In this craftsman style home, we needed a location to feature the client’s art collection.  Their dining room offered a large  expanse of walls that would accommodate all of the pieces.  Immediately off of the foyer, the french doors provide a sense of importance to this space.  They act as an invitation to enter and view something special.

The Design Process:

The goal was to create a warm “envelope” filled with subtle textures in neutral colors.  As described by the client, “I want my home to be elegant but livable.”  Knowing that she had an appreciation for the unexpected, a faux finish was designed for the walls and ceiling that would be uniquely hers.

The harsh contrast of the white trim against the deep wall color was the first thing to address.  Then, a faux finish of rich reflective texture was carefully woven together with tones of the blue accent color for interest.  A rectilinear pattern gives a tailored impression that is consistent with geometric lines of the craftsman style.  More warmth is achieved by the addition of a complimentary faux finish on the ceiling of deep bronze.  Subtle shifts of neutral values within this room now echo the color palate that flows throughout the home.

In the end, these faux finishes offer a  stunning backdrop for the display of cherished treasures.  It has become “prime real estate”.  This space is more than just a place to gather and dine . . . it is an experience!

Do you have a place in your home that is “prime real estate”?  Are you making the most of it?  We welcome your comments below.  Visit www.kasswilson.com for more transformations.

It was wonderful working on this project with interior designer, Janie Smith of 3 Gates Interiors (404-368-9490).  Her energy and creativity made it fun.  I am proud to be a part of it.

The Design Process:

Since these beams are structural, it was not feasible to replace them.  With the rough texture of the cedar, “refinishing” would have been messy, time consuming and  potentially damaging to the natural appearance.  A painted faux finish offered a cost effective solution with more predictable results.  It also provided an obvious advantage of controlling the tones within the wood.  In every room  we were able to blend  hues to unify the existing elements and compliment the future color scheme.

Artist’s Secret:  When applying any wood grain technique,  the composition of the artistic finish is critical.  I begin by trying to imagine the tree in its original state.  Every brush stroke should magically reveal the  story of its life . . . a year of drought, a season of plenty, a limb that sprouted.  In this case, the rough texture offered many clues.  Each layer of the process is like exposing a hidden treasure of time.  The long wavy grains were enhanced, existing knots were celebrated and then  more embellishments were invented for added interest.

In the end, painting the beams throughout this home  is a reflection of style which honors its dramatic surroundings.  The best compliment is when no one can guess that I was there.   It is always a privilege to be able to mimic the greatest artist of all . . . nature.   It is my gift that I am honored to share.

I welcome your comments . . .

For more transformations visit www.kasswilson.com

In most cases, a powder room is a small  square room  in need of some personality.  But, in this case, there were many distinguishing architectural details.   One wall is curved, the ceilings are very high and the trim molding is extremely bold.  The objective was to draw your eye to all of THESE beautiful features.  Innovative use of faux finishes was the perfect solution.   We focused our attention upward . . .

The Design Process:

When spaces are small with very high ceilings, it can create a feeling of being at the bottom of a well.  Our goal was to visually lower the ceiling by accentuating the details up above with  multiple faux finish treatments.  First is a rich metallic gold texture that is consistent with the mirror and fixtures.  Distressing the exquisite trim mold ties in with the largest piece in the room, the vanity.  It was enhanced with an aged and dimensional patina that also honors the restful teal wall color.  A distressed black line around the edge is a clever way to emphasize the unusual shape of this space.  The walls remain a crisp clean palate . . . the perfect backdrop for elegant artwork and accessories.

Experiencing this room is candy for the eye from every vantage point.  As a special space for guests, this powder room is like offering a beautifully wrapped present with a thoughtful but unexpected gift inside.

The next time you enter YOUR powder room, take a moment to look up.  Do you see an opportunity to make it special?  Let me know!

Special thanks to designers Joann and Kelly of Kandrac and Kole Interior Designs Inc.,  www.kandrac-kole.com,  for this wonderful project.

Start by selecting the items that have the most limited options for color, size and/or price.  This is often the main focal point or “grounding” element of a space.  In a large room, it can be an area rug or piece of art.  But, in a kitchen it is usually the granite.  This is your initial inspiration that will drive all decisions about colors, style and where you want your attention to travel.   Next is the tile back splash and the cabinetry.  They will follow  as a backdrop that surrounds these important features.  But, don’t stop there . . .  now comes the challenge!   The basic selections can be wonderful and “go together”.   But it is the added attention to details that will give you an opportunity to enhance all of the beautiful features within a space for a “WOW”.  This is where you can “go the extra mile”.

