I love participating in designer events.  It is an opportunity to work with a fun loving and creative group of people.  This one was called “Collaborating For Success”.  It was organized by ToTheTradeOnly and had a whole new twist . . . it was almost like that HGTV show “Design Star”.  Each designer chose a small space.  Unlike show homes, their resources were limited to a specific group of participating vendors.  These vendors had particular products that they made available to either donate, give or lend.  It was up to the designers to work with these and create a space that would knock your socks off!  In my mind, this is a very difficult design challenge . . .  work with what you’ve got, not with what you can buy.  I am always amazed at how a great designer has the vision to make something special out of nothing.

Rachel Young of Liquid Design Studio invited me to be on her team.  Her idea was to recreate this ladies’ restroom  with the elegance of a “Marie Antoinette feeling”.  We didn’t have time for  samples.  I just showed up with an assortment of products from my shelves and began to trowel.    It was a leap of faith!  Many subtle reflective and metallic colors were blended to complete this finish.  The addition of the pattern offers gentle curves to “soften” the strong geometric lines and hard surfaces in the space.   Everyone kept peeking in to watch what would come next as each layer was applied.

The evening of the event was filled with design inspiration thanks to all of the creative and talented participants.  Needless to say, our space was a hit!  The ladies’ room was not a place where the  girls could retreat for privacy.  Every gentleman was opening the door wanting to see what we had done!  We were able to create formal elegance that would be suitable for any black tie affair.   To quote one of the guests, ” It has become  a place that is beautiful enough for a champagne toast!”

Let us know what you think.  Be sure to post your comments below.  For more transformations, visit www.kasswilson.com.

Contributors to this space

• Liquid Design Studios,  Rachael Young, 404 348 4406,  www.liquiddesignstudiosllc.com
• ToTheTradeOnly, Barbara English, 404 536 0664, concierge@tothetradeonly.com
• True Source Cabinets, Kevin Kremer 678 494 0110, www.truesourcecabinets.com
• Old Castle Surfaces, Julie Brewer, 404 355 3108, www.oldcastlepg.com
• Masterpiece Lighting,  Phil Sherer, 404 207 1950, philsherer@masterpiecelighting.com
• Atlanta Daltile, Leslie Dean,  404 355 0158, leslie.dean@daltile.com
• LeFais Do-Do Event Center, Marie Andjuar, 404 387 3027, www. lefaisdodo.com

Bold contemporary patterns . . . rich reflective fabrics . . . sleek shiny accessories.    All of the elements are in place to present a statement about current design trends.   This project took place at Luxe Home Interiors, a full service interior design and furnishings studio located in John’s Creek.  They wanted to showcase an example of how to incorporate today’s clean lined style with drama and elegance.  The addition of a stunning faux finish on the wall provides the perfect background to complete the picture.

The Design Process:

After selecting the furnishings and accessories for this space, it was time to  “look on the bright side”.   The finishing touch of a wall treatment was the perfect answer.  The design journey began with their team of designers.  Together we explored the many innovative faux finish options that would compliment all of these features.  The ideal characteristics were identified.  Here was the wish list:

• A rectilinear pattern to honor the tailored appearance of the furniture.
• Multiple colors within the same tones to maintain the sophistication of this look.
• The use of subtle reflective textures consistent with the glamour of this setting.
• Occasional random hints of platinum to offer the unexpected but necessary “bling”.

And hence, a custom finish was born!

The day of the application was festive.  Since it is directly in front of the glass entrance, many curious visitors stopped in just to observe the transformation taking place.   So many great questions.   It is always fun to watch people as their wheels start to turn.  You can see them beginning to imagine how wonderful a wall finish like this could be in their own home.

This stunning space can be seen in Luxe Home Interiors at John’s Creek.  I encourage you to stop by and take a first hand look at the intrigue of this finish.  You must see it, feel it and touch it to believe it!

Special thanks to Luxe Home Interiors at John’s Creek.   770 622 5120  www.luxejohnscreek.com

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

The Concept: So often I am asked, “Where do you come up with the ideas for your finishes?”  I would like to believe that there is some kind of divine intervention that takes place!  But in reality, it is just thoughtful and innovative planning that guides the development of the perfect faux finish.  A collaborative effort of creative individuals is the key.  This seminar was intended to present an

	We first identified a surface that was in need of some TLC. It was small but visible the instant you enter the showroom. We wanted elegant, updated and unexpected. The goal was to allow this wall to grab your attention with a personality all its own. In essence, we set out to create a focal point where originally there was none!
	The design process begins by selecting a palate which continues the visual flow of colors that exist in nearby spaces.  We evaluated a number of possible options.  It was determined that reflective tones of gold as a base with accents of red would be the most complimentary blend.  This photo from “Wallovers” best represented how these colors would “read” on a wall.
	Next, we look at techniques. Everyone likes to include an element of the unexpected. Together we paged through my portfolio looking for ideas. What captured their attention was a faux finish from my project titled “Wake up call”. The surprise is the way it blends the traditional damask design with an updated twist . . . the geometric shapes. The voting was unanimous. There would be random rectangles of a design but in the colors that we had already determined.
	Now, for the fine details. It was time to select the exact pattern that would be applied to the inside of the squares. I love working with talented designers. The only thing that is predictable is that they will think of something clever and UNPREDICTABLE! They gathered a few accessories as a source of inspiration and the ideas started to flow. They brought fabric samples with different patterns and held them up to the wall. This helped to visualize how a design might look as a square. It was exciting to watch them understand the process and imagine the endless possibilities. One of the designers was wearing a skirt with a zebra pattern. This was the winner. What a testimonial to the quote, “inspiration is all around you . . . just keep your mind wide open” !!!
	I took some artistic liberties by using multiple shades of red within the pattern. This included a blending of brick reds, Christmas reds and burgundy. Being a retail showroom, it is subject to frequent changes. Introducing a variety of similar tones was a method of ensuring that this wall is versatile. It will always compliment any vibrant red accessory that is placed next to it.

This was a day of great fun.  Design lessons were applied, innovative minds were stimulated and a beautiful wall of wonder remains.  In the end, a new finish had evolved.  We titled it “walk on the wild side”.  Everyone learned how to take standard faux finishing techniques and elevate them to a higher level of decorative artistry.  We were challenged to think outside of the box.  Each project is an opportunity to revisit this creative process.   I am able to leave behind the gift of a personalized piece of custom art for every client.  This is why I love my work . . . it makes people smile.  It is a joy to make their visions become reality.

I am always happy to do a “demo day” or presentation for any group functions.  I love to teach and have plenty of ideas on topics that would be appropriate for your event.  Please feel free to contact me at 770-777-7020.

Special thanks to DOTI (www.dotiduluth.com) for sponsoring this great event, Wallovers (www.wallovers.com) for providing the initial point of inspiration for this finish and all of the attendees who shared their talent and creative ideas.