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Metallic Painted Walls

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:26:33 +0000

Apartment Therapy had a post featuring a designer from the Netherlands, who designed a home around frames of metallic color. Designer Marcel Prins,who was designing the Berrington House in Munich, painted all the walls in metallic paint in blocks of different hues of green, bronze, and gold. The Berrington-house features 24 colours metallic colors that flow from one room to another in different shades. Metallic paint has a glamorous feel to it that when decorating, you want to consider like objects with similar properties with glossy finishes such as marble, lacquered furniture, glass and mirrors. Metallic paint will almost bring light into any room because of its over all shine. (Read More.....)

Book Review: Painted Finishes For Walls & Furniture By Susan Goans Driggers

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:28:48 +0000

I recently was able to take a good look at Susan Driggers Painted Finishes For Walls & Furniture, and I honestly have to say it fails to impress. This guide shows how to create a variety of the basic faux finishes which are used by even the most skilled painters, but fails to inspire a excited painter with finished furniture that could be created. This book was published in 1999, which may account for some of the older painting styles that include stencils and decorations on furniture which are no longer in style. The book features 30 projects, but among those projects is a great wall technique they used on a lower wall featured on page 46. (Read More.....)

Bryonie Porter’s Wallpaper Furniture

admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:52:11 +0000

Bryonie Porter creates outstanding wallpapered furniture from the most famous wallpaper companies such as Cole & Son, Osborne & Little, and Timorous Beasties. She does a wonderful job of matching up the paint with the colors in the wallpaper. Do take a look at her wonderful website with many more of her wallpaper creations. Decoupage looks quite complicated, but it is much easier than it looks. With a little patience, you can cover a lovely chest with beautiful wallpaper using some easy techniques that will allow you to have an ornatly detailed piece of furntiure without the laborous time painting the details. We show you some simple tricks to creating the perfect decoupage wallpaper chest. (Read More.....)

Notorious Sponge Painting Mistakes

admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:51:12 +0000

Sponging was such a popular faux finish pushed in the 80's that everyone gave it a try. Bad sponging jobs from amateur painters have turned the majority of the public off from sponging faux finishes all together. I am an active buyer on craigslist, and way too often have I seen very poor sponging finishes in homes that is no wonder that sponging has such a bad rap. Everyone has seen this finish done wrong. Sponge painting is one of the key tools in every professional faux artists tool kit that if it is done properly can be one of the most fantastic finishes around. We want to show you the main reasons this faux finish fails and what you can do to get it right. (Read More.....)

Award Winning Faux Painting Mural Artist Eric Grohe

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:10:11 +0000

I stumbled on an email forward not long ago of a talented mural artist who transforms the side of buildings into fabulous realistic murals. It is one level of talent being able to paint an oil portrait well, but I think anyone would agree, that a person with the talent to transform a entire side of a building according to scale is in a league of their own. Eric Grohe paints most of the artwork himself, while his Kathy (whom is an artist herself),serves as their project manager. Eric Grohe has been featured in numerous magazines and television broadcasts, and is an award winning artist of numerous awards such as the Signs of the Times international mural competition, and in 2002, he won both Best of Show and 1st Place. Other competitions have also recognized his work, notably the American Institute of Architects and the American Legion, Ohio. (Read More.....)

Chinoiserie Painted Furniture ~Louis XV Chest

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:37:59 +0000

This bow-front French Louis XV Style "Coromandel" Commode features lacquered black paint and Chinoiserie motifs on ebonized mahogany. This chest found at Negrel Antiques in Austin Texas is a shining example of how beautiful Chinoiserie motifs can enhance the beauty of a chest. This particular chest has 2 drawers with cabriole legs with bronze sabots. The white marble top gives this chest a beautiful contrast against the black lacquer and hand painted chinoiserie. The bronze hardware and acanthus leaf designs really stand out against the black lacquer, and complement the complexity of the chinoiserie designs. The keyhole escutcheons and rococo handles are original hardware during the Louis XV period. (Read More.....)

Painted Furniture Book Reviews- Annie Sloan’s Inspirations In Painted Furniture

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:52:38 +0000

Inspirations In Painted Furniture was published in 1999, written by painter Annie Sloan who works and teaches specialized painting workshops in the United States, Europe, and England. Inspirations in Painted Furniture is one of over 20 books Sloan has published making her one of the most recognized specialty painters in her field. Inspirations In Painted Furniture was one of Sloan's earliest books in her career of publishing, and it features some rather dated techniques, but it still has a small collection of valuable tips that can be applied to today's interior design and furniture painting. This book features over 90 specially decorated pieces of furniture, and has some great instructions regarding basic faux techniques but fails to really show any high-end finished pieces with the painted finishes. I am sure Sloan has evolved over the years with her techniques just like any painter does. The basic techniques such as dragging, combing and sponging are great basic techniques, but often are shown in most painting how-to books with bright colors in ways any decorator wouldn't feature. It is the same with this book, and almost every other book on faux painting that you will find. One example of this I find in most painting books is using a grain roller to make faux wood grain with green paint. Where do we get green or purple wood in nature? (Read More.....)

