Zuber: Much More than Wallpaper

No doubt the name "Zuber" conjures up images of rooms graciously- and often plentifully- papered in exquisite scenic wallcoverings.  One of the world's most storied wallpaper makers, Zuber is known for such hand-blocked papers as L'Hindoustan, L'Eldorado, and Les Vues d'Amerique du Nord, which Jacqueline Kennedy notably had installed in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House. But did you know that Zuber offers more than scenic papers?

If you need an inducement to hand-write your notes, then perhaps Zuber stationery might tempt you into penning your correspondence. Speaking of temptation, Zuber also purveys silk scarves, whose miniature scenes will add a dash of the exotic to your wardrobe.  Zuber even sells embroidered pillows, whose designs might echo the firm's scenic papers but, thanks to their subtle colors and embroidery, won't compete with them.  Did I mention that all of these accessories are made in France?

Any of the above would make impressive Christmas presents, because who wouldn't want to open a package from Zuber on Christmas morning.  For more information or to place orders, you should contact the Zuber showroom (4 W. 19th St., New York, NY) at (212) 486-9226 or email inquiries to usa@zuber.fr.  Please note that quantities are limited, and the pricing below does not include shipping or taxes.

Scarves (various available with scenes from Psyche, Reveillon, Les Lointains, Scenes Japonais, El Dorado, L’Hindoustan, and Le Bresil) 100% silk scarves $325 (solid colors $220)

Zuber pillows, front to back: Chinoiserie (details below), Dore (solid gold) $200,  and Brode Dore on Linen (also available on velour) with gold embroidery $350.

Chinoiserie pillow with gold thread embroidery on linen, $250.

Zuber stationery

Christopher Norman Wallpapers

While I attended last week's Fall Market at the D&D Building, I stopped by the Zimmer + Rohde showroom to see the latest offerings from Christopher Norman. Let's just say that after seeing all of their wallpapers, I desperately want to buy a second apartment where I can paper the walls with abandon.

I feel a certain kinship with the Christopher Norman team. Like me, they mine the past for inspiration, updating it for the 21st century audience. The Christopher Norman collection includes Waterhouse Wallhangings, Inez Croom, and Thomas Strahan. These three lines were founded decades ago (in the case of Thomas Strahan it was 1886), so collectively there is quite an archive of terrific old prints. Some of the prints are of more recent vintages, while others date to the 19th c. What's so striking is that Christopher Norman has recolored many of these prints, making them look completely fresh and modern.

Take, for example, Moiré, Spider Web, and Shoot for the Moon, all part of Waterhouse Wallhangings. They are 19th c. document prints that Christopher Norman/ Waterhouse Wallhangings produced in conjunction with Historic New England. They have been reprinted in the original narrow width and repeat, but the colors make them look anything but old-fashioned. Seriously, looking at the coral colorway of Moiré (see below), would you have guessed that it's a 19th c. print?

The beauty of these papers is that if you are a historical-minded person, you'll be charmed by the lineage of these prints. And if you're history averse, well, I think you'll still be charmed.

Oh, and one more thing- I'm so glad to see that Christopher Norman still carries wallpaper borders. They seem to have fallen out of favor, but I really do think that in certain rooms and installations, borders provide the finishing touch. In fact, I'm thinking of ordering a Christopher Norman border for my bedroom.

In many of the photos below, I included multiple colorways in one shot so that you could see part of the color range. In addition to great wallpapers, Christopher Norman also produces beautiful fabrics too. Visit their website for showroom locations. If you're in Atlanta, Travis & Co. carries the line.



Moiré, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman



Salem Stripe, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman




Fauve Leopard, Christopher Norman Collection



Petite Pavillion, Inez Croom through Christopher Norman


Badminton Trellis was introduced by Christopher Norman in July of this year. (You can see it at top in a window display.) It currently comes in one colorway (off white and rose)although four additional colors will be added in January 2012.



Spider Web, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman



Celestial Swag, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman




Waterhouse Drapery, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman



Monuments of Paris, Inez Croom through Christopher Norman





Rice Birds, Inez Croom through Christopher Norman






Shoot for the Moon, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman



Honorable Bamboo, Inez Croom through Christopher Norman






An array of wallpaper borders.

New Picks from Scalamandre

I made a trip to the Scalamandre showroom at ADAC yesterday to see part of the new Memories of a Voyage to India collection. It's such a pretty collection and includes Shalimar, above, as well as the very tactile Shalimar Dots (see below). The dots almost look little silver studs embedded in the paper. Of course, what started out as a trip to look at two papers turned into a much lengthier visit. I couldn't help but get sidetracked by all of the beautiful papers. See below for what caught my eye. I'm sure you'll recognize a few of them as they're oldies but goodies.

If you need assistance with Scalamandre wallpaper and fabrics, I suggest contacting your local showroom. If you're in the Southeast, you can email hsawyer@scalamandre.com for more info. Holly and Chandler at the Atlanta showroom are super friendly and helpful too.






