{designer profile: dorothy draper}

From the 1930’s to the 1960’s, Dorothy Draper was America's most famous decorator, and was the first to ‘professionalize’ the interior design industry by establishing the first interior design company in the United States in 1923. The more I read about this woman, the more I am fascinated by her. Even if you aren’t sure, there is no doubt you have encountered some of her designs!

Her unique trademarks were oversized architectural details in mantle pieces and moldings, black and white checkered floors, mixed with bold colors and patterns. She used vibrant, “splashy” colors in never-before-seen combinations, such as aubergine and pink with a “splash” of chartreuse and a touch of turquoise. I think Draper continues to influence the designers of today, such as Jonathan Adler and Kelly Wearstler.

Greenbrier resort in West Virginia via livelikeyou.com

The Quitandinah Palace & Resort in Brazil via nymag.com

This woman did it all: she had a regular column for Good Housekeeping Magazine, designed fabric lines for Schumacher, and in addition to her hotel and restaurant decors, she designed theaters, department stores, the interiors of jet planes, and automobiles (she did a “line” for Packard and Chrysler in the 1950’s – including a pink polka dot truck)!

The restaurant at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York was nicknamed ‘The Dorotheum.' Via nymag.com

via designsponge

Words of wisdom from Ms. Draper herself: “It is just as disastrous to have the wrong accessories in your room as it is to wear sport shoes with an evening dress.”

The lobby in The Hampshire House via nymag.com

“Your home is the backdrop of your life, whether it is a palace or a one-room 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.”

via Housewears

In 1939, Dorothy became a household name through her book, ‘Decorating is Fun!’ and more recently Carleton Varney wrote ‘In the Pink: Dorothy Draper, America's Most Fabulous Decorator’, which showcases 200 never-before-published photographs of her work.

Now you don't have to constantly scour ebay to find Dorothy Draper knock-offs...you can find her pieces at Kindel's Dorothy Draper Collection instead! The collection is a collaboration with Carleton Varney, the president and owner of Dorothy Draper & Co., and the pieces include reproductions and inspirations from Draper’s design work. Here are a few of my favorite items: