Stephane Boudin, Parisian interior designer, is known as the president of what many consider to be the world’s leading interior design firm of the 20th century: Maison Jansen. One of Boudin’s largest projects as an interior designer was the restoration and renovation of the White House in the early 1960s.

Stephane Boudin was born in 1880. His father, Alexandre Boudin, was a trimmings and trimmings manufacturer. It was while Stphane was working in his father’s textile cutting business in the 1920s that Jean-Henri Jansen, the founder of Maison Jansen, approached him. In 1925 Boudin got an assistant by the name of Monsieur Henry Samuel. Following Jansen’s death in 1928, Stphane Boudin, together with Gaston Schwartz, took control of all interior design and furnishing projects at Maison Jansen. While Schwartz brought aspects of modernism, Boudin was the traditionalist.

Boudin helped the firm win several new interior design projects by emphasizing historical accuracy and detail, and through his ability to create spaces that were both dramatic and unforgettable. He efficiently instructed the firm’s young protégés, reviewed their work regularly, and arranged trips for them to Europe.

The most important order Boudin received was probably the one he received before he retired: Jacqueline Kennedy’s request to work on the interiors of the White House (1961-63). Jayne Wrightsman, the woman who introduced Jackie to Boudin, was personally tutored by Boudin in French decorative arts.

Jacqueline wanted to add an international touch to the American look of the White House, and Boudin saw fit to make that wish come true. In addition, Boudin and Henry du Pont were hired with the duty of procuring antiques and giving sophistication and meticulousness to the decoration.

Boudin focused primarily on the American Empire style when furnishing the Red Room of the White House. He included pieces made by Charles-Honor Lannuier, a cabinetmaker. In the case of the Blue Room, Boudin emphasized furnishing it with French Empire-style furniture. The style of the Green Room, namely the Federal Style, was chosen by Henry du Pont, who was influenced by Boudin. Boudin also introduced changes to the decoration of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room.

Another major interior design project Boudin was entrusted with in his lifetime was to completely transform the famous Leeds Castle into an elegant country residence. It was the last private owner of the castle, Lady Baillie, who entrusted him with this task.

Stephane Boudin retired at seventy and passed away in 1967; His successor was Pierre Delbe.