A dramatic Billy Haines style red leather screen, designed in 1994 by Peter Schifando for Mrs. Freeman Gosden, created specifically for her Beverly Hills residence decorated by the legendary William Haines. The screen is wrapped in vibrant red leather and inset with embossed gilt leather panels, forming a bold geometric design accentuated by gilt nailhead trim and precision-cut corners that echo Haines’ signature Hollywood Regency style.
This exceptional piece features prominently in a published photograph of the Gosden dining room in Class Act: William Haines, Hollywood Decorator, attesting to its importance within the home’s interior architecture. Both decorative and functional, the screen exemplifies a seamless dialogue between mid-century glamour and contemporary craftsmanship. Provenance: Estate of Mrs. Freeman Gosden.
Peter Schifando is a distinguished American interior designer known for his refined aesthetic that blends classic elegance with Hollywood glamour. A protégé and longtime associate of the legendary designer William Haines, Schifando began his career under the tutelage of Ted Graber, Haines’ design partner and successor. After Graber’s passing, Schifando continued the legacy of the firm, preserving and evolving the distinctively chic and timeless style that defined Haines’ interiors for Hollywood’s elite.
With clients ranging from prominent socialites to U.S. presidents, Schifando has built a reputation for interiors that are both gracious and bold, often incorporating historic elements, bespoke furniture, and dramatic focal points. His work reflects a deep understanding of classical design principles interpreted through a modern lens.
In addition to his design practice, Schifando co-authored Class Act: William Haines, Legendary Hollywood Decorator (2005) with Jean H. Mathison, chronicling the life and work of his mentor and offering rare insight into the golden age of California design. Through both his projects and publications, Peter Schifando continues to be a respected voice in American interior design and decorative arts.