Home Depot Ditches Ralph Lauren For Martha Stewart Paints

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:16:36 +0000

Martha Stewart appeared on Squawk Box several months ago, (A stock market and currency business news program of CNN) and spilled her feelings about Kmart who disappointed her greatly. She was at that time looking for a new home for her products, so it comes at no surprise that Home Depot will be carrying her paint line and cleaning products starting in March. (Read More.....)

My John Widdicomb Makeover

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:14:30 +0000

Bombe chests are some of the uniquest furniture because of its distinctive curvy features and round design which are not commonly found in other furniture styles. This furniture is often very rare or often quite expensive to purchase but every once in a while bombe sets are seen on ebay for extraordinary prices. If you are willing to pay the shipping for a deal on the price you might do quite well. (Read More.....)

Painted Chinoiserie Bombe Furniture Chest

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:29:38 +0000

This antique chest by Polly McArthur & Associates shows an esquiste design with raised gesso ornament and decorated with brass mounts and hardware. This bombe chest has a marble top and is painted in a chinoiserie design. What a chest!! (Read More.....)

Japanese Painted Furniture Chest

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:15:18 +0000

This outstanding chest has some of the most beautifully aged paint I have seen. The color is striking, which is considered a pea green base colour and if you look closely at the pictures you can see a natural crackle that took place over the years. This chest is Japanese painted with raised gesso decoration and an outstanding marble top. The seller, Polly McArthur & Associates says they purchased this outstanding chest from an apartment on the Place des Vosges. Check out the pictures (Read More.....)

Painted Louis Chinoiserie Chest

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:05:43 +0000

This outstanding Louis XV chest is elaborately painted in Chinoiserie style. The patina is absolutely stunning, and obviously free hand painted. This chest is listed on ebay for just over 9K. The green color is dynamite, and the exquiste marble top is the topping on the cake. Check out the pictures. (Read More.....)

Shabby Painted Furniture

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:30:38 +0000

Shabby chic/Cottage Style is gaining popularity as people are looking to open up their spaces with the use of whiter or pastels. Furniture pieces are often painted with many layers showing through obviously worn areas. Fabrics tend to lean towards the cottons and linens. Linen was found in the french homes, and is particular popular today in reproducing this look. Whites and pastels that are bleached out give a beach like presence to a Shabby chic look. A unique way of antiquing fabric is to stain it with tea which gives it that old vintage style. (Read More.....)

Continental Painted Chest

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:14:56 +0000

Check out this stunning Chest from Antiques on Old Plank Road. The painted detail is absolutely stunning. This chest is 100% original painted "Cameo" chest of drawers. They say it is either continental or Italian in origin. This paint is a rate find as it is uncommon to find the original paint, and crisp painting still in tact. The dealer information is Antiques on Old Plank Road located in Westmont, IL (Read More.....)

Antique Windsor Chairs

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:42:24 +0000

The Windsor Chair was originally made for Porch and Garden Sitting Chairs, which eventually gained popularity and made its way into the home. Originally in the General Washington had 30 Windsor chairs in the east portico at Mt. Vernon. It became a ideal chair for country living, but also variations found in finer city homes of the rich. Many agree that Philadelphia was the birthplace of the American Windsor Chair in as early as 1725. The Windsor chair is as stunning in the homes of today as they were in the past. (Read More.....)

Toile Painting

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:52:00 +0000

Free Hand Painting is one of the hardest types of finishes to produce because you cannot fake the talent if you don't have it. If you cannot hand paint, there is always stenciling. When you are looking for a particular furniture find, take into consideration hand painted furniture will cost more money than regular painted pieces. Hand painted furniture is a rare find because of the talent and time it takes to finish a piece of furniture. I am sure anyone can appreciate this stunning Louis XV sideboard at Darrell Dean Antiques as it is the most amazing hand painted piece I have come across yet (Read More.....)

Gold Leaf Wall Technique By Garay Artisans

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:45:02 +0000

Regina Garay launched her firm in New York City in 1998 and has since grown into the Florida-based Garay Artisans, which is one of the most respected faux finishing businesses. Garay Artisans has won the national Grand Prize of 2009 (the Top Job Awards by The American Painting Contractor) for their beautiful work. Check out their pictures! (Read More.....)

Swedish Painting

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:32:28 +0000

My Friend Nancy and I were discussing this designer photo, in - particular the lamps they feature on the sideboard. She is a faux painter herself, and has taught me some excellent tricks of the trade when it comes to producing superior paint finishes. The lamps to me look like rusted metal or a concrete of some sort. I am interested if there are any other faux artists out there that would lend a few wise words how they would approch this paint finish. Please leave some comments at the end of the post. (Read More.....)

