Color Glazes, Color Washes, and Color Faux Textures

Adding a color wash, glaze or texture over other colors adds appeal and versatility to walls. Here is a stunning example of how a glaze was used to create a sophisticated feeling (the example above features Devine Almond with a Devine Truffle Glaze). But let's face it...back in the 1990's, the "sponging faux effect" made all of us eventually cringe every time we saw thickly painted coral reef-like textures or muddy and bruised color blends.

I understand that, at the time, we were transitioning from wallpaper to paint and in this process, leaving the wallpaper border up while sponging below seemed as rational as leg warmers did during their 1980's reign. However, color washes, glazes and faux textures have a longer history than the one we remember. They been around for centuries, everywhere from cave paintings to 5,000 year old Mesopotamian plaster, and during this time, they have been transforming caves, palaces, furniture and decor into something more than plain surfaces. In fact, an artist back then would apprentice for 10 years before they could even work on their own. Read more...

Today, there are new products to make the job easier, and there are also skilled artists doing amazing work. Here is another example of Devine Color, bringing our the brilliance of wood with its affinity for warmth and nature, in a gorgeous blend of color.

Faux finishes are not for every room or every wall. They are artistic points of view that speaks out on behalf of design. They are not so much about personality as much as they are about decor. They speak of aged glory, regal romance, or classic adventure. Most of all, when you plan to have your walls glazed, textured or washed, they need to feel like a part of the home, instead of standing alone.

I started doing color as a faux finisher back in the days when we had to mix our own glazes. Clients would hire me to do beautiful colorful rooms with glazes and washes and then, as we left the room we would both look at their contractor builder beige walls and we could read each others' minds: the halls had to look just as beautiful. But faux-finishing the whole house would diminish the impact and special qualities of the work. So I began to create solid colors that would showcase my work, colors that people would not fear but embrace. Getting over the fear of color was my main goal! You will find many Devine colors that connect all the textures, fabrics, and colors you choose to have in your home.

Comments

[Devine Color]

Hey, send me a picture. Upload it on Facebook. Would love to see it! Do you feel like you need a third color to give it depth?

[Wendy Anna's]

Wow, I just did my living room. I don't care for it, but my husband and son love it. Here is my story. I sponge painted shell, and everyone commented that it was too subtle, so I thought they want bold I will give them bold, so I ragged off teak on top. As far as the furniture it will look o.k., but I think it is pretty dramatic( for lack of a better word.) not sure what to do. Oh well live and learn. But all the guys like it. Maybe I am too picky.....