Upon first glance, it is apparent this home owner loves color, has sophisticated taste, and an appreciation for things that are unique.  Our goal was to create a sense of warmth in this space through the innovative use of artistic finishes. The mantel is the largest architectural detail in the room.   Enhancing this element provides a prominent design statement and offers a spectacular feature to compliment the art collection.

The design process:

As you look at the mantel, the first observation is that it is wider on the top.  This makes the ceilings appear low.   Fluting was added to the lower portion of the sides to create straight vertical lines.  This simple addition gives it balance on the wall.

We also wanted to draw attention to the interesting architectural features within this piece.  More than just one faux finish would be needed to accomplish this. The deep rich color of the hardwood floors visually grounds the space.  Painting a faux wood grain finish (faux bois) on the sides and along the ledge offers a seamless connection and a bold outline to the mantel.

For the interior surfaces, we looked to other artistic elements in the room for inspiration.  The metal framed mirror stands prominent on the adjacent wall.  This was our guide. But, mirrors are tricky.  It is important to consider the image you will actually see as you walk by.    As you enter this space, notice how the mantel appears in the reflection.  That image now becomes an important part of the design.  Therefore, we chose to incorporate a subtle faux finish that gives the illusion of textured tin similar to the mirror frame. This unifies the color palate.  With the help of the mirror, it has now become art within the art!

In the end, it is the innovative use of artistic faux finishes on the mantel and clever placement of the artwork that gives this space a sense of intrigue.  It is an innovative way to “reflect your personal style”.

Special thanks to the creative talents of Joann and Kelly of Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs:  www.kandrac-kole.com. It is always a pleasure to be a part of their vision.

View more decorative painting enhancements by Kass Wilson of Wallstreat Studio, by visiting www.kasswilson.com.  We welcome your comments below.

After many attempts to enhance the focal wall of this room, it still lacked the impact that this homeowner wanted to achieve.  I was called in by the designer to explore possible options that would help transform this large focal point into a beautiful feature.  The clever use of faux finishes provided the solution to accomplish a dramatic change that adds value to this home.

Within this project, there are  numerous design lessons of color, scale, proportion, balance and contrast.  The result is an evolution that completely transformed this large wall into a grand statement.  Let’s take a closer look at how it was done . . .

The Design Process:

1. Scale and proportion:  The fireplace was supposed to be the primary focal point of this wall.  Yet, with the firebox being the smallest feature it offered no impact.   A mantel surround was created using basic building supplies.    It was designed to be wider than the arch and establish more “visual weight” at the bottom.  The addition of this element creates the illusion that the  firebox is now in proportion with the size of this wall.
2. Contrast of texture:  The texture inside of the arch was too harsh next to the brick.  It had been created with cement!  Rather than attempting to remove it, the best option was to apply an inset of drywall directly over the surface to soften the appearance.   This eliminated the competition of heavy texture right next to the  brick.  Painting it the same color as the walls gives unity to the color scheme  and allows the eye a place to rest.  It now showcases the craftsmanship of the masonry and works as a simple backdrop for the portrait.
3. The effects of color:  Yes, brick can be faux finished!  It has been transformed into tones that are consistent with the wood floors and doors.  This allows the brick to blend effortlessly with the palate of the room.    The darkest colors were then applied to the lowest feature of this wall . . . the mantel.  Attention was drawn to the individual architectural elements within this piece by using two faux finishes . . .  aged  bronze punctuated with ebonized black.  The mantel now works to outline the firebox and establish it as the most prominent feature in the room.

This project is a perfect example of how to view a space and apply multiple design principles.  Rarely is it just ONE thing that will achieve the dramatic results that you want. . . rather, it is the sum of many elements taken into consideration that will pull it together.  True “design” goes well beyond furniture and window treatments.   Paying attention to ALL of the details in a space  gives  professional results that add value to a home.

Do you have a space that leaves you wondering what to do?  Sometimes the answer can be easier than you think!  Look to a creative expert for ideas that you may never have though possible.   Please share your comments.

For more transformations visit www.kasswilson.com

or call   770 777 7020

A formal parlor is a Southern tradition.  This intimate space is usually located immediately off of the foyer as a place to invite a guest for conversation.  These rooms are filled with attention to detail .   They are embellished with opulent window treatments, beautiful furnishings and personal accessories that welcome a visitor into a home.

