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What Would Dorothy Draper Do?
Or, How to Channel America's Most Fabulous Decorator
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
One of my favorite designers of all time is the iconic Dorothy Draper. Perhaps best known for her work at The Greenbrier, Ms. Draper had a long career during which she never shied away from color or fun. I look to her for perfectly expressed bon mots about decorating, as her quotes are timelessly applicable to all of our decorating issues today.
As Hollywood Regency style blew up a few years ago, and as The Greenbrier was remodeled with a careful eye on keeping the feel of Draper's original style, her work was rediscovered by a whole new generation of designers. The timely release of In the Pink: America's Most Fabulous Decorator by Carleton Varney helped us all look to her for inspiration. I pull it down every few months and delight in the vintage ads, beautiful room shots, and quotes from Dorothy.
When I look at these rooms, I could imagine that some of these designers might just have said "What Would Dorothy Draper do?" before they started their plans of attack. Let's look to these contemporary designers to see how to channel Dorothy - here are 20+ design elements that can help you get the Dorothy Draper look.
As Hollywood Regency style blew up a few years ago, and as The Greenbrier was remodeled with a careful eye on keeping the feel of Draper's original style, her work was rediscovered by a whole new generation of designers. The timely release of In the Pink: America's Most Fabulous Decorator by Carleton Varney helped us all look to her for inspiration. I pull it down every few months and delight in the vintage ads, beautiful room shots, and quotes from Dorothy.
When I look at these rooms, I could imagine that some of these designers might just have said "What Would Dorothy Draper do?" before they started their plans of attack. Let's look to these contemporary designers to see how to channel Dorothy - here are 20+ design elements that can help you get the Dorothy Draper look.
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: A beautiful front door and symmetrical topiaries have great Draper style.
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TRELLIS: The Greenbrier required over 15,000 rolls of wallpaper. I think Dorothy would have approved of this vibrant green trellis pattern and intricate mirror.
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Speaking of trellis, here's a very sophisticated modern example of using a trellis moulding pattern.
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by CIH Design
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| PINK, GREEN, and PALM LEAVES |
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by CIH Design
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| FLOOR TO CEILING CURTAINS: In a floral pattern - another Draper signature. The Greenbrier required over 45,000 rolls of fabric! |
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by CIH Design
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| ATTENTION TO SPECIAL LIGHT FIXTURES. This is the other view that goes with the two images above. |
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ZEBRA: The zebra I have now started to associate more with Carleton Varney, Dorothy Draper's protege and the current head of The Dorothy Draper Company Inc.
by CIH Design
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BOLD BOTANICAL FABRIC PRINTS
GLORIOUS GARDENS
DECADENT POOL HOUSES
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MATCHING TWIN BEDS
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THE DRESK: A bold botanical wallpaper and a "dresk" (dressing table/desk) - I think Dorothy invented the dresk when she designed the furniture for The Greenbrier.
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FEMININE: A frilly toile dressing table stool is pure Draper.
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| BLANK WALLS ARE BORING: Smaller ornamental details like the one on this wall channel draper. |
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FORMAL BUT COMFORTABLE DINING: A formal and traditional dining area with a bit of color and glitz is pure Draper.
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TURQUOISE HUES
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UPHOLSTERED CANOPIES: Lush bedding and scads of fabric
HARLEQUIN: The striking harlequin pattern used in The Greenbrier will continue to inspire decorators for generations.
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| WICKER: Do I even have to say it? |
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STRIPES: No stripe was too bold for Draper.
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ESPANA COLLECTION FOR DREXEL HERITAGE. This iconic bureau design is one of the most sought-after draper designs.
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VERDANT GREEN, SET OFF BY BLACK AND WHITE. The symmetry of the lamps, horse sculpture and ornate mirror are pure Draper-inspired style.
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BIRD CAGES: Draper used these sculptural pieces as accessories.
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| ADD A TREE: The Garden at Essex House's design revolved around fabulous, oversized, tree-shaped columns. |
by CWB Architects
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The Combo - Pink walls, zebra rug, floral shade - I think Dorothy would have slept in here.
Ideabook updated on Dec. 16, 2010.
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Thanks for including my front door in such a wonderful Ideabook! :)
Are you aware that the Kindel Furniture Company produces a Dorothy Draper Collection? http://ow.ly/5obrG We make the Espana Bunching Chest today and know that you would enjoy viewing the Collection, 100% made in the USA.
Amy Wolbert, Kindel Furniture Company