Adding Dorothy Draper Touches to Your Home
I keep thinking about how I would describe Dorothy Draper. And the best description I have is that she was the OG of Style. A designer, a socialite, a mother, a wife and a female business owner... Dorothy Draper was a trailblazer. She pushed the limits of decor with her bright colors and big patterns. She pushed the limits of social expectations by opening what many consider the first interior design studio.
She created a new style called "Modern Baroque" (what we basically call Hollywood Regency today). Her style is very obvious...her "Draper touch". She loved black and white, rose chinz, stripes and LOTS of pattern play.
Here are my top tips on how to get a little bit of that "Draper Touch" in your own home.
1) Molding on Doors
This is such an easy thing to add to any interior door. It adds depth and color, if you choose to go that route (which, you should if you are trying to go Draper!)
2) Rose Chintz Pillows
Madam Draper loved the fun and bright prints of a Rose Chintz wallpaper. You can get the same effect on a smaller scale with a throw pillow.
Here are some options:
3) Draper Chest
It is so iconic and timeless. It is also a fun DIY project you can do with an Ikea Chest for about $50 or so. Full tutorial on how to DIY this is here.
4) Stripe Wallpaper
Stripes are, in my opinion, the easiest thing to mix with a pattern. If you are confused or not sure what to put on your walls to add some color - start with a stripe wallpaper. You can add all sorts of patterns to the rugs, pillows, etc.
5) Bold Curtains/Drapes
Just as I said above, adding a bold drape to something like a stripe wall is perfection. Throw some updated Chintz and you have an updated Dorothy Draper palate!
