What Inspires You? October 04 2019, 0 Comments

What Inspires You?

 

Inspiration, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions, especially to do something creative.  Everyone looks for that spark of inspiration that moves their creativity.

Years ago, when we moved into our house, my Mom brought over a book called Decorating is Fun by Dorothy Draper.  I was hooked!  Dorothy is iconic. I love her boldness, stripes, florals and laissez-faire attitude of if you love it do it!  Her style is known as " Modern Baroque" which is adding a modern flair to a classical style.  She said "Lovely, clear colors have a vital effect on our mental happiness".  She used black and white with a pop of color, big cabbage-rose chintz fabrics and wallpapers and beautiful stripes.  She loved adding mirrors and dramatic details, the opposite of minimalism.  My house, over the years, has taken on a style of its own and my inspiration from Dorothy has spilled over into my jewelry designs.  I love bold, unique pieces, beautiful colors and black and white with a pop of unexpected.

This fall, we travelled to Mackinac Island, Michigan, and walked to the beautiful Grand Hotel for cocktails in the Cupola Bar.  The minute I walked in the door I knew it had the Draper touch...…..I was sooo excited.  My mind started to flow with sparks of creativity!  Not only was the view of the Straits of Mackinac stunning but I was sitting amongst interior design work of a legend.  I was in heaven!

Here is a picture of myself and our friend John, sitting in the lobby of the Grand Hotel. Notice the beautiful green walls with white moulding, the dramatic black carpet with bundles of red roses and green cabbage roses in a stripe pattern.  
Absolute brilliance!

 

dorothy draper design

The porch of the Grand Hotel spans 660 feet and is the world's largest.  The beautiful white pillars shine against the teal green ceiling and yellow awnings.  The porch has the Draper touch with a pop of 1375 red geraniums in 147 planting boxes.  A lovely spot to stop, relax and watch the world go by!

Grand Hotel

Mackinac Island is automobile free - bikers, walkers and horse drawn carriages are the favored modes of transportation.  The Grand Hotel sits up on a hill over looking the Straits of Mackinac.  Spectacular views can be found throughout the hotel. 
Mackinac Island hotel

 

Hopefully this has inspired you to get outside, take a walk and look at nature, or maybe even take a trip.  Tell me...….. What Inspires You?

XO

Tammy