The more I learn about Dorothy Draper the more I love her, and I think you will too. Dorothy Draper was a fascinating lady who made waves in her time because of her use of bold colors and eccentric styles. She paved the way for many women to come in the decorating and design in industry. There is no doubt you have encountered some of her designs.
The Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia:
The Quitandinah Palace & Resort in Brazil:
[Photo: Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.]
The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
[Photo: Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.]
She even designed the interiors of airplanes and cars…she definitely had branded her name.
[Photo: Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.]
Here are some books by her and about her:
Decorating Is Fun! How To Be Your Own Decorator. By Dorothy Draper
Entertaining Is Fun! How To Be A Popular Hostess. By Dorothy Draper
In The Pink: Dorothy Draper– America’s Most Fabulous Decorater. By Carleton Varney
Learn more about her at www.dorothydraper.com
Some great design tips from Dorothy:
“The drab age is over… Until very recently people were literally scared out of their wits by color. Perhaps this was a hangover from our Puritan ancestors. But whatever the reason, browns, grays, and neutrals were the only shades considered safe. Now we know that lovely, clear colors have a vital effect on our metal happiness… Be sure your colors are honest, fresh, and clear.”
-Dorothy Draper, 1939
“Your home is the backdrop of your life, whether it is a palace or a one-romm apartment, it should honestly be your own- an expression of your personality. So many people stick timidly to often uninspired conventional ideas, or follow some expert’s methods slavishly. Either way they are more or less living in someone else’s house.”
-Dorothy Draper
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Cindy Jo Morgan 08.24.10 at 2:55 am
Wow , so nice to read about Dorothy on a blog.
I have never related to another designer so much..I thought, Wow— we probably have the same Bday… I was close…by 3 days!