Book 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.


From the Back Cover
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Excerpted from Scalamandre Luxurious Home Interiors by Brian Coleman. Copyright © 2004. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Louis XV Elegance Philadelphia Simon designed this fashionable apartment on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia in 1991. The entire apartment was gutted and the owners moved into a hotel for eight months during the project. The procession through the apartment, from the entrance hall to the living room at the rear, was designed in a palette that could be varied from light to dark to help maintain visual interest. Rich colors of shrimp, coral, oyster, apple green and slate blue were chosen, all of which appear in Scalamandre's colorful silk print "Pomegranate." This fabric was used from the curtains in the living room as well as a skirt for a center table, while Scalamandre's silk taffeta and repp "Shirred Stripe" in pale coral and oyster provided a complementary accent for balloon shades underneath the draperies. Furniture was French, of course, including a pair of Louis XV fauteuils that were covered in a pale shrimp Scalamandre damask. A tearoom was created at one end of the long room, incorporating eighteenth-century painted French panels in a boiserie. A restful spot for an early morning cup of coffee or an afternoon tea, the space is centered on a Louis XV card table and chairs.