The painted House.......A Harlequin Patterned Powder Room

My clients love harlequin diamonds. Therefore,  I get a lot of requests to adorn walls with the ever popular design. The Harlequin design,  a repeating pattern of contrasting diamonds or elongated squares standing on end, has been around since  the fifteenth century. It is still a theme which is in high demand. This design can be found in antique fine furniture, marquetry, inlaid boxes, tables, dressers, and even floors.The Italian-based...

Read More

With Love from Europe

Time is passing quickly and August is fast approaching. In August I will be teaching German faux finishers in Hannover and five other locations.During l my recent 4 month visit to Germany, beside being involved in an bomb alarm and getting into a riot,I was invited to teach and demonstrate American faux finishes. I must eat humble pie!! American faux finish artists are the avant garde to faux painting.. Even simple techniques, like tissue paper,...

Read More

The painted house

I worked in this home for almost a year. My clients  bought this  home and needed help to add  their personal taste to it. It was my job to bring it back to "Beautiful Homes".The first item which was obvious,  was all that white washed wood work which had a pinkish tint. Someone whitewashed and did not know how to do it. If you white wash red oak, you will get a pinkish tint. Countless spindles, a wet bar, two bannisters, ...

Read More

It's time.... give that old dresser a make over

Recently I decided to make over an old library table which  collected dust in my basement and which was bought for a make over. But.. alas... the mind is willing but the hands are not. So, finally I decided to tackle that project.  Maybe you have some old furniture piece, which is in desperate need to get some TLC.  Here are some ideas which might inspire you.Library Table - Before I chose a design depicting a McKenzie Childs...

Read More

The New Business of Faux & Decorative Painting

Is faux painting a business, which can sustain you and your family?Can you make a comfortable living as a decorative painter? Of course you can…however, as with most things it requires some work, study and practice! You cannot take one class, hang out your shingle and expect super earnings immediately. Being successful in any business requires preparation, practice, hard work and, of course, opportunity (some call it luck). I hear the frustration...

Read More

Shimmer Stone

A few days ago,  a client interior designer asked for a sample and proposal, faux finishing a large master bedroom suite. Naturally, time is of essence, because the owners of the home are  taking a vacation. In  the best of two worlds, I would be getting the job and  do the work during the owners are gone.I asked the interior designer for a description of the home and was told that all the fixtures are brushed nickel, the home...

Read More