Brian D. Coleman

An iconic American artist's self-proclaimed life's work--bringing historic mansions to life with bold color, antiques, myriad collectibles, and objets galore."My homes are my life's work--making old houses into a new form of my art," says Hunt Slonem in his preface. Extraordinary photography, capsule summaries of each building's history, and a sprinkling of anecdotes open the doors to Slonem's personal and creative world from a new perspective. This book about his idiosyncratic, maximalist interior design style--how he employs color, arranges an abundance of antique furniture, exhibits his personal art and objects, mixes antique art with his own contemporary works, and displays myriad collections is awe-inspiring and inspirational. "More is more" is a fit adage for what this book reveals.

Elegant dining rooms in the nineteenth century served an important role in the social discourse of the Victorian household. They tended to be "masculine" spaces and typically were filled with solid, heavily carved sideboards and tables, and draped with rich, velvet curtains. Sideboards "groaned" with the weight of opulent silver serving pieces, set off by the jewel-like tones of colored art glass vases and bowls. There could never be too many objects; after all, these were rooms that were meant to impress. So it was perfectly fine to have silver asparagus tongs or orange slicers, sitting beside the silver spoon warmer in the shape of a shell. This richly colorful book is a visual journey through the nineteenth century dining room. From the sideboard to the tea table, the serving pieces, silver, glass, and unusual Victorian oddities are presented. Through over 200 photographs, it becomes clear why the whimsical, beautiful, and sometimes bizarre products of that inventive and colorful time continue to astound and fascinate us. Also included is a facsimile of "How to Set the Table," a rare booklet from 1901, which will help the reader understand the variety and uses of the Victorian table setting. A Value Guide completes the work.

Textiles are an important part of any interior, but one that is frequently overlooked in restorations. See how the author, Brian Coleman, uses vintage Victorian textiles to create a rich and inviting atmosphere. Period textiles on everything from Victorian footstools to portieres are given an inspiring display in the elegant photography by Linda Svendsen. A helpful description of the varied uses to which different textiles were put in the Victorian home will encourage readers to use authentic fabrics. Advice on the care and conservation of vintage textiles and a guide to establishing values is most useful to those seeking to purchase vintage Victorian textiles today. For designers and collectors alike, this is a feast for the eyes and a prod for authenticity.