Sometimes it takes forever to complete a DIY project but in this case I completed faux finishing my guest bathroom in just two days. That’s the good news.
For me the even better news is the reason that it has taken me longer than expected to take some photos and share my result with you– I’ve been working with two new corporate clients but more on that later.
A close-up of the brushed pearl effect
I used Valspar’s Brushed Pearl paint and am very pleased with the results. Even my 17 year old was ‘wowed’ which is really saying something about how outstanding it looks because he doesn’t usually pay much attention to my decorating projects
These photos don’t do justice to the gorgeous brushed pearl effect
Here’s how the project went from start to finish–
My very first step was stopping at Lowe’s to buy the paint and sealer. I chose color BP1 ‘Simply Elegant’. While I was there I also picked up the 4″ brush and trowel they sell specifically for this purpose.
A scan of the color card just to give you an idea of the variety of colors; please look at an actual card for accurate color rendition
Next I had my painter put the base coat on the walls and ceiling so all I had to do was to apply the pearl layer. I did this as a time-saver not because it was difficult since the first coat is essentially the same as if you were simply painting any room.
After allowing ample time for the first coat to dry I applied painter’s tape around all four edges of two opposite walls. I don’t think that instructions say to do this but I know from experience that this makes all the difference in acheiving a flawless finish and is worth the little bit of extra time it takes.
I used painter’s tape at each point where two walls met
Having done faux finishes in the past I have learned that you get the best results if you do opposite walls and let them dry. Then reposition your tape onto the dried walls and paint the remaining two walls. If you don’t do it this way I find it very difficult to get a professional finish where the two walls meet.
After the first wall was dry I repositioned the tape and started on the adjacent wall.
Using the 4″ brush I began painting at the upper left corner of one wall and worked my across and down. Since I had taped I didn’t bother to cut in the edges ahead but rather did this as I went along.
I took extra care to pull the paint out so that it didn’t build up around the edges and I kept an eye on how dry it was getting so that it didn’t get too dry before I could use the trowel.
Troweling over the surface is the second step of applying this layer. I went at it at first with a very gentle and deliberate strokes but found that being looser and less measured produced a more pleasing surface appearance. Now that was my first clue that this product was different than most of the prepared faux finishes I have tried in the past.
With the first coat I got a feel for the product and how it handled. I found that I could work rather loosely and quickly which was especially good since I jumped right into painting after dinner on Friday night rather than wait until Saturday morning.
By the second wall I knew exactly how to get the look I was after and the process went even more quickly and I was cleaning my brush before the late night news was over.
I was successful in getting the effect with one coat but it did not look nearly as good as it did when I added a second layer
Of all the faux finishes I have used I found this one to be the most “forgiving”. As I painted I was able to go back over areas and they blended beautifully. After I used the trowel if there were areas I thought looked a bit too strong I was able to soften the effect by dry brushing very gently over the area using an X motion.
I painted not only the wall but also the ceiling because I wanted to make this small guest bathroom seem more spacious. I had originally painted the ceiling with the base coat and I had planned to leave it at that rather than struggle to faux finish it however this technique was so simple that I decided to complete the ceilings with the Brushed Pearl finish to match the walls.
After the paint was dry I had my painter put on the protective sealer and put up the fixtures and switchplates. Adding the sealer did not change the look and in fact may have actually added to the luster.
Antique nickel fixtures against the brushed pearl paint finish
Did I mention that I hadn’t even been considering doing a faux finish in this room? I am so over faux finishes at this point having helped just one too many of my friends fix their Ralph Lauren and other faux DIY projects. However, when I saw the Brushed Pearl finish I was so taken with the look that I quickly forgot all that and headed off to Lowe’s to pick up the paint.
I’m really glad I chose Valspar Brushed Pearl. The process was simple and the results beautiful. I think that even someone doing faux finish for the first time would have success with this technique. In fact I doubt I’ll receive any S.O.S. calls from my friends if they use this product.
My final words on this project–
“The room certainly looks ‘Simply Elegant’ just as the color name said it would!”
Resources:
- Valspar Brushed Pearl paint and tools are available at Lowe’s. Type in your zip code to find your local Lowe’s
**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint colors. Please refer to an actual sample of the paint for an accurate rendition of the color.
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Today’s decorating dilemma…
We have finished the walls and floors, now looking for a furniture arrangement.
We are purchasing all new furniture. We need a recliner. We are buying a 52′ Bravia tv. I didn’t want to put it over the fireplace, but we would have to put the couch in front of the windows if we put it on the wall.
Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, Mary
Kate suggests…
The most logical and appealing solution to your problem may be to mount the television above the fireplace so that the two focal points of the room become one, and you can achieve the traditional inglenook furniture arrangement that allows for cozy conversation around the fire.
However, there are a number of concerns with mounting your plasma television above a working fireplace, such as the potential for heat or smoke damage. If you don’t intend to use your fireplace and television simultaneously often, then this should be of little concern to you, but if you do, then you should take care to make sure that the wall above your fireplace doesn’t get too hot from the chimney or fire below, or else it may cause damage to, or shorten the life of, your plasma television.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether you plan to simply watch regular broadcasts on your television, or if you plan to hook up a home theater system. If the latter is the case, then you may benefit from placing your television on the wall opposite the windows so all the accompanying electronics can be neatly enclosed in an entertainment center.
I would mount the television on the wall opposite the windows. You will want to find a nice window treatment to help with the glare on the screen. Since your windows are exceptionally tall, I would suggest a remote-controlled honeycomb shade, or similar screen, on the top and some nice long, flowing drapes for the bottom half.
Per your drawing, I would keep a nice rug near the fireplace to specify the seating area, and protect that gorgeous wood floor. Next, you can choose from two different furniture arrangements.