Faux Burl Chest

admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:08:02 +0000

I bought a French provincial Dixie 50's bedroom set a couple months ago which came with three pieces, - A french provincial 3 drawer hutch, a 6 drawer dresser and a mini dresser end table. I kept the 3 drawer hutch and sold the other two pieces. (Read More.....)

Hand Painted Dresser

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:48:04 +0000

This dresser was orignially a plain white dixie dresser which was first painted a gloss navy blue, and then hand painted with gold flowers. The pattern of the flowers was taken off of the IKEA pattern from their carboard storage boxes. The dresser turned out fabulous! (Read More.....)

Zebra Serpentine French Dresser

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:14:42 +0000

To the very left is the piece I was inspired by, and the right is the piece I faux painted. I started it off using a flat cream-white paint. I dry brushed on an ivory. (In retrospect, I don't know why I did that, because it didn't make any difference when -at the end I stained the dresser). Suppose you wanted a dresser with more of a white/black contrast, this step would give you even more depth to your furniture piece.) Read more about how I painted this piece........ (Read More.....)

Faux Walnut Burl Klismos Chair

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:31:43 +0000

I found these pair of chairs at an auction in Virginia. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to have them. It was then figuring out what to upholster them with. Check out my post on Faux Walnut Burl Painting, and it will describe how I accomplished this faux look. Let me know what you think. ~Meranda (Read More.....)

Faux Walnut Burl

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:59:57 +0000

Walnut burl is one of the most interesting woods out there. It is very rare to find a french piece in burl, and when you do, it is super expensive. Knowing how to faux paint could save you a LOT of money! The best workbooks on walnut burl and any other particular wood would be The Art of Faux. The only way to learn is to be willing to try, and practice. I am just learning myself, and it can be a bit daunting to attempt to paint a piece with a finish you are not skilled at. The easiest way to try is just to go for it... and not worry about making it perfect. The great news is that with this finish, the oil paint will not dry for a good day, so you can mess around with it with paint thinner. (Read More.....)

Spectacular Painted Chests

admin — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:45:25 +0000

These are just some chests that caught my eye to be uniquely different. The paint finishes on some of these pieces are dreamy! (Read More.....)

Painted Neoclassical Sidetables

admin — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:16:00 +0000

These are some of the very best neoclassical french/italian side tables I have seen. Check out the color variations and the delicate carvings! They are truly a work of art on their own. They can give you some really good ideas of what you can incorporate in your next painting product. (Read More.....)

French Sideboards Buffets

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:23:20 +0000

With the Popularlity of Digital TV's and Flatscreens these French Country Sideboards and Buffet Tables are being re-purposed in new ways. Once held for only the dining room, many people are using them for entry way tables as the homes are now being built larger. They are perfect for those shabby paint finishes, or the classic swedish looks. Most commonly, this style is found to be produced in the 50's and 60's... (Read More.....)

Swedish Furniture

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:37:32 +0000

Shabby chic and Swedish looks are quite different, yet many people consider them to be in one category. Shabby Chic was a popular style that came about in the last 20 or so years, while Swedish style took place in the 18th century. One easy way of telling the difference is to look at the style of furniture. Shabby Chic painted furniture works really well with the french furniture of the 50's while Swedish styles are common with the neoclassical furniture looks. (Read More.....)

Quick Period Furniture Chart

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:41:59 +0000

Do you ever get a little frustrated with determining which style of furniture your style fits into ? Check out this simple chart that explains the style and periods with the ease of a simple chart. Check it out. (Pictures , Earl of Warwick Sofa Side Table Ann Getty House Collection, Book, Period Style By Mary Gilliatt) (Read More.....)

American Painted Furniture

admin — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:34:04 +0000

A guide to the 18th and 19th-century painted furniture that has dominated recent antiques shows. This book is an impressive array of works by prominent craftsmen. 'This survey of painted and gilded furniture explores the ornamented surfaces produced by American cabinetmakers and decorative painters from 1790-1880. The first part examines the major style centers of the East Coast. The second part features painted furniture produced in areas outside the great port cities--New England, the South, the Middle Atlantic states, and the western frontier. This book presents an outstanding example of painted and gilded furniture. 350 PAGES of Full-color photos. My Favorite Faux Painting books can be found here. If you have one to suggest, please leave your comments. I always am in search of new and fresh ideas for old world painting. (Read More.....)

Painted Louis Chests

admin — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:35:30 +0000

The finish is outstanding on this beautiful cream Louis Chest. You can reproduce this finish with white paint, and a brown glaze used over the white. Another way to achieve this look is to start with a Beige paint, and paint the entire chest. After it is dry, you then want to take white oil paint, and with a quick technique, paint an entire area, and then take it off with a disposable paper towel. After it is finished, you can apply a brown glaze. This second finish gives one more color to the dresser adding dimention. (Read More.....)