Current Faux Painting Trends
Over the last 10-15 years, many things have changed in the faux painting world (also known as decorative painting). You may ask – “What are the hot looks available for my home?”
Many people think of faux painting as being sponging or ragging – these techniques are almost obsolete today with the exception of the “Rag Off” technique which is softened so it doesn’t have the look of the “bunched rag”. The hottest trends for 2014 involve papers, textures, iridescence & metallic layers. Glazing in a soft color (or several colors) is still current and we continue to do a lot of this type of painting.
Here’s an overview of these trends:
• There is a great popularity for using papers that are applied unto the walls especially tissue and handmade papers. A lot of designers choose tissue paper which is crinkled and applied to the walls; then glazes/colors are added. The handmade paper treatment primarily uses white or brown papers that are torn & died in various colors and then applied to the wall/ceiling one piece at a time. Both of these add significant texture and depth.
• Hand troweled textures continue to be popular and can upgrade the look of your home. If you have the standard knockdown texture, you can trowel a special texture material over your walls and leave areas of your original texture showing through; this gives it an “old world” look of layered texture. A fairly new twist is to trowel on the texture and embed live plants into the texture – these plants are removed at the appropriate time and then painted and glazed. The “fossil image” left from the plant is accentuated by the glaze. It truly bring the outdoors inside to your walls.
• Shimmer is in! For a very unique iridescent treatment you can involve artist materials that makes the area catch the light either from the sun or from your light fixtures; website below allows you to check out option, search “Gels” and there two ceiling photos. Also, many decorators do a lot of layered metallic treatments – it’s important to have more than one color of metallic glazes over a solid color to give it depth.
If your home is begging for color and a beautiful, warming update, decorative faux painting can really enhance your home. You could consider taking a class to learn how to do it yourself but make sure you aren’t only observing the demonstration but you are actually doing the treatment in the class. If you decide to hire someone, it’s always wise to find someone who has been a business for a long time who will not be “practicing” on your home; references can also be valuable when checking out the company.
Thanks to our friends at Creative Custom Interiors for sharing this information with us. They do a fabulous job in South Metro Denver area and can be found at www.ccipaint.com. You can also contact Heather Marks, Owner/Designer, direct at (303)660-1220.