Glazing - Often loosely referred to as Faux Finish, glaze is a translucent material which can be applied over another color or material create many effects which include variations of color unlike surfaces painted with a typical single color opaque paint. Glazes can be customized using many products and colors to produce the perfect effect for any interior or surface. It can be applied using many different techniques to create intended patterns or textures.
Stenciling - Designs can be cut out of material that is then used for painting shapes and patterns. They are particularly effective in creating repetitive exact copies of a design and can be used very effectively in creating custom colored wallpaper-like designs and borders. Each individual color is applied separately in a design and once dry, crystals, flat back pearls, metal filigree elements, etc. can be added if desired for extra dimension and dramatic effect.
Textures - The illusion of texture can be created with paint and glaze or a three dimensional texture can be created with plasters or acrylic paste. The textures are limited only by imagination and can consist of stucco texture, repetitive pressed shapes, three dimensional stencils, or dimensional strias. Texture can also be used to create a three dimensional stone look around an arch, doorway, or niche.
Three Dimensional Wall Panels - In instances where high profile raised designs are desired, three dimensional wall panels are sometimes the answer. There are "upholstered leather" panels in many colors which can be installed to cover an entire wall surface. There are also raised panels with many different repeating designs which can be finished in an unlimited number of finish styles and colors. They are often used on a single wall for dramatic effect behind a bed or seating area.
Decorative Ceilings - Just as one uses area rugs to break up the expanse of floors and define areas of the room, so do specialty ceiling treatments. A Faux Finish in a tray ceiling or a decorative stylized design can help define a space and make it appear complete. On an expansive ceiling, mouldings may be added to define an area and a complementary finish and design added inside the frame created.
Venetian Plaster - Typically a lime based plaster (although there are cheaper, less effective mixes out there) is applied with a trowel in very thin layers, the last of which is burnished for a variation of both color and sheen. Venetian Plasters are available in a limitless number of colors as well as regular and pearlescent sheens. While it is a more labor intensive and more costly than most painted finishes, Venetian Plaster has a look and feel that cannot be achieved by the use of any other material or application.
Wood Finishes - There are an infinite number of surfaces that can be finished to resemble any type of wood in any color. Although the most common surfaces are moldings, doors, walls, and cabinetry, wood finishes may also be used on ceilings, furniture, accessories, or even light fixtures.
Cabinetry and Furniture Finishes - Occasionally, minor details added to an existing piece can make it appear very high end. Conversely, pieces that otherwise are of sound structure and design may need to have a complete finish change to update or make them complementary to a redesigned interior. This can be remarkably cost effective in the case of kitchens, custom built-in cabinetry, furniture, and bath vanities. In fact, it can save as much as 90 percent over the purchase and installation of new cabinetry and can be done with better, color customized finishes over existing cabinetry.
Gold and Silver Leaf - Developed centuries ago, Leafing is a process by which very thin tissue-like layers of metal are applied to a material to make it appear to be made entirely of gold, silver, or some other precious metal. While once limited to Gold, Silver, or Bronze, Leafing material now comes many tones including multicolored products for a limitless number of looks. It can also be glazed to give it an aged or antique appearance.
Finish Restoration - In the case of antique furniture, accessories, and paintings, time can sometimes produce wear and damage that needs proper repair. With the appropriate skills, knowledge of historic materials and techniques, these pieces can be properly restored, not only to improve their appearance, but dramatically increase their value as well. In the case of non antique pieces, historically appropriate materials and techniques are not crucial and pieces can even be altered in color and detail, free of concern for decreasing their value.
Trompe L'oeil - Translated literally from the French it means "fool the eye" and refers to painting techniques that make something look real enough to trick the eye into the belief the design is real. Just one example would be if a flat wall is painted to appear as though it is an open arch with a garden beyond. Trompe L'oeil comes in many forms and can be as small and simple as a gecko painted to look like it's climbing up a wall or as complex as an entire room painted to resemble an outdoor garden.
Mural - Refers to large scale imagery either painted directly on a wall or on a canvas that is then mounted to the wall. Murals can be of any style, color range, or genre and may also be considered trompe l'oeil depending on the level of realism and use of perspective.
Custom Fine Art - Clients occasionally need a specific size, particular subject matter, style of art, or all of the above. It is a simpler solution to have it made rather than laboring to locate something to fit within such specific parameters. There are also a great many options of media. Pieces can be oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, graphite or mixed media. They can be painted on paper, canvas, board, stone, and tile. They can be varied shapes and sizes, framed or unframed. The possibilities for tailoring to the clients' exact needs are great.
