Divinely Decadent

Stephen Calloway, a self-described elderly roue and one of the more recherche and picturesque curators haunting the corridors of London's Victoria and Albert Museum (his words), is a wonderful author on the subjects of architecture and interior design. And Deidi von Schaewen is a very talented photographer whose work appears in World of Interiors and other magazines. So it is well-written and produced, but not so compelling for this reviewer. After A Little History of Divine Decadence, there are chapters on Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth. Points are illustrated by photos of contemporary interiors by owners who enjoy the persuit of beauty. This reviewer prefers the interiors that are the everyday environment rather than those that appear to be proped for the photo shoot, however. Also, there is a directory so the reader can find the author's recommended barber and hatter to today's dandies, for example. Although this book might not be a reference that one would return to over and over again, bargain pricing that is comparative to the price of a premium magazine makes this a good choice for the guest room nightstand or as a gift for one's own divinely decadent friends.

I have more than my share of interior decorating books. This one is the best! I have never seen such a beautiful, inspirational book. And it is also interesting to read, another plus.

I just received my copy of "Divinely Decadent" and was immediately captivated by the beautifully lush interiors presented by Stephen Calloway. I loved the spicy, exotic rooms which pepper this elegantly slim volume and cannot wait to devour it page by sumptuous page. "Divinely Decadent" is not your mother's decorating book. It is bold, over the top, balls-to-the-wall decorating that is definitely decadently divine!!!

I have lots of books on decorating, but this is the only one I can recall where the text is just as interesting and illuminating and exciting as the photographs--and the photographs are terrific. The authors begin the book with a nice "history of decadence", and they were truly inspired in organizing the book around the Seven Deadly Sins--you will have a hard time deciding which of the seven is your favorite. There are plentiful quotes from such demigods of decadence as Oscar Wilde, and wonderful over-the-top (and gorgeous) interiors designed by flamboyant characters like the late great Tony Duquette. The choice of interiors ranges from the traditional French-boudoir style of decadence to modern edgy ones, so there is something for everybody. My house is a nice virtuous Arts and Crafts house, but this book gave me some clues about the use of rich colors, fabrics, and the combining of objects so that even I can edge closer toward divine decadence. Loved it!

Stephen Calloway definitely does not subscribe to the theory "less is more." Thank goodness. Who needs another book on tasteful, bland interiors? I much prefer the pillow-strewn canopy beds and sparkling Edwardian dining rooms in Divinely Decadent. There's an almost voyeuristic thrill in being able to peek into these incredibly sumptuous interiors. The fact that they are inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins only adds to their over-the-top appeal!