Faux Finishes and Alternative Choices
Faux finishes are not recommended or popular in today’s home design. Today’s designs are implied and sparingly placed, rather than boldly stated and spread throughout. Outside of wallpaper, artistic wall finishes are a thing of the ’90s and early 2000s.
The more things change, the more they remain the same. That’s a common theme in home design. However, this is less the case with faux finishes. Faux finishes are all but dead in our hometown of Raleigh, NC, and across the US.
Decorative and Abstract Designs
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, as humans, our attention spans shift and remain pretty short. So do our desires. Safe and simple have become long-term home design preferences. And they are here to stay.
Home colors and design continue to follow an ongoing buzzword referred to as “modern.” As soon as a home design gets labeled “dated,” it is dead on arrival. No one wants the stigma of a dated home. Many of the most heavily stated designs have a short lifespan.
For example, gold interior lights and plumbing fixtures. Are they in or out? Whatever your preference, each gold fad does not seem to last very long. Trends prove it to be true of faux finishes as well.
Popular Faux Finish Techniques
Each paint manufacturer has its unique twists on faux finishes. Here are the most popular ones found among major vendors.
Ragging: This technique uses a base color and a rag to creatively layer paint on top. You can use several colors, shapes, and sizes to add a distinct design. The way you hold the rag will affect the design.
Sponging: Sponging allows the most freedom of application. You can press or smear the sponge. Sponging is one of the toughest faux finishes to get right. These design choices make it hard to maintain consistency. Additionally, applying too much paint to the sponge will reduce the effect.
Textured/Sand Finishes: You can create wall texture by using plaster, drywall compound, or textured paint. Sand and suede paint textures are premixed. To apply premixed textured paints, use light, even coats. Spread them consistently on the wall or surface. Any inconsistency will negatively affect the finish.
Crackling/ Marble: Crackling and marbled finishes include a base color and a varying top coat. An additive goes into the final coat. It triggers a chemical reaction that separates the top coat. This reaction reveals the base color, creating a cracked or marbled look.
Stencil Painting: Stencils are precut shapes and designs used to make consistent prints on walls, paper, and other surfaces. Stenciling paint or drywall compound is a fun way to add style. It helps you create unique and consistent patterns in any room or business space.
Low Artistry Faux Finish Alternatives
Natural-stained wood creates warm focal points for bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces. Decorative trim on interior walls is another way to modernize a room.
Metallic Paint
Accent walls are still a thing. A great way to accentuate an accent wall is to use a metallic finish. Metallic finishes are considered to be faux finishes. It is one of the few remaining faux finishes that are still desirable.
Striped Interior Walls
While tedious and expensive to do, striped walls are still a creative way to paint a kid’s room. Colors like pink for girls’ rooms and light blue for boys’ rooms are still popular trends today.
Trim and Batten Walls
Adding dimension to an otherwise flat wall is one of the most popular ways to add character to an accent wall. Adding 1×4 trim, or battens, is an easy and effective way to turn a dull accent wall into a striking and intentional focal point.
Square edge trim is another modern and straightforward interior choice offering endless flexibility. Square trim nicely complements monochromatic color layouts. Turn an understated white wall or an attractive accent wall into an area with depth.
The trim’s size and shape affect the shadows and lines. These details and choices let you express your home and personal style in a unique way.
Hardware and Floor Colors
Switching up lights and hardware can really enhance your paint and color choices. Brushed nickel and black are the most timeless and offer flexibility. Remove old doorknobs, door stops, light fixtures, and plumbing fixtures for new ones. Matching fixtures make the entire layout appear intentional and professional.
Choose Wisely With Matching Elements
Mapping out a theme for your home is the most critical step in any home improvement project. In many ways, you have to be a visionary. It is okay if each room’s furniture and colors differ, but keep it intentional. Ensure everything looks intentional and that transitions from each room are seamless.
Exterior Faux Painting
Homeowners and designers usually focus on the inside when considering faux finishes. However, the outside can offer just as much visual improvement as the inside.
Brick homes offer a distinctive opportunity for faux finishes. Concrete and masonry accents, like whitewashing or painting, can make a home look much more modern.
Concrete Etching & Designs
Stamped Concrete – This method uses textured mats on fresh concrete. It mimics the appearance of stone, brick, slate, tile, or wood. It’s tough and can be tailored with different colors and sealants to improve its look and last longer.
Stained Concrete – Acid-based and water-based stains soak into the concrete. They create deep, translucent color variations that resemble natural stone, leather, or marble.
Faux Rock or Stone Overlay – A thin layer of concrete or polymer is applied. Then, it is hand-carved, stamped, or molded to look like flagstone, slate, limestone, or boulders. This method is excellent for patios, walkways, and pool decks. It gives you the look of natural stone but at a lower cost.
Faux Wood Grain Finish – Concrete is textured, stained, and sealed to resemble real wood planks. It gives an elegant, rustic, or contemporary appearance. Specialized tools, scoring, and stains help create knots, grooves, and realistic wood patterns.
Trowel-Down Texture – A trowel applies a cement overlay. Then, it’s textured to look like natural stone, travertine, or aged concrete. It’s an excellent choice for resurfacing old concrete. You can customize it with stains, dyes, and sealers.
Faux Painting Styles in Raleigh
Like other places, faux finishes are unpopular in Raleigh, North Carolina. So, we do not receive many client inquiries or perform them. You gain big advantages when you hire us for your next project. We can add accents and install wood trim, and you can combine our many services.
Let us take care of your next interior or exterior improvement. Whether you are searching for colors to sell your home or just need routine maintenance, we’re here to help. We handle the entire project, from painting to all siding, deck, and gutter repairs. Our dedicated team of licensed professionals works together to make your experience seamless.
