LEGENDARY HOTELS

THE GREENBRIER: Colour, Glamour and Revolution

By Jon (Where is my hotel)

Conceived as a symbol of the splendour and boundless creativity of American society, the Greenbrier emerged in a social, cultural and economic context that shaped its identity, of which it is still a spellbinding representative 80 years later. Reborn under the bold vision of Dorothy Draper, this iconic West Virginia resort not only redefined hotel design but also captured the spirit of a nation in transformation, proving that design, luxury and innovation never go out of style.

With lush colours, opulent details and an aesthetic that fused glamour and modernity, The Greenbrier established itself as a benchmark of style, elegance and sophistication in American history. The hotel’s redesign began in 1948 under the direction of Dorothy Draper, who dramatically transformed the architectural landscape of the hotel industry. Her contemporary, avant-garde approach captured the imagination of the modern post-war American citizen. The building had previously served as a military hospital during World War II, making a complete renovation imperative. This intervention redefined the concept of studio upheld the idea that colour and form could influence people’s moods, creating spaces that radiated joyfulness and optimism.

The Greenbrier is considered to be one of Dorothy Draper’s greatest design projects. Since its renovation in the Mid-twentieth century, it has been part of the collective historical and architectural imagination of the United States. The quality of its design is still reason enough to preserbeauty in hotel design, converting the Greenbrier into one of the country’s premier social gathering places.

Between 1920 and 1960, Dorothy Draper’s work was reflected in theatres, department stores, shops, offices, aircraft interiors and automobiles. She was the first person to consider interior design as a marketable product, transforming it into a professional industry. Her influence extended up to and including Hollywood film sets, where she introduced a flamboyant style that marked a new aesthetic era, attracting stars who craved the glamour of classic Hollywood and sought to revive it in their own homes. Later, that spirit carried over to the Greenbrier, whose fame led Draper to design even more ambitious projects, applying her style to 18 more hotels over the course of her career.

Each room at the Greenbrier was uniquely designed, using textiles and colours that took the guest to a whole new universe, revolutionising the Mid-century hotel experience. Spaces full of personality were created and reflected the vitality of a society in search of splendour and sophistication. This attention to detail wasn’t just limited to the interiors; the menus and staff uniforms were also meticulously designed, reinforcing the coherence of a comprehensive creative vision. Innovatively, the hotel incorporated majestic entrances with exquisitely detailed mouldings, large mirrors and ornate doorways, along with walls and ceilings decorated with elaborate plaster elements.

The advent of colour photography enhanced the Greenbrier’s visual statement, enhancing the bold tones and complexity of its designs, which took on a dazzling character through their visual animation. Drama, rooted in fashions of the past and influenced by Hollywood, became the hotel’s hallmark. In Dorothy Draper’s universe, the fusion of modern baroque elements with classical glamour, maximalism and art deco aesthetics was key.

Beyond its visual impact, the Greenbrier’s design was conceived to soothe the mind and promote emotional well-being in times of crisis, such as the Great Depression. Draper’s ve its aesthetics and enjoy its incomparable beauty. All this is thanks to the pioneering vision of Draper, who not only revolutionised interior design but also broke barriers in the industry with her bold creativity and transformative vision.