Ming screens with Modernist elements, setting a new standard for West Coast interiors. Her work on the Cypress Point Club and numerous private residences solidified her reputation as a decorator of choice for high society.

Frances' work with her brother resulted in some of the most stunning homes of the era, including the Kersey Coates Reed House and the Albert Lasker Estate in Lake Forest, Illinois. Her innovative use of materials demonstrated a fearless approach to interior decoration. Beyond residential commissions, she left her mark on commercial spaces, including the Yerba Buena Club for Women in San Francisco. As the exclusive United States distributor of Jean-Michel Frank's Art Deco furniture, she played a key role in introducing Modernist European design to American audiences. Frances' celebrated Loop and Spider chairs remain iconic examples of her design ingenuity.

Despite passing in San Francisco in 1953 at the age of sixty-four, Frances Elkins' influence endures in the world of interior design. Her ability to integrate classical elements with contemporary pieces set a precedent for future generations of decorators. Today, her legacy is preserved in the interiors she created, the furniture she designed, and the principles she championed. Casa Amesti, now a National Trust for Historic Properties site, stands as a lasting testament to her visionary talent, while her groundbreaking approach to interior decoration continues to inspire designers worldwide.