THE GREENBRIER
The graceful Greenbrier. Originally founded in 1778, the 721 room hotel within a few hour's drive of D.C. has hosted most U.S. Presidents and numerous other dignitaries. When Draper first encountered the Greenbrier, it was in dilapidated condition, having served as an army hospital during WWII. She roamed the halls with a flashlight, planning the rooms for which she would become famous. She claimed to have encountered the ghost of another guest, Robert E. Lee, in a corridor.
The entry staircase Draper made famous. Her philosophy about pattern was "more is more."
A room vinegette, with more layered pattern and the fearless use of color that characterizes much of Draper's work.
Ancient influence is felt throughout the Greenbrier. Draper interspersed busts and statuary with bold modern design.
EDITH WHARTON'S THE MOUNT
Edith Wharton's beautiful home. The author of what many consider the first book on interior design, "The Decoration of Houses," designed the 1902 estate herself. Edith's inspiration was the English country home, Belton House.
Edith Wharton's beautiful home. The author of what many consider the first book on interior design, "The Decoration of Houses," designed the 1902 estate herself. Edith's inspiration was the English country home, Belton House.
While architects Ogden Codman (with whom she co-authored "Houses") and Francis Hoppin finalized the plans for the house, the garden design was all Edith's own.
Edith Wharton stuck to her decorating principles; the guidelines she gave in "The Decoration of Houses" were followed religiously at The Mount, to marvelous affect. Wharton's goal was to revive house decoration as a branch of architecture, holding that a room with lovely furnishings and poor design could never achieve true beauty. She preferred exquisitely detailed design with simple furnishings and colors. In this space at The Mount, the architecture of the room is indeed on display, while quiet details and soft colors bring harmony to the space.
Images, Victoria Magazine. Exterior view of The Mount, edithwharton.org. These pictures are not featured in the magazine story; check out the newsstand for the full scoop.
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