May 1 2007
The latest addition to the Stone Age Designs' mantel Collection is a full line of copper and pewter bodied mantels featuring the uncompromising quality and detail of a Scagliola Stone mantelpiece, topped with one-of-a-kind metallic patina. This new line of mantelpieces add an opulent and modern sophistication to any home.
Stone Age Designs, a division of Francois and Co. is a premiere source for hand-crafted Scagliola Stone fireplace mantels, kitchen hoods and architectural accents. As rich in texture as it is in history, Scagliola is a technique developed by impoverished Italian monks in the 17th Century to restore a monastery lost in the mountains of central Italy. It is the art of mixing together chips of stone (Scaglia in Italian), and layering the mixture by hand to achieve a natural stone texture of amazing clarity and depth.
Thierry François, the owner and chief designer of Stone Age Designs began offering Scagliola Stone fireplace mantels in the U.S. in the late 1990's. Since that time, the Scagliola technique has become well known and respected among homeowners, as well as the design, architectural and builder communities as an authentic alternative to lesser cast stone and concrete products.
Today, the Stone Age Designs' Showcase, features an extensive selection of fireplace mantels and kitchen hoods as well as many architectural accents, such as moldings, columns and wall cladding.
The artisans of Stone Age Designs keep the art of Scagliola alive and flourishing. They hand-craft in particular a unique collection of Scagliola Stone fireplace mantels inspired by exquisite European designs. Each and every mantelpiece is custom made. It has the look and texture of hand-carved quarry stone and an Old World elegance. The Stone Age Designs' fireplace mantel collection is showcased at: Fireplace Mantels
The Stone Age Designs' fireplace mantel collection, offers a variety of designs to suit every personality, taste and décor. Some of Stone Age Designs' Scagliola Stone mantels are actually exact replicas of original French antique mantelpieces which mirror identically their antique image. Some others feature designs that represent the collaborative efforts of Stone Age Designs' owner and chief designer, Thierry Francois, and the homeowners over the years who have worked to achieve subtle and substantial enhancements to classical designs in an effort to adapt them to today's homes.
Over the years, Stone Age Designs has become the undisputed market leader in Scagliola Stone products in the USA.