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How to decorate your home in updated Dorothy Draper style
Give the American designer Dorothy Draper’s signature look a modern twist with glossy, botanical and striped decorating finds
Few interior designers have had the same influence and recognition as Dorothy Draper. The American designer set up her studio in 1923 and quickly established her strong sense of style – a combination of maximalist patterns, saturated colours and pulsating arrangements – which made her one of the most famous interior decorators. According to interior designer Carleton Varney, ‘Dorothy Draper was to decorating’, as ‘Chanel was to fashion’.
Today, her influence can be seen across countless residential and commercial spaces – from hotels to restaurants and into private residences. Read on for tips on how to bring her maximalist legacy into your interior…
‘Plato’, table lamp, Studio Atkinson
For those who shy away from garish lampshades, this lamp by Studio Atkinson provides a pop of colour from the base up. The apple green hue is trademark Draper, as is the geometric shape. £895 for the lamp without shade, studioatkinson.com
‘Perwinkle’ tablecloth, Cesca Dvorak
Plants and flowers cropped up throughout Dorothy Draper’s projects and appeared often as main characters instead of decorative pieces. Inject some of the designer’s floral fun into your dining room by covering your table with this periwinkle tablecloth. £220, cescadvorak.com
‘Swirl’ cushion cover, Alb
Frills, fun and fringing were central to Draper’s oeuvre and all of these come together in this cushion cover. With its vibrant marriage of grassy green and stark white hues, it’ll give any sofa an immediate glow-up. £45, kitristudio.com
‘Bryher Rose’ cotton linen in ‘Lapis Blue’, House of Hackney
Draper’s spirit is encapsulated in this linen fabric which depicts blue roses climbing across a trellis on top of a cream background. Use it to upholster a vintage armchair or for a pair of curtains to bring a touch of her wild abandon inside. £110 per m, houseofhackney.com
‘Collect' glass, Space Copenhagen
A delicate swirled pattern adorns these glasses by Danish design duo Space Copenhagen. Set them on a botanical tablecloth for a contemporary counterpoint to Draper’s decorative style. £30 for two, kinhome.co
‘Ottoman’, Studio Buchanan
Stripes were a staple for Draper and they appeared across floors as well as walls throughout her career. Often, the stripes were so large they had to be painted by hand. This ottoman by Buchanan Studio also riffs on the designer’s love of contrast thanks to its leather top. £3,240, buchanan.studio
‘Filigrana’ table lamp, Established & Sons
Add a touch of Dorothy Draper to your table with this sky blue and white lamp by Sebastian Wrong, which is reminiscent of a balloon or lantern. The hand-blown translucent glass gives off a calming glow when the light shines through. £600, twentytwentyone.com
‘Eastern Garden’ wallpaper, Susie Atkinson and Ellen Merchant
A fundamental piece from Susie Atkinson’s ‘Wild Meadow’ collection, this wallpaper echoes Draper’s playfulness and free spirit. You’ll only need a little for maximum impact in any room. While it also looks good in green, we prefer the dusty pink version for its more feminine feel. £120 per roll, susieatkinson.com
‘Soap Table’, Sabine Marcelis
Designer Sabine Marcelis’ signature resin has been moulded into ‘Soap Table’, a round-topped statement piece with curvy legs and a soapy matte surface. Its summery green shade makes dining a delight. £22,325, 1stdibs.com
‘Toppu’ flower pot, Oyoy
Harness Draper’s fascination with bold graphics with Toppu, a vase by Oyuy. Replete with grey and anthracite shades, the ceramic planter is a chic yet standout spot for a flower arrangement. £22, oyoylivingdesign.co.uk
‘Flower Print’ napkin, Zara Home
Take summer alfresco dining to new heights with these light green cotton napkins. The scalloped edge and intricate floral print give them a retro look without being too cliche. £5.99, zara.com
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