Carleton Varney Knows Bold is Better

When Dorothy Draper is your mentor, the sky is the limit. As a pioneer of early interior design with the oldest established interior design firm and champion of the Modern Baroque style, her influence was undeniable. Her creative color use and understanding of scale was absorbed by Carleton Varney, an interior designer who carries on her legacy as the president of Dorothy Draper  and Co Inc. His larger than life, comfortable interiors are filled with bold floral fabrics, and a riot of color. Eschewing the drab, his joie de vivre comes from every collection her designs, from fabrics to rugs with Elson and Company and a line for HSN.

Tell us about  your style?

I believe in using bright colors, floral patterns and bold contrasts - and reject all that is impractical, uncomfortable and drab.

What are two key things you learned from Dorothy that you remember every day?


Every room needs a touch of black  - and  - decorators are not "made" they are "born".
What are your favorite showrooms to shop?

Carleton V Ltd. and Carleton Varney by the Yard for fabrics.  Auction Houses. A variety of showrooms -  depends on the project.
I don't play favorites.

What does every room need to be comfortable?

Light and softness.

What is your favorite color combination at the moment?

Forest green with pale blue with a dash of poinsetta red.

Savannah Home photographed by Peter Vitale.