Tiles and Textures

Schumacher - When I think Georgian, I think Schumacher. They have been around for well over a hundred years and produce some of the consistently exquisite, classic fabrics (and wallcoverings, carpet, trimmings, etc.) known to the decorating world. Pick a fabric and it will probably outlast you,no matter what your age. www.fschumacher.com

Renaissance Conservatories - This is a great website, showcasing a fabulous product. Conservatories originated in England in the 1700's and have been immensely popular since. Many models are showcased as a design starting point. Through video, 3 dimensional rendering and illustrations, the possibilities seem endless. Maybe we don't all live like this but it is great to dream! www.renaissance-online.com

Lassco - This Company searches England for architectural elements of older homes, churches and buildings that are being demolished or are piles of rumble to find real treasures. Looking for authentic brass doorknobs for a "English Country Look" or pilasters for your Georgian fireplace, or an entire staircase for your Tudor Mansion? Now you know where to go. They also have smaller, significant decorative accessories that can enhance any home. This is a fun site. www.lassco.co.uk

Farrow & Ball - This is the paint company who developed the first range of paints for the National Trust in England. That says it all! If you are looking for historically correct colors and finishes, this is the place to go. They still manufacture paint and papers by traditional methods to original formulations. www.farrowandball.com

NartAntiques - We first met these people at the Architectural Digest Home Show. As hectic as a trade show can be their VP of Sales and Marketing, Jim Campbell spent time with me, discussing historic periods, their products and their new website. He was friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable, all without the usual "attitude" of the prestigious antique world. Impressive enough are their credentials, but also their extensive selection of European antiques. Their website can guide even a novice through history, geography and art choices and provides an intuitive format. Their search engine is robust and so are their sources. Visit them on the web, in Greenwich, CT, or in Paris. They really are experts and nice ones too! www.nartantiques.com

Dimitrios-A Design Archive - When I visited with this company, I hardly heard any of the things they were telling me about their collections because I was so absorbed in touching, feeling and rummaging through their inventory. My experience with archival papers and fabrics is usually looking at them from behind stantions in a museum that I know I am not allowed to touch. At Dimitrios, you can actually touch their collections and feel pieces from the ages. They search the world for their products. Paint, textile and wallcovering designers from around the world look to Dimitrios to come up with the latest high-end new product lines. www.dimitriosdesign.com

United House Wrecking - This was one of my favorite haunts in Connecticut. This is like a toy store for the curious collector. Endless aisles of wares are for sale, both new and old, from stained glass windows, carrel horses, doors, dining rooms tables, tea cups, mosaic tables and everything else, even unimaginable! Plan to spend several hours if you visit! Also their garden ornaments are a real bargain and are classic, but heavy (most are cement)! This is like shopping at an English fair, without the jet lag. www.unitedhousewrecking.com

Period Living and Traditional Homes Magazine - I picked this up last year in London and keep reading through it. The articles are short and so informative, delivering good information. The design aspects of this magazine are really helpful in understanding how to mix period styles and come up with a winner! Each month they highlight a few periods styles and really illustrate how to achieve the look with a source book. Also, you can find many new resources and craftsmen that are not mainstream! I really enjoy the magazine. It is a refreshing change from some of the "standard" periodicals published in America.

Arthur Brett - I found this company when I was researching this issue. They make fine English furniture in the period styles of Georgian, Queen Anne, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton. They have a lovely line of replicas that are copied exactly from original antiques. For those looking for period look furniture that is well priced, visit Arthur Brett. They are headquartered in the UK but they do have a showroom in High Point, NC. Call (910) 886-7102 for their beautiful catalog and more information.

Tulane University - Period and Style for Designers - This website is a concise composite of period style design, with great illustrations and accurate examples of many of the styles. After many months of research on the subject of period styles, I located this site and learned much. After reviewing the straightforward information and excellent examples, I wanted to sign up for the classes! The courses are for upperlevel undergraduate BFA majors and first year MFA graduate students. They explore how a particular culture in a period of history represents itself through the visual artifacts of its buildings, decorations and furniture. "The collection of images is organized by period and provides theater, scenic, and costume designers access to architectural, decorative and furniture styles." www.tulane.edu/lester/text/lester.html

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