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Rustic French Style

The "maison a pains de bois" (wooden beam house) is a fine example of the evocative crookedness at the heart of Rustic French style. This Tudor-style building's slanted walls, gently undulating roof, and geometric beams are at once imposing and humble.

This simple method for creating softly textured walls stands the test of time. Great for older walls with texture, or to create a modern flaire, this simple to create finish works every time. Also a great technique to combine with a painted stripe finish!

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Create classic effects such as colorwashing, dragging, striee, antiquing effects, furniture effects and much more!

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Painted Stripes

Smart, bold and uplifting, striped walls can quickly transform a modest room into an exciting environment. While traveling in France, I’ve regularly come across this painted effect. From elegant and formal to casual and comfortable, the painted stripe offers a variety of design solutions and can be quickly adapted to your interior style. Because of the linear quality of this application rooms tend to feel larger. It works well in entrance foyers, living rooms, dining rooms and bath areas.

Painted Scrolls on Ceiling Beams

The charm of painted scrolls on ceiling beams needs no introduction. This decorative accent is a delightful addition to any room. And though beams are common elements in many interiors rarely do one see them used as a focal point for decorative applications. Whether you enjoy the old world charm of Italy, or the contemporary flair of a San Francisco loft space, these tech iques can be adapted to suit the most creative inspiration.

Step 1:

Applying the base color.

Begin by preparing my working area, laying drop cloths, taping baseboards and moldings, etc. Next, apply your base color base color. Generally, an Eggshell or flat sheen latex paint works best for this treatemnt. Before moving onto marking lines for the stripes allow the painted wall to fully dry (6-8 hrs).

Step 2:

Mark lines

Start in one corner of the room. Using a tape measure mark a line every 6 inches. Place a mark on the top of the wall, the middle of the wall and the bottom of the wall. These are your guide lines for applying the painter’s tape. Remember, not all walls are straight, so pay attention that your markings fall within a straight line.

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Step 3:

Tape lines.

Tear a length of paper painter’s tape to the height of the wall. Placing the tape on the mark near the ceiling then hold the tape taut and place it on the middle mark. Rub down tape, and then repeat with the lower mark near the floor. This should create a straight line from ceiling to floor.

Step 4:

Paint stripe.

Once you’ve completed the taping, paint the upper and lower portion of the stripe, where it touches the base board and ceiling, with a painter’s brush. Then use the mini-roller to paint the secondary color, Wet Clay, in the areas that have been taped.

Step 5:

Remove tape.

As soon as you complete painting the secondary stripe color carefully pull the tape from the wall, balling it up as I go. Dispose of the tape in a waste bag.

Remove tape from ceiling, base board, window trim and doors. Wash brushes in warm, soapy water and dispose of paint tray and roller head.

Switch it up!

Combine techniques for a more complex look.

Add to this look by using the Rag Rolling methods. Rag the base color, apply the stripes as indicated below, then rag the second stripe color, pull the tape and you've add a new dimention to your striped wall treatment.

Save the leftovers. When painting in high-traffic areas such as hallways and foyers, store leftover paint for easy and fast touch-ups.

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Early American Style

Colonial Amercians drew inspriation from their European heritage. Curent design styles would filter across the ocean and become reinventedin early America. Proportion and scale took reign over ornementation, A neutral color palette of grey blue, greens and rose pinks is readily apparent.

Venetian Plaster

Polished Plaster, or Stucco Veneziano, is a Traditional wall treatment that provides a glossy, visually textured wall finish. Venetian Plaster is a natural formula composed of organic ingredients, calcium, and acrylic binders creating a decorative paste plaster for interior applications. Polishing the surface compresses the calcium within the compound, creating a narble-like finish, cool and hard to the touch.

This treatment is quite versitile, ranging from a rustic backdrop to a refined and elegant finish.

The Rustic Color Palette

The Rustic Style color palette falls within a distinct range of color tones and is essential in creating a successful Rustic interior. By using the appropriate color tones you can create a variety of design styles ranging from Period and Historic, regional or thematic. Color helps define our experiences within an interior and exterior environment. It affects us on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level and can be calming and passive, expressive and vital.

Painted Floral Details

Floral patterns used as accents in fabrics and furniture are common place details in the English Country home. These graceful and organic patterns complement the cozy interior of this style and work particularly well with lace window treatments, an heirloom tea service set and the natural and rustic charm of wooden ceiling beams and slightly irregularly textured walls.

Painted stripes