The term “faux” is actually a French word meaning fake, false or imitation.  In the world of design, we always prefer to use elements that are real.  But very often limitations such as availability of products, time or expense  prevent REAL elements from being incorporated.  The solution is to explore options that IMITATE  items found in nature.  If it involves paint, you need to enlist the talents of a faux finish artist.

Done correctly,  faux painted elements become exquisite additions that add value to a home.  The artistry must create the illusion of a REAL element of nature. . . so real that you must feel it and touch it to believe it.

The Design Process:

Interior Designer, Michelle Nettles of MJN and Associates Interiors recognized that these columns were an integral  part of this design project.  The foyer of this grand home had magnificent custom marble floors.  Four stately columns outline the perimeter of the space.  Marble is ideal for spaces where a more formal, refined and glamorous look is desired.  The goal was  to paint the columns to create an upward extension of this natural element.

These columns appear as if they were produced from the same quarry as the marble floor.  Look closely at the colors and graceful movement of the patterns.    Over millions of years, rocks and granules were exposed to heat, pressure, liquid and chemical actions.  Years of compression transformed these elements into the elegant stone we know as marble.   The artistic process  begins with a visual image in my mind about the forces of nature that occurred to create this beauty.  The many layers of decorative artistry tell this story.  Fortunately, it only takes a couple of days to paint it!

It is always a privilege to be able to create elements that represent the beauty of nature.  That  includes wood, stone and  aged patinas on metals to name a few.  If your wish list includes adding an element that appears REAL, consider the option of PAINT!  Any surface can appear so authentic that you must see it, feel it and touch it to believe it.

This project was filmed by CBS for Better Atlanta.  Take the full tour and meet the team.  Then, let us know what you think.

Tall cathedral ceilings . . .  multiple angles . . . large mirrors . . . many focal points . . . hard surfaces . . . blending of styles . . . sophisticated color palate.  These were just some of the design challenges  presented in the remodel of this grand master bathroom.

As in all good design, we began by identifying the main focal point of this space.  The garden tub is the first thing you see when entering this vast master bath.   Above it, a large mirror spans the full length of the wall.  As a result, the vanities across the room are viewed in the reflection and they become a critical element of your first impression.

The Design Process:

Attention is drawn to the dramatic 15 foot cathedral ceiling with a series of complex architectural angles.  To bring the vanities in proper scale, a solid deep color was used on the back walls emphasizing that they are recessed.  This acts like a matting around a piece of artwork, visually punctuates these two walls and gives the vanities more importance.  The same color was added to the back of the alcove above the door for symmetry.  These three surfaces are now established as a consistent visual plane.

The rest of the walls were treated with a slightly different finish to define and celebrate all of the angles.  It gives the illusion of interesting architectural elements that almost appear to be structural features.  They were softened with a simple and elegant faux finish that gently compliments all of the other surfaces in the space.  A random design was embedded into the finish consistent with the metallic colors of the mirror frames and hardware.   This faux technique blends effortlessly to offer a touch of timeless traditional style among the contemporary elements.

This master bathroom remodel is a perfect example of how to “divide and conquer” through the subtle use of color and dimension.  Thinking of wall surfaces independently rather than all one element will allow you to add interest to a space.  It is yet another tool used by skilled designers to provide outstanding options for challenging design dilemmas.  These are the kinds of details that will help you get the maximum return on your remodeling investment.

Special thanks to designer, Erin Stephenson (770 656 1340) and her passion to explore unexpected solutions that make her projects stand out from the crowd.

Please offer your feedback below.  Visit www.kasswilson.com for more transformations.

For 14 years,  “Saskatoon” has been one of  Greenville’s favorite restaurants.  Specialties of “high-plains game” such as elk tenderloin, buffalo, venison and ostrich fillet have been their claim to fame throughout the Southeast.  Due to their success, Yash Patel  and Edmund Woo decided it was time to expand this dining concept to Atlanta.  They enlisted the help of interior designer, Wendy Beville of Defining Spaces, Inc.  Her challenge was to transform a traditional Buckhead restaurant space into an “upscale woodland experience” . . .  on a deadline for opening and within budget!

The Design Process:

The original Saskatoon decor in SC is very rustic . . .  similar to a North Woods hunting lodge.  Wendy’s  goal was to incorporate elements of that style but compliment it with a  sophistication that honors elegant dining in Atlanta.

Just like any design project, you must first identify the focal point.  At Saskatoon, the menu is the true art!  Simplicity of crisp white table linens offers the perfect backdrop.  This allows each entree to be the center of attention.  In contrast, the surrounding decor embraces patrons with the warmth of organic materials such as stone, wood and antlers.

For the walls, Wendy’s vision was to continue incorporating natural elements.  Her description was very specific.  “I want a faux finish on the walls that will offer the illusion of being in the North woods surrounded by nature.  But, we don’t want it so realistic that it looks like a theme park.”  A collaboration of our creative ideas led to a very custom recipe.  The texture of this faux finish gives the illusion of tree bark.  But, done in different colors, it offers a departure from the expected and subtly blends with the other decor.  Turning our attention to the basic architecture of the space, specific surfaces were chosen where the  finish would be applied.  Resisting the temptation to incorporate EVERY wall allowed this unique finish to have more of an impact.  The columns, focal wall and select cross beams are representative of a clearing amongst a canopy of trees. . . the perfect place for an intimate picnic adventure.

Congratulations to Wendy Beville for this clever blending of rustic style and big city elegance.  You can see evidence of her thoughtful and detailed planning throughout the space.  It is an enhancement to the Saskatoon dining experience.  Wendy Beville, Defining Spaces, Inc. 770 378 1861 www.definingspacesinc.com

FYI, Wendy and I have had the privilege of sampling some of the exotic delicacies at Saskatoon as well as their “tame game” offerings (steaks and seafood).  Be sure to put it on your list of places you MUST try!   For more information visit: www.saskatoonatlanta.com.