In 1946 (after a stint as a World
War II military hospital), quintessential American decorator Dorothy
Draper was brought in to restore the Greenbrier hotel. She created a
signature look - described at the time as 'Romance and Rhododendrons' -
that has influenced and delighted not only designers and decorators but
also travellers, weary of the grey and beige colour schemes that
permeate most hospitality properties even now. Draper transformed the
interiors with bold colours, classical influences and modern touches.


When
Carleton Varney arrived in Mrs. Draper's office in 1961 to work as an
assistant in the design department, one of his first tasks was to
accompany the design icon by train to one of her most well-known and
publicised projects. Since that time, he has been involved with every
aspect of the hotel's design, maintaining and continuing the look that
Draper designed, as well as modernising, upgrading and putting his own
stamp on it. Working with his experienced and innovative team, Varney
has turned the historic hotel into a resort for the 21st century.