life so far
Well, not so much of a review. I bought Design*Sponge’s new book and I like it. It’s purdy.
I haven’t had a minute to really look at it… I’m waiting till I have an hour or two free because I know I’m going to want to read the whole thing cover to cover.
Well I can’t really recommend it yet since I just ordered it and haven’t read it yet, but I am really excited to see what Edith Schaeffer has to say.
The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
The more I learn about Dorothy Draper the more I love her, and I think you will too. Dorothy Draper was a fascinating lady who made waves in her time because of her use of bold colors and eccentric styles. She paved the way for many women to come in the decorating and design in industry. There is no doubt you have encountered some of her designs.
The Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia:
The Quitandinah Palace & Resort in Brazil:
[Photo: Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.]
The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
[Photo: Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.]
She even designed the interiors of airplanes and cars…she definitely had branded her name.
[Photo: Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.]
Here are some books by her and about her:
Decorating Is Fun! How To Be Your Own Decorator. By Dorothy Draper
Entertaining Is Fun! How To Be A Popular Hostess. By Dorothy Draper
In The Pink: Dorothy Draper– America’s Most Fabulous Decorater. By Carleton Varney
Learn more about her at www.dorothydraper.com
Some great design tips from Dorothy:
“The drab age is over… Until very recently people were literally scared out of their wits by color. Perhaps this was a hangover from our Puritan ancestors. But whatever the reason, browns, grays, and neutrals were the only shades considered safe. Now we know that lovely, clear colors have a vital effect on our metal happiness… Be sure your colors are honest, fresh, and clear.”
-Dorothy Draper, 1939
“Your home is the backdrop of your life, whether it is a palace or a one-romm 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.”
-Dorothy Draper
I have to buy the book Interior Design by John Pile for my INDE class that starts next week…I’ll let you know if it is worth the $94.50.
This book is a mecca of knowledge on anything and everything you will every need to know on running a home, from stain removal to organizing your linen closet and more.
Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook
I grew up being read this book at the dinner table and snatched it for myself so I could read it over and over till I knew I had everything down pat:
Tifffany’s Table Manners for Teens
House Beautiful Colors for Your Home: 300 Designer Favorites.
I just ordered it from Amazon… really looking forward to getting it.
