In 1923, Dorothy Draper founded the first interior design firm. Next week at High Point Market, her legacy will continue. Carleton Varney, an internationally renowned designer who at one time worked closely with Draper, sees a rising popularity of furniture inspired by the designs of Dorothy Draper.

Varney will give a presentation about Draper and her influence at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9 during High Point Market at the Kindel Furniture showroom at 242 North Hamilton Street. He will be available at 8:30 am to chat with guests over coffee prior to giving his formal remarks.

During Market, Kindel Furniture is unveiling 20 new furniture pieces based on Draper’s original designs. Varney will address ways the new collection’s coffee tables, lamp tables, case goods, upholstered chairs and mirrors are faithful to Draper’s designs. 

In addition to establishing interior design as a profession, Draper is credited with inventing the Modern Baroque style that lent itself well to large public spaces and modern architecture. Draper’s influence grew through her interior design of some of the country’s most frequented hotels, restaurants, theaters and department stores to the point that her name was synonymous with good taste in decorating.

Varney, president of Dorothy Draper & Co. Inc. in New York City, has been associated with the restoration and decoration of a number of the world’s most recognizable hotels and resorts. Varney most recently decorated the famous Architectural Digest Green Room at the 80th Academy Awards ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles in February. He is the author of 14 books on the practice of interior design, a biography of Dorothy Draper, an autobiography and two novels.