Wallstreat Faux Finishes

A vast great room ceiling would be cold and lost without proper attention.  The beautiful details present an opportunity to enhance the architecture within this home.  A combination of finishing techniques draws the eye upward and allows each feature to stand apart.

We started with a blank canvas.  The interior designer presented the fabrics that were chosen for furniture and window treatments.  From this, it was easy to visualize the color story of the home. This room was a central location.  It was open to the foyer, kitchen and stairway. All of the finishes needed to blend and be consistent with the adjacent spaces.  Being so open, this room had very little wall space.  All of the interesting architectural details were in the ceiling.  That became our opportunity to create something special. 

The Design Process:

Textured wallpaper was applied inside the coffers.  A pattern was chosen that would be consistent with the scale of the spaces.  Once applied, it was treated with a 3 layer faux finish that incorporated multiple metallics.  This enhanced the  dimension of the raised pattern.  A soft wood graining technique was applied to the beams.  The contrast of dark next to light acts to outline and draw attention to the architecture within the ceiling. 

The finishes that adorn the ceiling are consistent with the design of the columns.  This further invites your attention to move upward. By adding color and texture to the architectural details alone, this room takes on an impression of elegance.  The faux finishes make this ceiling rise to the occasion by offering a crowning touch to this regal space.

Special thanks to Laura Bloom of Home Expressions. 678 242 0480  www.homeexpressionsinteriors.com  Be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com to view more transformations.

Over time, styles change,  color trends change and the purpose for a space will change.  But one thing that seems to remain the consistent is the timeless beauty of exotic wood and the elegance of traditional craftsmanship.  This project represents the transformation of a space into a sophisticated gathering place that will be enjoyed while relaxing with a glass of fine wine.

The Design Process:

Plans for the future of this area include the addition of a wine cellar.  The theme will be changing to reflect an elegant pub setting.  Look closely at how this designer has skillfully re-directed the color palate and style of this space.

The “visual weight” and “balance” of this room has been shifted with the clever use of color.  Applying a faux finish to the cabinets transformed their harsh white appearance into elegant dark wood hues.  The beauty of a painted wood grain technique creates the illusion of fine crafted flame mahogany.  This outlines and draws attention to the stackstone in the mantel.  The colors were chosen to blend effortlessly with the tones of the fabrics.   A clean lined, neutral sofa acts as a quiet backdrop to all of the other design elements in the room.  As a result,  your attention is drawn upward and flows around the room to embrace the rich colors, tailored patterns and warm textures. 

This space now has a new attitude.  It honors the luxury of traditional elements yet remains a relaxed setting for comfortable entertaining.  It is a reflection of a mature and sophisticated design style that will be complimentary to a lovely wine cellar.  Cheers!

Special thanks to Karen Davis of KD Design Studio  770 346 9494  www.karendavisinteriors.com .  Also, be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com to view more transformations.

He wants the richness of wood.  She wants an updated color.  How do you keep everyone happy?  Creating a kitchen that accomodates both personalities requires creative planning.  One solution is to look at how you can incorporate more than one finish in a single space.  During our first meeting, we looked through a large portfolio of cabinet finishes.  Two options were identified as possibilities.  A soft stria glazing in a complementary tone of gold offers a casual yet tailored elegance.  The beauty of wood grain is rich in tradition, but the concern was that it would appear too dark if applied to every surface.  Careful studying of the lines within the cabinetry revealed the answers.  The division became obvious.  Both finishes could be used and a unique kitchen was born!

The Design Process:

In a kitchen, the cabinetry usually covers more than 60% of the wall space.  It can be very repetitious.   We often create drama in a room by adding an accent wall of color.  This same concept can be used on your cabinets.  Utilizing two complementary finishes will add character and give your kitchen a personality all its own.

Look closely at the original kitchen.  The cabinets are perfectly uniform and symmetrical.  They were painted the same color as the walls and lightly glazed.  This offers a quiet sophistication to surround the new focal points. . . the two large towers.  A wood grain technique was applied to give them the illusion of freestanding furniture.  Designing with an odd number of elements is more pleasing to the eye.  So, the island was number three.  The pantry doors were then treated the same as the surrounding cabinets.  This allows your eye to gently float around the room without interruption.

The custom tile on the backsplashes and the front of the counter introduces a dramatic pattern into this space.  Painting the trim around the bar in the same wood grain technique provides an outline of this feature.  It is a finishing detail that helps to emphasize the importance of this design.

This kitchen now offers versatility.  It provides an invitation for warm family gatherings.  But with a few fancy accessories, it is easily dressed up for formal entertaining.  It readily adapts as a pleasing environment that will fit any personality.

To view more cabinetry transformations, visit my website at www.kasswilson.com.

