decoratress

plural decoratresses

1. rareA female decorator.

   Though the decorator turned out to be a decoratress, I was nonetheless delighted.

   2011, Janice Robinson-Delaney, The Deleted Destiny, Xlibris, →ISBN, page 25

   4 more examples

   Here were to be seen, festoons variously diversified, according to the taste and fantasy of the decoratress; while in other quarters, arbours of curious shapes and sizes graced the hall.

   1828, Marly; Or, A Planter's Life in Jamaica, Richard Griffin and Company, page 110

   In these days, when the independence of women is not a mere sentiment, but is becoming a hard fact, based on stern necessity, it is useful to learn what new paths of labour are being opened to them, and to observe with what success each new experiment is attended. One of the most recent is that of “house decoratresses,” and from the great scope afforded for the display of taste, and the want of it in ordinary interiors, the public may look forward to a happy era of comfortable, inexpensive, and tasteful domestic arrangements, such as the heart and hand of unaided man could not be expected to devise or execute. […] The decoratresses may likewise be consulted on matters of upholstery and general furnishing, and keep samples of materials for drapery and other coverings.

   1875, The Spiritualist Newspaper, a Record of the Progress of the Science and Ethics of Spiritualism, volume 6, number 8, Women’s Occupations, column 2

   […], all round the table, conversation was getting into such animated swing! Claudia Crane discussing “Les Silences du Colonel Bramble” with the decoratress, Jim giving hints on her own subject to the beauty-culturist!

   1920, The Green Book Magazine, volume 24, page 71

   Peggy Dey, the interior decoratress, probably knows more about successful modern furniture design than any other woman in the United States.

   1946, Newsweek, page 73

   Synonyms: decoratrix