In San Francisco today to look at tile and stumbled into
this gorgeous space…the showroom of François & Co
Founded in 1997, with manufacturing in Atlanta, Georgia,
François & Co has showrooms in Atlanta, New York, Beverly Hills,
Winter Park…and the San Francisco showroom that just opened this Fall…
more here
Beautiful fireplaces, walls, floors…
Up close…the authentic look of antique carved limestone…
Columns, kitchen hoods…
all made with a technique called Scagliola…
Have you ever heard of Scagliola?
“…it is a technique that was developed during the 17th century by impoverished
Italian monks…searching for an economical way to restore their monastery and
discovered that an aggregate of travertine, marble and limestone chips (Scaglia
in Italian), stabilizing agents and pigments could be combined to form a material
indistinguishable from the original stone. Using binding agents and natural
pigments the chips of stone were crushed and mixed to create a paste that was
applied by hand, layer after layer into a mold. After the product was dry, it was
sanded and polished all by hand.” More info here
Their Innova collection of hardwood floors
recreate the look of antique European floors…
They have a beautiful line of mosaics…here
and this empire tub made with the Scagliola technique…
At around $9500…not exactly a budget
tub, but a wee bit better than solid marble…
Beautiful website will get you dreaming here
Decorative lime plaster wall in first photo done by
artist Olivier Garnier…
See his portfolio and publications here
Trish
Truly lovely!
I have a friend who was a ‘master artisan’ that worked in such materials, he is retired now however he does for his own pleasure works sometimes using that technique of scagliola, he showed me how to it was done in his workshop, as well as other tile works and media he “plays’ with. His was sort after by word of mouth in his ‘hay day’. Even Hollywood when they did movies up here in particular using Eastmoreland homes , would call him and ask what homes he restored and did the fireplaces…..
Joanny
are you going to get that bathtub? 🙂
it’s too gorgeous for words.
When I bump that part of the house out (the old pipe dream)! It was really scrumptious!
Oh my gosh, yes, please!
I really ought to test my husband out on this. Maybe he would actually applaud me on my thrift.
You have found yourself in a seriously dangerous territory. And Italian to boot! The goddess of renovation has smiled upon you. Can’t wait to see the magic.
No…seriously…was only taking photos for you all! The goddess of renovation is NOT smiling…yet. Hopefully it will all come together soon. Over Thanksgiving my son’s bathroom got awfully crowded!
Oh dear Trish, does your husband know that you’re out on the loose in places like this?! That last tub is stunning but I wonder how comfy the square shape would be to use.
Sharon
Ooh the exposed brick–those fireplaces, that tub! where do I start, each picture is a gem!
Trish,
Darn’t! Now I will be thinking of gorgeous things I can’t afford instead of decorating for Christmas!
Wow! There are just so many beautiful resources out there. I just love the constant new inspiration. Thanks!
Thank you for those gorgeous images, I wish I could get the husband hooked on the idea of a limestone fireplace surround.
Oh my goodness! That tile mosaic in the bathroom! I’ve never seen anything like it! Thanks for sharing such beauty with us!
Hugs from Houston…Linsey
amazing fireplaces…and they truly look authentic…love the light fixture in the first image…that’s actually what I thought your post was about until I scrolled down..lol….
I am speechless. Amazing beauty. That tub is calling my name…unfortunately, I can’t call back!!! Oh my goodness, every image is exquisite. Thank you for making my heart go pitter-patter.
I am a film set director currently working on a film in Canada. I am back in California for the weekend and Blooming Rose Musings directed me to your blog in hopes of gaining inspiration. A few weeks ago she directed me to French Kissed and that was a great suggestion as well as soothing. Right now I am working with many textures and having a few problems. The setting for our film is a French country house in the 1800’s and textures have been a bit of a problemfor many reasons including the cold weather we have encountered. In looking at your post it is close to an original idea I had so you have given my the courage to go ahead with it as soon as I return to Canada on Monday. Thank you for letting me visit your blog.
Trish, wonderful imagery of a tecnique I had not heard of. Loved seeing the tiles, the mantles, OMG that Fountain, and of course the tub!!
Do come and enter my giveaway from Fifi Flowers $200 value!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I love your blog! Sarah (Haute Design) showed it to me knowing how much I would enjoy it. Your links are wonderful and I just ordered a beautiful piece from Wendy at The Textile Trunk. Your posts are most inspiring, your taste exquisite!