Faux finishing offers infinite technique and color solutions that will work to unify all of the  elements within a space.  Ideally, this is explored early in the design process.  Teaming up with a talented designer is a great way to create and utilize innovative ideas that you may have never thought about.  Together, we work to identify unique ways to make all of these features come to life.  Developing a complete plan from the beginning allows the freedom to incorporate many great ideas BEFORE construction starts.  Trying to add them later can be very costly, time consuming or even impossible.

The Design Process:

In this scenario, we focused our attention upward.  Imagine how this kitchen would appear if the large ceiling was allowed to remain flat.   Since it is not very high, there is a tendency to believe that leaving it a light color will make it appear taller.  Instead, notice how the addition of  bold trim in the center works to define the space.  It adds balance and interest, draws your eye upward and eliminates the appearance of vast emptiness.  The frame was painted with a faux wood grain technique that matches the cabinets to perfection.   The inset is a softened metallic finish that compliments both the custom tile on the back splash and the light fixtures.

In large kitchens, even the beauty of wood can become overly repetitious.  Adding distressed black on select door fronts and the back of the display cabinets offers an unpredictable but subtle detail.   Notice how it draws attention to the dimension of the doors, outlines the accessories and emphasizes the curved arches in the cabinets.

This kitchen remodel is candy to the eye.   Using multiple but subtle faux finishes allows all of the features to stand out.  There is a delicate and unique balance of details that encourages your eye to glide across the room to appreciate the architecture and accessories.   Going that extra mile gives an unmistakable statement of quality and  design sophistication.

Please take a moment to send us a comment.  OR, call 770 777 7020 for information about where to begin on YOUR next project.

Special thanks to designer, Christine Barnes for this wonderful kitchen remodel  .  .  .   770 241 2302

Visit www.kasswilson.com for more transformations.

“. . . strive to simplify;  the ensemble of the rooms should be considered so that comfort and utility go hand in hand with beauty.”   Frank Lloyd Wright

This home honors the “Arts and Crafts” or “Prairie” style that is often identified with Frank Lloyd Wright.  It incorporates low horizontal lines, open interior spaces,  along with the use of simple forms and natural materials.  Within this style, there is a celebration of handicrafts.  Open floor plans utilize unique ways to divide spaces with the use of stained glass, beamed ceilings and dark wood outlines.  Clean lines offer a contemporary backdrop to feature exceptional artistic details.

The Design Process:

All of the elements were already in place to respect the Arts and Crafts style of this home.   Changing the dining room ceiling captured even more features that would be consistent.  The color and texture needed to compliment the stone wall, emphasize clean lines and celebrate artistic details.

Keeping the color values close, now offers a seamless visual line between the rock wall and the ceiling.  The new twist is that a subtle reflective  faux finish has been added in place of the blue.  It is an elegant metallic during the day.  At night, it comes alive as light is allowed to dance across the shimmer.  This provides  a beautiful backdrop that features the sleek light fixture and allows the dark wood to  outline and define the space.  The ceiling now creates  the simplicity and sophistication needed to respect the intentions of this architectural style.  Frank would be proud!

Special thanks to designer,  Karen Davis of KD Design Studio, www.karendavisinteriors.com, 678 965 5507

For more innovative transformations, visit www.kasswilson.com

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.

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.

There was a day when the best dressed always included a lovely hat.  It was the accessory that defined a level of class and completed the outfit.  In design, we “dress” each room of a home to make a statement for every space.

In this dining room, the “hat” was missing.  Often we design a room and forget about the fifth wall . . . the ceiling.  By addressing this important detail, we add presence to the beautiful light fixture, draw attention to the architecture of the trey and create a finished look of elegant sophistication.

The Design Process:

Planning faux finishes for a ceiling can be challenging.  This is a surface where you need to consider color, shape, style and focal points.  The appropriate balance of all of these factors is critical.

If you have ever gone to a paint store in search of the perfect metallic, you know there are many different shades of gold.  And, the way it looks on the color card is very different from the way it looks on the actual surface.  The color recipe for this ceiling was developed to compliment all of the golden tones in the furnishings, accessories and adjacent rooms.  An over glaze acts to tint the color and soften the harshness of a metallic.  The reflective faux finish was only placed inside the trey so the trim and side areas can act as a frame.  This emphasizes the octagon shape and allows it to stand out as a prominent feature.  The addition of a ceiling medallion draws attention to the chandelier.  The paint technique mimics that finish and presents as an extension of the light fixture.

This dining room is adjacent to a 2 story foyer.  Creating this dramatic ceiling encourages your focus to remain with the beauty at hand rather than wandering upward into open spaces.