The Grand Dame of using bright, bold color and texture combinations in her day, Dorothy Draper has been credited with being the first to ‘design’ a room using an artisitc vision rather than simply recreating historical “period room” styles.
She used vibrant, “splashy” colors in never-before-seen combinations and one of her favorite combinations was “dull” white and “shiny” black.
The colors she used were considered quite outlandish by many and while the colors she used are bold they aren’t that unusual by today’s standards so you think?
See more about the colors and other elements that created her signature style…
Thanks for biring Dorothy Draper to our attention. She certainly was a woman ahead of her time. And, those colors! Each more vibrant than the next. I am going to look for a copy of In the Pink.
Monica,
Yes, she was ahead of her time and a good reminder of why it is important to go with what inspires you even if it means breaking away from what or how things have been traditionally done.
~Kate
It’s amazing to realize how the colors and color combinations that Dorthy Draper was using in the 1940’s still have such an influence on decorating ( and certain superstar decorators ) today!
I love this palette – I’ve got to figure out where in my house I can use “Jade Garden”.
I’ve never stayed at The Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia, but it’s at the top of my list of hotels to experience… I’ve heard from friends that the main lobbies, which Draper designed during the hotels renovation in the late 40’s are really cool and just as beautiful today as they were back then! Her design house still oversees all updates- making it a real living testament to her style.
Julie,
I’ll join you at the Greenbriar. I’m sure we could both enjoy a ‘research’ trip to see Draper style and then discuss it at the spa.
~Kate
I love these colors! I’m painting my studio this / next weekend and laying a wooden floor. I’m gonna run to Home Depot tomorrow and hopefully pick up Ballet Slippers for the walls and Little Angel for the trim .
I’ll take pictures of my process and send them in.Thanks for the inspiration !
April,
You and Dorothy Draper are both ‘pretty in pink’. I can’t wait to see the studio painted with Ballet Slipper and Little Angel.
~Kate
I love your articles. Truly inspirational…. I enjoy Dorothy Draper. There was an exhibit of her at the Ft. Lauderdale ARt Institute. We stepped back in time but those colors are in today. I love IN THE PINK.
I have a question: Can you advise me on where to go for a Designers Color Course? ON Psychology of Color. Differences of value, chroma and saturation…………to understand it better……If you have any ideas…….in South Florida prefereably?????????????
Thank you,
Ann M. Morris, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer