Faux Madness

Today I wanted to look at and list some other applications of the faux finishes. Some of the techniques that we will be covering in my Magnolia Faux Marquetry class in June will be transferable and useful to you. Let us look at where these skills and finishes can be used and incorporated into a living space.

How can these faux finishes be used in other areas?

Give your wall variation- Accent walls are a hot item right now! The going trend is to paint the wall in the room, skirting boards and the window frames in white or neutral colour. Then choose a wall to place your accent colour. By introducing a colour or even a faux finish you can introduce warmth, textures and interest into your living space.

A faux technique on an accent wall doesn’t have to be an earth tone colour. It can be any colour or your favourite colour. In my living room there is a base coat a neutral cream with a faux of a colour that matches the carpet on top. This has introduced texture and interest in what could be considered a plain room.

Also, accent walls are great for a couple that can’t always agree on colour. Having an accent wall can allow you to introduce something bold and exciting to your wall. For example, my favourite colour is a vibrant orange. Full coverage of orange in a room may be too much for your better half. But having it in small amounts may be okay and liveable for everyone.

Box of Grapes, Acrylic on wood, ©2008 Kim Bennett & Betty Hyre, CDA

Panelling can be exotic- I love the look exotic woods they are so sheik! But how practical are they for both their use and your budget? More expensive woods can be reproduced with faux techniques.

Case in point, I toured an estate last year. When our group entered the room to the main stair case the entire area was panelled in a faux wood finish. I was told that the reason for this was to give a cheaper wood a richer look without the extra cost. They possibly also couldn’t import the wood at the time.

In more modern times, we also find that some of the exotic woods are protected but the look can be reproduced by applying faux painting techniques.

Recycled Desk, acrylic on wood, painted for KVDA Community Service Project 2007

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle- Instead of disposing of old worn furniture why not recycle and rejuvenate them by going green with faux finishing. Above is a piece I had worked on for a fundraiser. It was fast and easy project. The top is a painted white marble the remainder of the desk is a combination of several faux wood techniques.

Canvas Art- Many times I have seen printed canvas in the modern home furniture stores and have thought to myself that this can simply be made with a couple of colours and faux finish techniques. These colours can be soft tint like blue or green which is calming.

By creating you own, you are giving it a personal touch. And again, introduces texture and interest into a room.



Boy these old doors could use some sprucing up- Before embarking on painting you cabinets determine rather if it is worth it. For example, I have good quality oak doors in my kitchen. It would be nice to paint them rather than refinishing or buying new ones. Would I do it? Not a chance.

Yes, it can be a cheaper alternative but ask yourself realistically, is it really worth doing?

Mantels and columns- Make your mantel more interesting by adding rich faux techniques.

Are there other ways of using faux techniques that you would like to share?

- Kim Bennett

Related Post:
Decorative Painting Faux Finishes


Other sites of interest:

Karl-Heinz Meschbach