Royal Style

Aleksandr Borisenko’s international decorative finishing business, Barmeta Plus, Inc., has not skipped a beat during the current global recession. In fact, he is in very high demand and is well booked with ornate, large scale projects well into 2012 from New York to Miami. How does he do this, one asks? He is a “master” of his trade with signature finishes that the international community demands.

Alex also travels extensively to satisfy his customers, many who own numerous vacation and commercial locations.

One being this opulent New York City residence in one of the finest neighborhoods in “The Big Apple.” The detailed use of gold leaf, along with MetalGlow®, Palette Deco™ and LusterStone®, makes this home have the presence of a European castle more than a brownstone.

The use of colors of royalty, custom wood flooring and a décor of numerous treasured antiques create quite a showpiece from top to bottom in this exquisite home.

Alex feels quite comfortable working in these surroundings; it reminds him of his homeland of Russia. In the mid-80’s Alex entered into the world of decorative finishing by focusing on period restoration. The history of this region is great, and Alex was able to hone his skills to become a fine, sought-after craftsman in record time. It was his calling, and when he and his family decided to move to the United States, he knew he wanted to continue his old-world craftsmanship as a profession in his new homeland. This is when in the mid-2000’s Alex discovered Faux Effects® products and workshops. It was quite a find, he had used nothing like Faux Effects® in Europe. “The possibilities were endless, I was so excited to see how I could expand,” he states and took off running.

The New York clients requested elaborate finishes to their designer and Alex. He understood completely and showed them samples of his signature finish using LusterStone®, MetalGlow® and lace to replicate some of the finest Romanoff wallpapers available in the world. Their reaction to the samples were awe struck, it was what they desired. They wanted this finish used throughout the home in varying colors. What a perfect complement to the bedroom featuring an authentic Louis IV royal bed; certainly fit for a king, or at least the client’s resident “King Pomeranian.” The finish also was the perfect choice for their daughter’s “fit for a princess” bedroom. “I love doing this finish; it’s fast but gives the look of many hours of labor. My customers and designers love it!” In fact, Alex states that when his clients feel this finish, they cannot believe it is not wallpaper…it’s so soft and seamless! In addition, Alex also finished the entire home’s custom molding with gold leaf and MetalGlow®, and the focal point fireplace with Palette Deco™, MetalGlow® and gold leaf to complete the royal look and feel.

While in the New York City area, Alex also worked on a 10,000 square-foot home in northern New Jersey. This project has been a work in progress, as Alex has been back and forth from Florida numerous times in between other craftsman completing custom wood and metal work. “Everything in this home is custom,” says Alex, “it is just beautiful!”

Again, the use of his custom LusterStone® and MetalGlow® finish was requested by the client for the grand walls, and this showcase finish is also the finish for the home’s parlor...including the three-story ceiling! Alex knew this was a super large scale project, and while up on a scaffold the placement of lace would be a difficult task to secure and keep in alignment. He quickly thought of a Faux Effects®’ custom EzStick StencilFX™! Alex contacted Faux Effects International Inc™. with the situation and quickly sent a file of the custom design he desired. Two thousand square feet of custom EzSticks™ were shipped out within a week’s time to New Jersey, and Alex was on the job. Alex completed the grand ceiling with the use again of MetalGlow®, AquaCrackle® and gold leafing. “MetalGlow® is great; I use this product all the time. My clients love the look,” says Alex.

Alex is now off to Miami for his next project on his long list. Despite the current struggling economic environment, he is busier than ever. Alex says, “I feel very fortunate, but I also work very hard. With dedication and Faux Effects® products, my work is endless!

DECORATIVE ART BY: ALEKSANDR BORISENKO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: GENRY SHRETS

WRITTEN BY: NATALIE WOODWARD

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