Heaven knows I didn’t coin the phrase, Decorating is Fun, but it rings true, especially when revisiting the world of Dorothy Draper.  I’m not sure what made me think of her and her design influences, but I was in a happy mood and thought introducing you to this icon of design was only fair.  Dorothy Draper’s style was bold, shiny, in-your-face and quite modern for her time.  Make no mistake, though, she infused her work with traditional elements and is considered preppy with what I think is a light dusting of Hollywood Regency.  Her classic book from 1939, Decorating is Fun!  was and is a force in the design world.   

Draper was also know for her design of the Greenbrier Hotel and continues to remain au courant through the continued work by designer Carleton Varney who is the current President and owner of Dorothy Draper and Company, Inc.     

Just like the title of her book, decorating is fun and her playful, yet polished look is nothing if not happy.  That said, it seemed like a good topic for a sun-kissed summer post.  Dorothy Draper was never afraid of color, florals, black and white floors and a general feeling of the theatrical.  

While you may question how you can incorporate some of these ideas at home, fear not.  While the Draper look is nothing if not a “look,” you can always introduce a high gloss piece of furniture, like a dazzling contemporary chest, if you are unsure of committing to high gloss on your walls or doors.  It’s more about bold colors in juxtaposition to florals with fanciful moldings.  

Nobody could ever say that a room influenced by Dorothy Draper was ever dull, dour or depressing.  Class dismissed...

Room scenes courtesy of weddingbee.com, theworldaccordingtojessica.com, vintagefloozy.com.

Additional thanks to the Collection of Dorothy Draper and the Carleton Varney Group.