Dorothy Draper Espana Dresser

I have been drooling over and coveting the famous Dorothy Draper Espana dresser forever.

Via Glam Lamb

 

Via Jordan

     

Via Elle Decor

Image from MODERN GLAMOUR:  THE ART OF UNEXPECTED STYLE by Kelly Wearstler

  The originals can be thousands of dollars.  I  have seen some very good DIY tutorials like this one from Marcus Design. She transformed an Ikea dresser.   Go here for the tutorial.

Ikea Knock-Off  from Marcus Design

There are reasonably-priced knock-offs too.   I found one recently when I stopped by a re-sale shop.  It was very late in the day and I wasn't too optimistic because they were having a 25% off sale.  The first thing I saw when I walked in though was my desired Draper dresser.  I couldn't believe it was still there this late in the day.  Then I noticed that it had a piece of missing hardware.  That explained why it was still available.   I was still considering buying it when I remembered that many times a piece of hardware comes off and rather than reattaching it,  the owner just throws it into the drawer.   I looked in the first two drawers, no luck.  I crossed my fingers and opened the last drawer and crunched in the back corner was the missing pull.  It even had the nut to attach it.  I was thrilled and made my purchase. $20!!!!!! Here's mine.

It's actually very nicely done.  The gold-painted design is carved into the drawer.  Hmm, maybe it's real!!!  Anyway, I haven't decided where it will go yet, but I'll be sure to share once it's in place and styled.

Link to the space I found in my home for my Draper dresser, click here.

I often wonder if Don Draper, the main character in Mad Men, was named after Dorothy Draper.
Does anyone know?


Go here for some background information about Dorothy Draper, an influential designer

from the early to mid 20th Century.

Go here to see more examples of her Mid Century Modern/Hollywood Regency designs.


Kathy

Just kidding about mine being an original.  The original is cherry wood, its back is painted exactly like the other sides, and there is a stamp in each drawer.  I have to say though that the reproductions are as sought after as the originals.