Finishing Touches

Limitless!

"The enemy of art is the absence of limitations"

It is possibly the most challenging part of the business - the creative process necessary to keep our work current and our clients satisfied. Without a doubt this is the question most often presented to me. “Where do you find your inspiration?” Like the first stroke of a brush on raw canvas, the options that await are infinite.The translation from an object, landscape or color palette into a finish is, in my opinion, what makes this field so exciting. Knowing that no two interpretations will ever be the same is my favorite fascination.

For generations, the interior design world has been turning to the fashion industry, and that practice is still going strong. The catwalks are an excellent place for a taste of excitement and avant garde, proving that great design comes with little restriction. Here’s the good news: Fashion often forecasts color trends, so a quick glance through a fashion magazine can offer a great deal of insight and keep you ahead of the design curve.

Nature can speak to us in a unique voice. From the color of a sunset to the texture of a stone, its beauty and simplicity are endless sources of inspiration. The textural palette of nature encompasses virtually every sheen level imaginable. Moods and changes seen in nature are reflected in a kaleidoscope of colors that make amazing translations to a finish.

Fabrics provide an endless array of options. The exploration of color interaction, along with the study of textures, is a perfect way to re-imagine countless combinations. From bright colors to bold graphics, patterns provide a welcoming wave of energy and are currently proving to be a refreshing option for powder rooms, accent walls and ceilings, to name a few. Adding pattern to a space with little other visual interest can be the deal-making detail often overlooked.

Impossible to ignore, gray, the new beige, is here to stay. The wide-range options of gray tones are essential to a monochromatic palette, and it is an important facet of today’s design. By using sheen to bounce the light, gray becomes instantly glamorous. A matte expression is a testament to tranquility. Gray seems to have found its new purpose, and inspiration can be found everywhere from clean-lined design to intricately detailed fabrics.

Tips:

• Keep the color contrast to a minimum when using a bold pattern.

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with saturated color combinations.

• Make a subtle finish more intriguing by burying a slight metallic below the final layer.

• Be fearless when testing textured mediums. Color range and sheen level will all have major effects on the end result.

Decorative painting brings a space together and can act as the finishing touch. It can provide a sense of cohesiveness, marrying two design styles together. Suitable for every room in the house, and virtually every design style, the multitude of application options are endless. Push the boundaries of creativity-absorb everyday details, translate them into a finish, and bring the inspirational cycle full circle. The possibilities are limitless.

DECORATIVE ART BY: FAUX DESIGN STUDIO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SHERI ZEMAN

WRITTEN BY: SHERI ZEMAN

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