The Design Process:

We began with a blank canvas.  Even though the mantel is in the center of the room, it was not intended as the primary focal point.  In this case, it needs to serve as a grounding element but not over power the other furnishings and accessories yet to come.  The goal was to create a cozy and elegant setting suitable for an intimate fireside chat.

A soft faux wood grain technique painted on the mantel adds to the warmth of this space.  Inspiration for color  came from the furnishings in the  adjacent dining room.  For added interest, a burl pattern was incorporated to emphasize and add interest to the horizontal line.  This detail mimics the same wood species found on the doors of the china cabinet and dining table in the adjoining space.  Keeping the tones subtle allows all of the other furnishings to share the attention.  This mantel now compliments the room from every vantage point.  It elegantly blends with the flow of color and style throughout the home.  A crackling fire is all that is needed to complete  the invitation.  So, bring a glass of wine,  sit down and enjoy the comfort of a fireside chat.

Special thanks to Joy McLean Interiors for this design.

404 237 8555 ,   joy@joymcleaninteriors.com

To view more transformations 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.

This room offers a unique blend of rustic style with traditional furnishings.  The original white mantel was inconsistent with the cozy ambiance of this space.  An element was needed to act as a bridge between the rough sawn beams and the antique bricks around the firebox.  The mantel wall was the obvious dilemma.

The design process:

Since this is a small space, utilizing just one faux finishing process would have still left this feature element appearing too large.  Dividing it into sections returned it to the appropriate scale.  It needed to be a careful blending of techniques that were consistent with the style of this home.

To compliment the rustic beams of the ceiling, an aged wood grain technique was applied to the mantel.  Contrasting the color of the  surrounding mill work acts to frame the mantel.  The palate was chosen to act as a unifying element of the different details within the space.  Contrasting the color works to define each feature.  The undertones of the crackle were selected to blend with the wood.  The top layer is similar in color to the painted cabinetry in the kitchen directly opposite of this wall.  The richness of the wood framed by dramatic antiqued/distressed mill work gives the best of both worlds.  These faux finish techniques are a reflection of intricate beauty that only happens over time.

This new homeowner was not pleased with finish on the mantel or bookcases that came with this house.  However, they suspected that it could easily be changed.  Our vision was to utilize darker colors that would be more complimentary to the fireplace and add richness to this space.

The mantel was treated with a wood graining technique to match a piano on the opposite side of the room.  The color for the bookcases was chosen from tones in the stone and the deepest colors in the background of the fabrics.  For additional interest and touch of sophistication, a subtle texture was incorporated on the raised panels of the doors and outlined in bronze.  Drawing attention to the fireplace screen,  subtle metallic enhancements were added to awaken the details. The use of neutral and unexpected colors along with creative placement of texture offers a sense of unique sophistication.  The changes made provide an impression of added value to this home.  The hidden potential in this lovely space has been found.

The design process:

When looking at a full wall of architectural details, it is important to keep it interesting.  In this case, the bookcases were treated with a different finish than the mantel.  Each element then stands on its own as a separate feature.  The combination of faux finishes that are chosen should be planned to blend with all of the fabrics and furnishings within the space.  Departing from the traditional finish options such as “distressing” or “antiquing” is a way to make a home uniquely yours.

This space may be small . . . but the impact is grand!  A monochromatic color scheme makes the area look large.  The multiple textures give it depth and interest.  The room is anchored with the “weight” of the illusion of a carved limestone mantel treatment.   Interest is enhanced by adding a small raised detail panel that is appropriate for the style of the room.  It was created on a separate piece and hung on the center giving it the appearance of being a part of the carved stone. The added advantage . . . it can easily be removed to accommodate any future changes in decor.

The design process:

When choosing a faux finish for a mantel, you must consider the “visual weight”.  Dark colors or high contrast of color will make a feature appear larger in scale.  If a room is big, that is fine.  But, in this example, the illusion of stone is what makes the mantel appear more grand.  In keeping with a monochromatic color scheme, the proportions remain in scale so it does not overpower the space.  It blends effortlessly with the window treatments and accessories in the space.  Interest is added by incorporating different textures in the same color palate.

If you are considering the look of stone or marble, be sure that it is believable.  A real mantel is rarely a solid slab.  It is usually assembled in pieces.  A good faux finish will honor that.