Janette Ewen

Obtaining a wonderful life is easier than you think, especially if you have some sort of guide or mentor to inspire you. Today I want to tell you about mine. I often mention her on Cityline; it’s style icon Dorothy Draper. I also always get dozens of e-mails asking about her, so I thought I’d write a quick post about why I think she’s so great and how her books and guidance can help you enjoy and embrace a fabulous life, too!

A quick background: Dorothy Draper was born into a wealthy American family, and grew up in the ritzy neighbourhood of Tuxedo Park. By the 1920s, she was established as an interior designer, working on many hotel and Hollywood projects.

Soon after launching her style career, Dorothy became a style voice for the masses. In her two most popular books Decorating is Fun! and Entertaining is Fun! she gave amazing – and I mean amazing – lifestyle and design advice, and she remembered that not everyone was born with a silver spoon. Even those of us on a budget can achieve all of her very chic design and entertaining tips.

Here’s a look at the covers; you can pick up new editions online from Chapters/Indigo. I just love the great illustrations found inside.

Dorothy’s guides are filled with checklists (including what you’ll need to dress a living room for entertaining), quizzes (is your home ready for a formal event?), fun anecdotes and solid decorating advice that is more current today than ever before. In fact, I think you’ll see both Jonathan Adler and Kelly Wearstler have “borrowed” heavily from Draper’s designs.

So there you have it! A fabulous life is really just one or two books away. Trust me, both of Draper's manifestos will soon become your lifestyle bibles!

For more on Dorothy Draper, or just for some great inspiration, visit www.dorothydraper.com