Here at Restless.Design we love to research & recognise great design talent, so we’ve decided to start a new series “Creatives We Love”. These posts will be all about trail blazing creatives who inspire us.
First of the series is the wonderful Dorothy Draper. She was an American interior designer known for her anti-minimalist approach to design. We adore loud colours and bold prints and Dorothy excelled at this. Never afraid of being out there she steered away from boring muted nudes and whites.
Dorothy Draper
The Greenbrier Hotel, West Virginia
Draper created a new style known as “Modern Baroque,” adding modern flair to a classical style. Some of her most famous works includes; various rooms in The White House, The Waldorf Astoria Towers in New York and closer to home, Adare Manor in Limerick. Can’t really fault her client list!!
The Waldorf Astoria
The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach
Many have taken inspiration from Dorothy’s style. One set of clear fans are the creators of “Jane The Virgin” TV show. The show is set in Miami is mainly shot around a hotel – The Marbella. The Marbella is like an ode to the daring Dorothy! Bold patterns and daring colours set against a dramatic blue toned back drop make for a bold and memorable hotel interior.
Set design influenced by Dorothy Draper. The Marbella – Jane The Virgin
Emulate her style
If you’re feeling the love for Dorothy you can try to emulate her style with some statement wallpapers, carpets, colours and furniture. Check out some of our suggestions to help you on your way!
How about some banana leaf wallpaper by Martinque?
www.martiniquewallpaper.com
Or the Brazillance Wallpaper Dorothy Draper designed by the lady herself?
www.dorothydraperfw.com
Too much green? How about some pink flamingos???
http://www.wallpaperdirect.com
Bold pattern floors are a must
source: elledecor
Check out flor.com for some dramatic carpet options with a modern twist.
Lasting Greatness www.flor.com
Be sure to include some statement furniture
Check our these two beauties from the Kate Spade furniture line.
Green Worthington Chair (left) & Pink Drake Chair (right)
www.katespade.com/home/furniture
We love the shapes in the Wharton Console table from Dovetail furniture
http://bellissimodecorstore.com/wharton-console-table-dovetail-furniture/
Bring some pattern in with your curtains, remember with Dorothy Draper more is typically more!
These dotindot curtains by Gotain fit the brief perfectly.
www.gotain.com
Before you start check out our Dorothy Draper inspired board Pinterest. We also recommend checking out Dorothy Draper & Company’s Instagram as it’s full of amazing pictures and quotes!
We will leave you with a quote from Dorothy herself.
“Never look back, except for an occasional glance, look ahead and plan for the future. Success is not built on past laurels, but rather on a continuous activity. Keep busy searching out new ideas and, experimentally, keep ahead of the times, or at least up with them.”
By Aoife Rhattigan, Creative Director, Restless.Design
RESTLESS.DESIGN can help you with your refurbishment project.
Please contact our commercial team at 01-4309555 or email: [email protected] to discuss your requirements with us.