Back door guests are the best.  So often, attempts are made to hide a back entrance.  But in this case, it is celebrated.  In this country style home, special friends and family are welcomed with warm words of wisdom.   Meaningful phrases are incorporated into this rustic faux finish.  Each spectacular surface shares rich heart felt greetings from the homeowner.

The Design Process:

A color palate was chosen that would complement the flooring.  This 5 layer faux finish begins with a base that is suggestive of stone.  The home owner provided a list of statements that express her sentiments.  From this list, we selected the size, fonts and placement of each phrase.  The letters were then individually painted.  To complete the look, multiple layers of random texture and glazing techniques were added.  This provides even more depth and dimension.

The strength of black provides the accent.  It works to “punctuate” the verses, light fixtures and cabinet finish as focal points.  Additional artwork is not needed.  There is no question where your eye is led as you travel through this space.

All of the layers work together to create the illusion of authentic aging and distressing.  It gives the impression that these pearls of wisdom have withstood the test of time.  You cannot help but read them each time you enter or leave this home.  They are truly words to live by.

Be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com to view more transformations.

This kitchen renovation was near completion.  To “wake it up”, the vent hood was embellished with a textured design and highlighted to enhance the details.  Applying a black finish to the bottom drawers creates a more substantial focal point in the center.

The wall colors were chosen to blend with the window treatments.  An elegant reflective faux finish now surrounds the new cabinetry and compliments the luxurious sheen of the fabric.  Squares of a bronze damask design adds an unexpected element.  This detail is a departure from the ordinary and predictable.  It is a unique blend of a timeless pattern with an updated contemporary twist.  The result is a sophisticated renovation that combines modern flair with a respect for traditional style.

The Design Process:

Getting new cabinets is not necessarily a guarantee that you will have the designer kitchen that you have always dreamed of.  This homeowner recognized early in the renovation process that something was missing.  It was the absence of a strong point of interest . . . something that will break up the repetition of the standard cabinet finish.  The larger the kitchen, the more important this becomes.  Sometimes this can be achieved by merely having the island a different color.  But, if your ceilings are tall, you need to stretch that focal point higher than waist level.  In this case, the vent hood was the obvious choice. 

A contrast of black is always dramatic.  To add more interest, a raised texture was applied to the inset on the vent hood.  Outlining the raised areas in bronze further highlighted the details that are incorporated into the cabinetry  This adds a touch of elegance and intrigue.  Finishing the lower drawers in black creates the appearance of a tower and accentuates the height of the ceilings.  There is no longer any question about where your eye travels when you enter this kitchen.  Simple faux finishes in unexpected places provide the dramatic “wake up call” that was needed to make this space spectacular.

For more examples be sure to visit my website at www.kasswilson.com.

Many times, curved architectural details can be presented at their best when enhanced by decorative finishes.  Archways and ceilings are especially challenging from a construction perspective.  Chances are, anything that is not a straight line will be more labor intensive and therefore, more expensive.  Beautiful curves and arches are often understated when allowed to remain white.  They lack definition and are barely noticed as they blend into the trim.  It is time to dress it up and make it outstanding! 

This barrel ceiling was a perfect opportunity to utilize creative faux finish techniques to bring out the finest details of this architecture.  It draws attention to the quality craftsmanship that has been incorporated into the features of this home.   The foyer has been transformed into an intriguing grand entrance with plenty of drama and “curve appeal”.  

The Design Process: 

For the faux finish on the ceiling, multiple tones of golden metallics were chosen to blend with the elegant fabrics in the adjacent dining room.  On the other side of this foyer is a gentleman’s study.  It is completely lined with intricate judge’s paneling.  The outline of the trim on the barrel ceiling was treated with a wood graining technique to continue the rich wood tones of that room.  You would never guess the trim in the foyer is a decorative paint treatment rather than exquisite stain grade wood.  The artistry of a custom design offers an additional and unexpected embellishment.  Look closely at how consistent it is with the graceful iron work in the doors and stairway.  This outline acts to further emphasize the curves and archways throughout the rest of the home.

This ceiling now showcases the beautiful architectural details that adorn this space.  It welcomes you with a statement of quality the moment you enter.  You are immediately introduced to the soft curves that will gently invite you to relax and enjoy.  The careful attention to every detail gives this home ”curve appeal”.

This project was designed by Joann and Kelly of Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs.  www.kandrac-kole.com  To view more decorative painting transformations by Kass Wilson of Wallstreat,  visit www.kasswilson.com.

Often, when a home is purchased, we are faced with a pure white canvas.  The goal of the seller had been to keep it neutral.  The challenge for the new homeowner is how to create a home that reflects their personal style.  In this case, the desire was to transform this space to compliment their French Provencial furnishings.  Now, upon entering the room, you are swept back to a bygone era of quiet beauty and graceful living reminiscent of the countryside of France.

