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Decorative Painting

photos courtesy Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.

Is the art of using a custom stencil and paint to produce a beautiful, one-of-a-kind work of art made to personalize the home. By adding detailed tree branches, an ordinary dining room foyer can look like a chic work of art. Designer patterns can transform a dull office space into an elegant study by painting an extensive pattern of shapes and colors on an otherwise bare wall.Decorative painting is among one of the hottest home decorating techniques.

“Most of the time a painting is inspired by a graphic found in fabric throughout the house or drawn from a specific item that the designer wants to further highlight,” says Andrea Hurt, president of Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. in Winter Park.

When deciding on a wall to decoratively paint in the home, choose a wall "where you want to highlight the architectural design of the wall. Typically, we look at foyers and ceilings to highlight architectural ornamentation in a home” she explains. Smaller rooms are most commonly chosen for decorative painting. These spaces have less room for accessories, but enough wall space for decorative painting.

“Decorative painting adds a sense of whimsy to the room” she adds. Because of this, the design expert says, specialty rooms for children greatly benefit from the use of decorative painting because a theme important to the child can be developed and carried onto the walls. “You may not be able to find wallpaper with cowboys and indians on it, but we can paint these figures on the wall. Wallpaper does not offer the range and versatility that decorative painting does,” she says.

This specialty painting technique is preferred over wallpaper because, “you really want to address a particular color and style that is not found in most wallpaper,” Hurt explains. When choosing colors, Hurt recommends deciding on what type of environment is desired in the room and proceeding from there. According to Hurt, contemporary interiors would have, “more graphics involved, gold colors vertical stripes and diamond patterns,” while traditional interiors, “are inspired by things occurring in nature-birds, elaborate vines and nature scenes.”

Custom landscapes can be painted on a blank wall. This type of decorative painting opens the room up to many colors, while maintaining the room's sophistication.

It's an easy way to customize the home and enhance the natural beauty and grandeur of its architecture. It produces a “real memory for the house,” Hurt says. It is not only stylish and classic, but is also “something that is custom made for your home.”

Everyday Escapes: Creating the Perfect Bath Haven

by Victor Lenier

Often, it's the most ignored room in the house-most people do not think twice when picking Colors and fixtures for the bathroom. Yet it's often the room With the most possibilities. Using only a few ideas, a dull, uninteresting bathroom can be transformed into a relaxing haven for escape and serenity.

When deciding to remodel the bathroom, there are a few important steps to consider. Search through magazines, books and the Internet to compile a list of design ideas. Decide what fixtures and accessories need to be included and what items are preferred. Consider a new layout for the bathroom or simply a new way to rearrange an old one.

Picking a theme for the bathroom is a simple process. Based on personality and the look desired, the options are endless. Use something as simple as a seashell as a base; by using its delicate color and neutral swirls, a sense of serenity can be easily created.

From this point, find accessories that relate to the seashell. Sheer white curtains with a neutral-toned fabric placed behind would match perfectly with a fresh white tile border, highly textured floor and tropical woven grass carpet. Make sure that if using this theme, all of the color in the bathroom is not washed out. Remember, texture is essential when exploring options for the bathroom.

The most important fixture in the bathroom, aside from the faucets, is the bathtub. The resurgence of the claw-footed tub has allowed the bathroom to become as charming as it is peaceful. While this elegant fixture is being found more and more, it is still difficult to locate a quality claw-footed tub. Be prepared to search for the right one. This can be done by locating specialty shops in the area or possible custom ordering from a local bath or home decor store. If purchasing an antique or old tub, examine it carefully, making sure the finish of the tub is its original and the legs and other fixtures are attached properly.

Faucets can change a bathroom's look from lackluster to classic with the right choices. Pick a style that is most appealing, while keeping in mind that the faucet's ability to prevent leaks and hold water pressure is also important.

Decorative and artistic faucets are now more available and varied and may add a splash of the exotic to an otherwise simple bath decor.

“Sinks and faucets are the most important amenity. Everyone who enters the room sees it, touches it and feels it when they walk in,” says Christie O'Connell of Diane Joyce Design Group.

Ever consider using glass in the bathroom? With a variety of new designs and textures, glass can add a whole new element to the room. Glass is a sturdy material and easy to keep clean. Instead of using a shower curtain, custom designed glass doors with unique etchings exude sophistication and beauty. Stained glass windows are an easy way to add style and splendor to any bathroom. By simply replacing standard windows with beautifully designed stained glass, a bathroom can be transformed into a vibrant haven of color.

Lighting also is an important part of the design of the bathroom. Make sure to eliminate as many shadows and dark spots as possible by using the correct lighting fixtures.
Neutral paint tones allow the bathroom to be a soothing and relaxing area. Textures and patterns keep the walls from looking ordinary, while keeping the space as tranquil as possible. Decorative painting and murals of the outdoors also are a wonderful way to incorporate color into the bathroom without going overboard.

While in the bathroom, most people are concerned with how much time they have left to get ready, especially before work. Adding a simple clock to a blank wall allows for a relaxing bath or shower, without having to guess how much time is left before leaving the comfortable bathing haven.

Adding a seat in any corner or free area in the bathroom also is a useful idea. This allows a place to sit while putting on shoes, make-up, or shaving in the morning. Sofas, bookcases and vanities are other ideal furniture pieces that can be included in the bathroom. If selected discriminately, they add substance to an otherwise stark room without cluttering it.

Scented bath products are ideal for a relaxing bath. By placing products such as candles, soaps, sachets, oils and bath crystals throughout the room, wonderful scents can indulge the senses.

“Candles and soaps are great accessories, they touch on all five senses,” says Lee Kennedy of Imagine Interiors. O'Connell prefers the unusual when deciding on accessories for the bathroom. She likes to add a touch of something out of the ordinary. “Decorative mirrors and a simple toilet paper holder can be good starting points for choosing accessories,” she says.

After a long day at work, the first thing most people do when they get home is turn on their radio or television. Why not set up an entertainment system in the bathroom? Now instead of straining to hear the radio while in the bath, the entertainment center will be conveniently located just steps away. Introduce as many accessories as possible without over-cluttering. By placing family photos, jewelry boxes, antiques and artwork in the bathroom, it will become a comfortable place for everyone who uses it. With a few creative additions - from a bird-shaped water feature to gold and silver detailed towels - the art of bathroom design continues to reach new and creative levels.