Draper Style Revisited

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I became very interested in Dorothy Draper, the woman and her design style, when Carleton Varney, Draper's protegee` and the president of Dorothy Draper & Company, came to town earlier this month. Varney was here to celebrate the debut of his new book Houses in My Heart at the Las Vegas Design Center.

Varney's also published another wonderful book back in 2006 entitled: In the Pink: Dorothy Draper, America's Most Fabulous Decorator.


In my search for more on Dorothy Draper, I came across yet another interesting article that included a section titled The Elements of Draperism.


The Five Elements of Draperism


1. Intense color, bright colors and bold patterns.


2. Plant life, well maintained, as part of a decorative scheme.


3. Dense, textured carpet, for a homier ambience.


4. Striking details, a few bold accessories.


5. A roaring fire...the heart of any room.


According to the story in New York Magazine , as Minimalsim loses its' novelty, a new generation of designers , so-called modern-day Drapers, are keeping Ms. Draper's style of urban sophistication alive.


The How to Do It at Home section suggests the use of big mirrors with lots of flourishes, chessboard tiles, big patterned wallpaper, romantic furniture and harmonious fabric for color constrast.


New York Magazine/by Wendy Goodman/published March 19, 2006


To read the complete article , see a picture of the glamorous Dorothy Draper and full-color photos related to the topics I touched on here go to:
http://www.nymag.com/homedesign/features/16438



Want to create the Draper style in your home? Just head over to the Charleston Antique Mall where you can find romantic furniture, big flourishing mirrors, vintage fabrics and draperies, and those striking details like the bold accessories Draper may have used back in the 1930'-1950's.