Shalimar Dots in Silver on Citron, Silver on Beige, and Silver on Aqua

The pink and red Barley Stripe paper reminded me of that used by Ronald Grimaldi in his entryway (click here to visit that post.) It would look especially chic if lacquered, just as Grimaldi did with his striped paper.






You might recall that I wrote about sweet floral prints a few months back. I love this paper (Jour de Juin in Pastels on White; forgive the dark photos); for some reason, it looks very Deeda Blair to me.







I adore Venetian Carnival. Despite its appearance in my terrible photo, the background is a true pink. I think it would be perfect in a powder room or vestibule in a 1930s house. Of course, it would look just as smashing in a non-1930s house as well.

Carter & Company Historic Wallpapers

I've had wallpaper on the brain lately for two reasons. First, I keep reading that wallpaper is a trend that is over. So done that you can stick a fork in it. Well, that seems really silly to me. It's like saying you're over fabric. I think that people either like wallpaper or they don't. And if you do like it, how can you ever be over it? Certain wallpaper prints and patterns perhaps, but wallpaper as a whole? Never.

The other reason for my wallpaper ruminations is because I've been working through a design problem. My bedroom walls have no crown molding. When I had my room papered, I unwisely took the paper all the way up to the ceiling. I'd like to make the excuse that I had a month to get my condo completely "done" before I moved in so I was rushed, but really it was because I just didn't think about it. After the paper was hung, though, I realized that it just doesn't look finished. I had been toying with the idea of adding crown molding, but then I reread Michael Greer's Inside Design and am now reconsidering my options. In his book, Greer mentions that in the absence of crown molding, a wallpaper border is a suitable option for finishing off the wall. Lord knows that there are lots of bad wallpaper borders out there, but if I can find a decent looking one, perhaps I'll go with this option.

So anyway, while searching for wallpaper borders, I found the website of Carter & Co. Historic Wallpapers based in Richmond, VA. The firm specializes in handprinted reproductions of historic wallpapers from the early 19th century to the early 20th. I was not familiar with Carter & Co. when I found their site, but I thought I would share some of their papers with you. For other options for historic wallpaper reproductions, don't forget about Adelphi Paper Hangings and Waterhouse Wallhangings.



A reproduction of an 1880s paper found at the James A. Garfield National Memorial Site in Mentor, OH.



Harvey Ashlar Wall based on a c. 1860s paper found in The Harvey House, Salinas, California.




Oriental Lattice Wallpaper, a reproduction of an 1880s paper used in the Cohen-Bray House, Oakland, CA.



Shooting Stars Ceiling Paper, c. 1880-1900, The Knight House, Silver Plume, Colorado.



Prowers House Border, 1860s, Prowers House, Boggsville, CO.



Etruscan Mosaic Frieze, 1880s-1900s, The Fallon Hotel, Columbia, CA.

Paper at top: A French Scenic wallpaper from the 1850s-60s from the Whitehall State Historic Site, Richmond, Kentucky.

Florence de Dampierre on Walls

I just finished reading Florence de Dampierre's latest book, Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments, in anticipation of her lecture next Thursday at the Atlanta Decorators Show House. Unfortunately, I just realized that I won't be able to attend as I'll be getting things together for a Derby Party that evening. (Those of you who follow me on Twitter know that I've been worrying about how to attain the proper shade of green for the Benedictine Dip.) But, all is not lost because I do have Florence's book, and let me tell you, it's really quite good.

Walls covers the history of decorative wall treatments like wallpaper, stencils, wood panels, and murals. I know that to some people, the word history is enough to make them run for the hills, but please don't let that deter anyone from reading this book. While the text is really very interesting, I think that what truly makes this book a keeper are the beautiful photos by Tim Street-Porter, Pieter Estersohn, and other photographers. There are images of historical rooms with all kinds of stunning wall treatments (think Caramoor, Beauport, and Schonbrunn) as well as contemporary work by the likes of de Dampierre, Annie Kelly, and Alberto Pinto. Just take a look at the photos below and I think that you might agree.


Florence's lecture will take place at the Atlanta Decorators Show House on Thursday, May 5 at 4:00pm. For more information, click here.


A colorful mirrored room with gilt bamboo molding by Howard Brodsky. Pieter Estersohn, photographer.




The Chinese Cabinet room at Schonbrunn in Vienna. I've seen this room in person, and it's truly unforgettable. Photo from Bridgeman Art Library.




The late Dodie Rosekrans' San Francisco dining gazebo. Tim Street-Porter, photographer.




A Parisian study inspired by the Robert Adam designed Etuscan dressing room at Osterley Park, England. Pieter Estersohn, photographer.




Framed Chinoiserie scenic wallpaper in an early 20th century home. Pieter Estersohn, photographer.




A powder room designed by Thomas Beeton; the Chinoiserie fresco was executed by Dana Westring. I also must say that the black lavatory is good looking as well. Tim Street-Porter, photographer.


All images from Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments by Florence de Dampierre, © Rizzoli Publishers, 2011.