20 February 2011

The Carleton Draper Touch, Take Two


The North Parlour at the Greenbrier as decorated by Dorothy Draper.  The fabulous Dr. Conte, the resort's historian, told us that the walls were a pale pink, and that DD brought in the antique mantel and designed the rococo style mirrors and consoles.  We love the white sheepskin rug in front of the fireplace.  The other rug was apparently very old, rare, and cher.  It was eventually removed and put in storage after being traversed by too many stilettoes.

 

Carleton Varney refreshed the room in a deep coral color which he took from a DD commode in the room....
 

which was then subsequently repainted in scarlet. 


Bookending the fireplace are two landscape scenes which were formerly one.  DD couldn't find a space to hang the painting so she cut it in two.  As you can see, what is normally a quiet lounge is now hopping: a shoe store has temporarily relocated to the room while undergoing renovations. 

15 comments:

Square With Flair said...

The combination of the florid and the Baroque set against smooth plaster walls reminds me of Balenciaga's Paris salon in the late 1940s.

It is rather unique, being neither period nor modern, and I think it is a very special look that still looks new because it was never overused.

I'm so glad that there are some things like the Greenbriar and the
Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island that are essentially in their original style and conception.

I'm so tired of this generic, beige with silver hardware, rather minimalist, look of new luxury hotels. I like a Ritz to look like one, and the Greenbriar to look like Dorothy did it.

Emily Evans Eerdmans said...

You said it, Square! We are so lucky that the Greenbrier hasn't been "beige-ized" and that its new owner understands the importance of the DD scheme. Can you imagine what would have happened if the Marriott had bought this place?

Square With Flair said...

Can you imagine, perhaps 5 years down the road, the hundreds and hundreds of dumpsters being filled, en masse, as they all rush to "banish the beige" and their generic modern furniture?

Really, don't they all look the same? I don't think any of those designers or architects has ever been to the George V, Plaza Athenee, the Villa D'Este, or the Savoy, let alone glanced at a book about them. Wouldn't be surprised if their restaurants all serve beige food. Dullsville!

Lynne Rutter said...

you figured shoe shopping into a design post. bless you

Divine Theatre said...

I would KILL for that bombe chest!

Anonymous said...

The original interior is the epitome of perfect placement form, style mixing and modernism. A particular balance we don't see any more... maybe because its just not enough any more?

I cant say Im a fan of CVs work although I realize how much he respects his mentor but somehow his color sense is always too much and seems off.

The temporary shoe store thing is very sad.

The Devoted Classicist said...

Clearly it is just me, but I think the wall above the mantle would benefit from a big mirror if not a painting. In any case, I prefer it blank instead of that particular clock that presently occupies the space.

Unknown said...

You must have loved all the shoes.

The Down East Dilettante said...

Bring back the pink and coral version!

Colette said...

So pleased the Greenbrier is getting a second chance - judgements aside - im routing for it all the way and hope to get there next year. xc

Karena said...

Thrilled to see it is in someones loving hands to be seen and loved by many!

Emily, Did you find any fabulous shoes you could not live without?

That chest is divine.

Do come and enter my Artful Offering!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Renée Finberg said...

the cornice in the first image caught my eye.
i adore the shape of it
rather that it being a box.

Claudia Juestel said...

DD, shoes, lack of beige: I am in. I big hug to Square with Flair for the observation on hotel. I am so in agreement.

Cheers,

Claudia

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Storage Units said...

They're all cozy... Love the interior just like you're at home!