A traditional color palate of warm muted tones was inspired from the largest pattern in the room, the area rug.  The mantel is the smallest feature on this wall.  Yet, our intent was to make it the primary focal point.  To achieve this, the bookcases were painted in a solid tone slightly deeper than the new wall color and softened with a minimal edging detail.  The previous “faux marbling” on the ledges was too harsh and emphasized an uneven horizontal line across the wall.  The contrast and finish on the bookcases is now very subtle.  This provides the accessories an opportunity to be the main attraction on the shelves. 

The Design Process:

The mantel was an odd shape.  Notice the firebox, the bookcases, the windows and the mirror. . . they are all square or rectangular.  Two small pieces of trim mold were added to each side before painting and treated as part of the structure.  This gives the illusion that the mantel is geometrically consistent and balanced with the other elements in the room.  Multiple intricate aging and distressing techniques were blended into this faux finish.  It reflects a sense of authenticity that only happens over time.  The unexpected use of subtle green undertones works to draw your eye to the center of this wall.  Strategically placed red highlights add interest and feature the simple architectural details.  The mantel now carries enough “visual weight” to support the placement of a tall elegant mirror above.  There is no mistaking that it is the most important design feature of this grand space . . . vive la diffe’rence!

Be sure to visit my website at www.kasswilson.com to view more amazing transformations.  For a full screen close-up of this project, click on the right side of the slideshow icon.

Multiiple “design tricks” were incorporated to transform this master bath into a place of elegance and intrigue.  The harsh contrast of the black chest next to white cabinetry had not been resolved by simple glazing.

Many times when we look at cabinetry, there is a tendency to apply a finish as if it is one single architectural detail.  In reality, it is a combination of many different surfaces and features.  Each of these is an opportunity to incorporate design elements that will make the craftsmanship stand out.  In this case, we identified the insets of specific doors and the front of the drawers as separate entities. 

The Design Process:

Your first impression is that there is a strong line of cabinetry.  The black chest in the middle seems out of place.  Individual door fronts were strategically selected to be painted black.  This helps to unify and “make sense” of the chest of drawers while softening the long horizontal line.  It is much easier for the eye to follow. 

The new palate was selected from the tones of the granite countertops.  An embellished design was placed directly below each sink.  This was inspired by the designs in the rug and new window treatments.  It directs you to focus on the center of each side and enhances the symetry of the space.  Notice in the photos how your eye now gently “floats” across the room to take in the visual depth and interest. 

The elegance of this master bath was a result of innovative and “strategic planning” with JoAnn and Kelly, the designers at Kandrac-Kole Interiors (www.kandrac-kole.com).

To view more innovative cabinetry projects visit my website at www.kasswilson.com.

The elegance of French style graciously adorns this home.  Meticulous care was given to every detail including a lovely powder room.  This is a place where guests have an opportunity to study and appreciate the intricacies of every special touch.

The Design Process:

The goal was to create a faux finish for the walls that introduced warmth and dimension.  Plasters can often give the impression of a cold and hard surface.  Therefore, the intriguing texture and dimension of “leather leaf” was more fitting.  The palate of the room flows with the color story of the home.  Warm tones and gentle blending of soft greens are consistent with the window treatments and furnishings just outside of this room. 

Remaining true to the French style, a raised Fleur De Lei pattern was incorporated.  To keep it interesting, they were placed in specific yet random locations.  This way, they would work to compliment the artwork and other embellishments in the space.  Each one was highlited in bronze allowing them to dance across the walls.  This exquisite finish is a magnificent background that everyone wants to touch.

First impressions of a home are established the minute you enter the front door.  This is where the stage is set as a preview for what is to come.  In essence, it is the opening act.

In this home, the dining room is directly off of the foyer.  The objective was to create an ambiance of tailored elegance.  A sophisticated color palate was chosen to offset the sleek furnishings.  The wall finish acts as a chic backdrop to soften the appearance of the straight contemporary lines.  In this case, the reflective qualities are consistent with the high sheen of the fabrics and the shiny surfaces.  This captivating room grabs your attention and invites you to enjoy the show.

The Design Process:

The request from this homeowner was to take this room out of the 1990’s.  She wanted soft, sleek, elegant and plenty of ”bling”.  The first decision was to define an updated color palate.  From there, a selection of rich fabrics, clean lined furnishings and glimmering accessories were chosen.  This is the point where the perfect wall finish was developed.  It needed to be subtle yet incorporate reflective qualities that would compliment but not compete with the other elements in the space.  Undertones of blue are present but given interest with a texture that reads of icy and dimensional shimmer.  It works as a perfect backdrop to give this room the impression of a sophisticated crystal palace.