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Dorothy And Otis: Designing The American Dream

Forrest Blair

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Dorothy Draper and Otis Chandler were an unlikely couple. She was a glamorous socialite from New York City, and he was a shy and reserved architect from California. But together, they created some of the most iconic homes and interiors of the 20th century.

Dorothy and Otis: Designing the American Dream

by Norman Hathaway

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	107447 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

Draper was born in 1889 to a wealthy family. She grew up in a world of privilege, and she quickly developed a taste for the finer things in life. After marrying her first husband, George Draper, she began to pursue her passion for interior design. In 1925, she opened her own design firm, Dorothy Draper & Co.

Chandler was born in 1897 to a prominent family in Los Angeles. He studied architecture at Stanford University, and after graduating, he worked for several years in his father's architectural firm. In 1928, he met Draper at a party in New York City. They fell in love and were married a year later.

After their marriage, Draper and Chandler moved to Los Angeles. They bought a large house in the Hancock Park neighborhood, and they began to remodel it in their own unique style. Draper's designs were bold and colorful, and she often used unconventional materials, such as bamboo and rattan. Chandler's architecture was more traditional, but he was always willing to experiment with new ideas.

The couple's home quickly became a popular gathering place for Hollywood celebrities and socialites. Draper's designs were featured in magazines and newspapers, and she soon became one of the most sought-after interior designers in the country. Chandler's architecture was also highly praised, and he was commissioned to design some of the most prestigious buildings in Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

In 1940, Draper and Chandler published their first book, Decorating Is Fun!. The book was a huge success, and it helped to popularize Draper's unique style. The couple went on to publish several more books, and they also hosted a popular television show about interior design.

Draper and Chandler's work had a profound impact on American design. Their bold and colorful interiors helped to create a new sense of glamour and optimism in the post-World War II era. Their work also helped to break down the barriers between high and low culture, and it made it possible for people of all backgrounds to enjoy beautiful design.

Draper died in 1969, but her legacy continues to live on. Her designs are still popular today, and they continue to inspire new generations of designers. Chandler died in 1980, but his architecture remains some of the most iconic in Los Angeles.

Dorothy Draper and Otis Chandler were a remarkable couple. They created some of the most beautiful homes and interiors of the 20th century, and they helped to shape the American dream.