Scalamandre: Luxurious Home Interiors (Hardcover)

~ Brian Coleman (Author), Dan Mayers (Photographer) "The noise of a batten beating in the weft yarn on a shuttle loom is extremely loud, but it was a comforting sound to me..." (more)
Key Phrases: silk tassel fringe, mold fringe, silk lampas, Scalamandré Homes, New York, Shirred Stripe (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Since 1929, Scalamandré has been weaving its own exquisite silks, wools, linens and cottons as well as laboriously hand making elaborate and ornate passementerie (trims, cordings, tiebacks and fringes) for some of the finest interiors in the world. Scalamandré also has the unique role of being the major manufacturer of historical fabrics in the world, and over the years has woven historically accurate textiles for restorations ranging from the Red Room of the White House to William Morris' home in England.

At last, the story of this leading design and manufacturing house is told, and is introduced by personal reminiscences by Adriana Scalamandre Bitter, chairman of the board.

Tour some of the most exclusive and well-appointed homes in America, and experience the lavish and colorful furnishings, draperies, wall coverings, and decorative elements that Scalamandre textiles produces. From Traditional to Neoclassical, from Cottage to Country French, Scalamandre products exude personality and exemplify elegance.

Designers featured in the book include: Michael Simon, Melinda Gray, Nancy Serafini, Carol Knott, Robert Bitter, and JZ Knight.

Brian D. Coleman, M.D., is a practicing psychiatrist in Seattle, Washington. Brian is a graduate of Stanford University and Chicago Medical School. Also an old house enthusiast, Brian has grown his love for historic restoration into an active second career. He is the author of Classic Cottages, Vintage Victorian Textiles, and The Victorian Dining Room. Brian divides his time between New York and Seattle.

Dan Mayers is a New York-based photographer whose work appears regularly in Country Decorating, Country Collectibles, and Country Victorian as well as Old House Interiors. His work has been included in such books as The Ultimate Kitchen and has been exhibited both nationally and internationally.

From the Inside Flap

In the world of textiles, the name Scalamandre stands out as one of the premier manufacturers of fine fabrics and trimmings in the United States. Since 1929, Scalamandre has been weaving its own exquisite silks, wools, linens and cottons, as well as laboriously hand making elaborate passementerie (ornate trims, cordings, tiebacks and fringes) for some of the finest interiors in the country. Over the years, Scalamandre has recreated historical textiles for restorations ranging from the Red Room of the White House to William Morris's home in England.

Herein is the story of this leading design and manufacturing house, introduced by personal reminiscences of Adriana Scalamandre Bitter, chairman of the board.

In this first book on Scalamandre is a sampling of exclusive rooms created by today's interior designers using Scalamandre textiles in creative blendings, custom colorways, and sometimes combined with other just-right textiles from top fabric manufacturers. The upholstered furniture is lush, the draperies luxurious, and the custom-colored combinations stunning. An entire section on details features fitted-out lamps, fringed and tasseled ottomans, hand-embroidered valances and many more special treatments centering on the finest textiles available anywhere.

From formal French-style interiors to more relaxed country décor, designers pull favorite pieces and colors together to achieve home décor that exudes personality and exemplifies elegance for any taste, whether it be a masculine library or a very feminine bedroom, or sleeping quarters for the family's pedigreed friends.

Tour some of the most exclusive and well-appointed homes in America, and experience the lavish and colorful world of Scalamandre.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith (October 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586854089
• ISBN-13: 978-1586854089
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #357,140 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Fascinating Story of Scalamandre, October 28, 2004

By	J. Curley "Janiac" (NY, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Author Brian Coleman brings his knowledgeable eye to bear on one of the textile world's most distinguished houses, Scalamandre. The result is a pure pleasure for the visual browser. A must for anyone in the design world, this book is also a delight for those of us who are inspired by beautiful fabrics in elegant settings. The photographs by Dan Mayers are as magnificent as the Scalamandre fabrics themselves. Coleman's text is clear, entertaining, and thorough. A fascinating story well told and magnificently illustrated!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scalamandre review, February 9, 2005

By	John Witherspoon "John" - See all my reviews

This is one of the most beautiful books on Interior Design. It does not have a lot of type to clutter the beautiful photos. It will remain an historical account of an historic company that exposes beautiful fabrics to a discerning clientele.It should be in everyone's library......

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for designers!!!!!!, August 31, 2005

By	Kelli M. Ellis "fabric fanatic" (Decatur, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Very informative and loaded with pictures of gorgeous fabrics from one of the top fabric design houses in the world. A must have for designers or anyone in the interior design business who deal with high end fabrics and trims on a regular basis. Would highly recommend this book!!!!