Fabulous Faux Finishes

by Molly Hilton Designer

Creating faux finishes – with the use of specialized painting techniques and foils that allow surfaces such as walls, ceilings, doors and cabinetry to mimic the appearance of other materials – is an important skill in the interior designer’s repertoire. Faux finishes, which enhance a room or design element with added glamour, drama, texture and visual interest, can automatically create an opulent, “high-end” look and feel.

Towards the end of the 20thcentury, ill-advised and sloppily applied faux finishes began to give “faux” a bad name. Poor technique, inappropriate use of color and texture, inadequate tools and amateurish artistic concepts – which reached a peak with the “sponging” craze in the 1980’s and ‘90’s – contributed to the style’s fading popularity. In addition, the fact that “faux” comes from the French for “fake,” or “false,” led some to interpret the term as synonymous with “phony,” “cheap” or “fraudulent.”

However, a more accurate interpretation of “faux” includes the connotation of trompe l’oeil, which translates as “fooling the eye.” A respected artistic style in its own right, trompe l’oeil involves the clever use of paint to create “fakery,” or optical illusions.

Faux Throughout History

A negative attitude towards “faux” is not only unfortunate but unjustified, as faux painting is a legitimate artistic style with authentic historical aspects and a long, proud heritage. Used to imitate the look of stone, wood and fabric, faux painting has been a respected technique since the days of ancient Pompeii. It was particularly popular during the Italian Renaissance, when it was used in Romanesque and neoclassical architecture; apprentices studied under masters in order to learn how to evoke the appearance of marble, a traditionally weighty and costly building material. During the Art Deco craze of the 1920’s, faux finishes and trompe l’oeil enjoyed another resurgence in popularity.

As the 21st century unfolds, there is a new respect for faux finishes, and their ability to transform a room. Improved products, new user-friendly application techniques and updated colors and textures make faux finishes easier to apply. In addition, the latest faux finish trends can all complement and enhance today’s neutral palettes.

Foils: The Look of Precious Metals

Metallic foils – also called foil leafing – can add dramatic sparkle to walls, cabinets, ceilings and moldings. Available in gold, silver, pewter, bronze and copper, adhesive-backed metallic foils can evoke an antique look; the new holographic styles are also right at home in contemporary settings. These versatile accents -- which can feature patterns of “crackle,” striations or strie -- are very effective when inlaid in panels, or applied over vaulted ceilings, ceiling trays and accent walls. Classic gold foils can be used to add glamour to picture frames, gleaming accents to furniture, and sophisticated shine to trim and molding around doors and windows. Copper foils, which can closely resemble high-end copper sheeting, can add a whole new level of opulence to ceilings and walls.

Linen Look: The Freshness of Fabric

To get the linen look, glazing techniques – which involve applying semi-transparent tinted glaze over a base color – are utilized. The glaze is first applied over a soft, neutral shade, such as champagne, ivory, cream, pewter, or smoky silver. Then, before the glaze is fully dried, the surface is scored with a steel graining tool to emulate the sensuous look of rippling linen or flowing satin. The end result is tasteful, high-end and soothing.

All That Glitters

Glitter paint, a glossy paint that contains small specks of reflective material, can be used as a topcoat on walls, trim, and furniture. With the proper lighting, this luxurious finish can create the impression that surfaces have been dipped in liquid gold, adding just the right touch of festive sparkle to a formal dining room.

However, a little glitter goes a long way; this paint should be applied judiciously. Brush it on over a base coat— tables and chairs that are ebony, cream or fire-engine red are all good candidates for the glitter treatment; it can also flatters neutrals and pastels. Glitter-treated furniture and walls look their best when lit by warm incandescent light; by candlelight, the effect can be magical.

And magic – “fooling the eye” by creating a beautiful illusion – is what faux is all about.

About the Author :

Molly Hilton is the owner of Renaissance Painters in Toronto and has devoted more than 30 years to home renovation, painting, and custom home building. Her unique design concepts bring homes to life with colours and unique pieces that are artfully placed to draw attention to the most powerful and distinctive features of a home.