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Faux Finishing & Decorative Painting
By Katie Sauck
Texture can transform a room, warm it up and give it a sophistication at the same time,” Holly Nevills said. Three years ago, Holly combined her background in fine arts with her life-long interest in color and texture to form her business, Blue Heron Faux Finishing and Decorative Painting. Owning a business allows Holly to use her creativity and to have the flexibility to spend time with her husband Kevin and her four-year-old daughter Sophie.
Faux finishing and decorative painting offer more to rooms than traditional flat paint. Two important materials used in faux painting are glaze and plaster. To achieve a beautiful finish, Holly usually performs between two and five steps. She begins with a base coat to stabilize the wall then, depending on the finish, applies layers of plaster and or glaze. Visual effects are achieved through the application methods of the glaze and plaster. Tissue or lace can also be used in conjunction with plaster and glaze to add stunning elements to any room. “Texture can take a room to a whole new level,” Holly said.
Lately, people are drawn to the Tuscan look, choosing colors akin to those of an Italian farm such as soft ochers, tans and bronzes. However, Holly encourages people to follow their instincts. “Going with something that’s comfortable is not necessarily wrong.” She suggests trying an accent wall that’s outside your comfort zone if you want to try something new.
Neutrals are typically used throughout homes to connect open living spaces together, allowing the rooms to flow from one to another. “With faux painting, the color can stay neutral and allow for the same flow. Adding texture can make the walls more interesting.” Metallic plasters in varying colors are becoming widely used. Besides looking good on the walls, “They look absolutely beautiful on the ceiling. Metallic plasters are so rich and beautiful, your eyes are just naturally drawn to finishes incorporating them.”
Holly enjoys the challenge of bringing a room together the way the homeowner wants it to look and feel. “I do a good job of keeping a common thread going through the entire process.” From preparing samples, to application, to the finished product, Holly takes pride in applying decorative finishes that give rooms “something more, something special.”
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