For the first, place your sofa parallel to the fireplace, and two chairs in front of the windows, at a conversational angle, and purchase a nicely scaled square coffee table to tie the three together.
The second option, if you feel the first constricts traffic flow too much, would be to place the sofa parallel to your television, allowing for room to walk between the sofa and the windows, then placing the two chairs, at your discretion, either on each side of the fireplace, or slightly angled toward each other near the entrance of the room.
Resources:
- Do you have a color dilemma? Post it in the Makeover Gallery at RoomVues.com and you be the next reader to have your color questions answered right on the Color For Your Home blog.
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Today’s color dilemma…
I would like to know what color might expand this space visually as I would like to make this room seem larger.
Thanks, Sylvie
Kate suggests…
Small spaces often appear smaller as a result of the simple mistake of having too many contrasting colors present. To help broaden your sense of space in a cozy room, there are a couple of solutions you can incorporate when decorating.
First choose a monochromatic color scheme. That means to choose a main color for the room and then keep the majority of elements in the room in varying shades or tints of that color.
Colors that are neutral or just a shade or two apart from each other will help create an open, airy feeling. For example you may chose a light, refreshing, green color, such as those shown below.
Greens from Pittsburgh Paints
On left top to bottom 209-3 Aloe Vera, 309-4 Quaking Grass, 410-4 Olive Sprig
On the right top to bottom 308-3 St. Augustine, 310-3 Pickling Spice
Another way to make a room seem larger is to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. This allows your eye to expand and flow freely within the space, whereas contrasting ceiling color forces your eye to stop at the edges where the walls and ceiling meet placing more focus on the size of the walls.
Keep in mind, while furnishing your room, that too much texture can also make a space seem smaller. Smoother surfaces help to open up a space especially when they are in the same color family.
Transparent elements and objects add sparkle but “dissappear” into the scheme because their presence does’t totally obstruct the view of what is beyond or under them. This is why a designer often chooses a glass top table for a small dining space.
Resources:
- Do you have a color dilemma? Post it in the Makeover Gallery at RoomVues.com and you be the next reader to have your color questions answered on the Color For Your Home blog.
- Type in your zip code to find your local Pittsburgh Paint dealer
**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint colors. Please refer to an actual sample of the paint for an accurate rendition of the color.
Do you have an idea for the accent wall? Please share it with us in the comments.
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24th Jan. '08 ·
Living Spaces
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Authored by Kate Smith
Today’s color dilemma…
I just moved into my new home and need color, color, color!
What are your suggestions for my rec room?? I would like a darker accent wall in the back of the room.
Kate suggests…
Your furniture arrangement suggests that this room is used primarily as a relaxing conversational space, with some television watching and perhaps some computer use. I think natural earth tones would be a great choice for this space because it will give you a nice feeling of unity.
A darker accent wall in the back will give the room a focal point, but also remember that this technique is often used in long rooms to give them a smaller, cozier feel.
I noted that one of the reader that saw your picture posted had suggested a dark brown color such as Sherwin-Williams Tea Chest as your accent wall. The suggestion to use Tea Chest, or a similar shade, for the accent wall is appropriate because it will pick up on the color of your coffee and side tables, as well as your wall art.
For the adjacent walls, I would suggest staying within the color you choose for the accent wall, and painting them a shade or two lighter, like Practical Beige or Sand Dollar.
If the room seems too small with just the accent wall and adjacent walls painted, you may wish to paint the ceiling the same color as the adjacent walls to expand your line of vision.
Faux suede pillows from LenKart
With these colors and your furniture you have set the stage to bring in a wonderul accent color or two. To balance all of the warm hues I would suggest using a cooler color as an accent. Why not try your favorite blue or cooler green or even a medium shade of blue green?
Resources:
**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint colors. Please refer to an actual sample of the paint for an accurate rendition of the color.
Do you have an idea for the accent wall? Please share it with us in the comments.
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Today’s color dilemma…
We are having our dream house built and the builder asked us to choose our exterior paint colors. We love the older home look and would like to have forest green shutters but can’t decide between “vintage cream” siding, which has a hint of soft butter yellow in it or “linen” off white.
We selected the Rocky Springs model from Poole and are having it built on a three-acre lot. Which would give the older home look? We appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you, Dana
Kate suggests…
I can see why this is your dream home. I’m already envisioning you all settled in with enough time to sip ice tea and browse through a magazine on your inviting front porch.
In looking at your builders design options I think the choices you have made so far are perfect. The forest green is a classic color for the shutters and the green will keep the house tied to the surroundings.
The weatherwood color shingles for the roof would go with either of the exterior colors you are considering.
The good news is that whichever color you choose your home will have the look you are after so you can’t make a wrong decision.
Both cream and off-white have always been popular choices and it would be unfair of me to say that one is going to make the home look older than the other and leave it at that.
My first instinct was to say that you might find the Vintage Cream makes it appear older however because I can never help but to think of the entire scheme rather than individual elements I started to think about what color might work for your front door.
Linen Off-White or Vintage Cream??
In considering the style of the home, the choices you have already made, and the knowledge that you wanted it to look older the color that kept coming to mind was a red but not a bright red but rather a more muted coppery red.
This is an intrguing red by Sherwin-Williams. The color is reminiscent of the Roycroft pottery glazes that was inspired by the hammered copper of early Roycroft metalwork. It is very warm and welcoming which is perfect for a front door.
Because I place such importance on the front door I want it to stand out. If I was to go with Roycroft Cooper Red for the door and the forest green shutters so the linen white would set the red off nicely but the vintage cream with this color would also be lovely just a slightly different look.
So think about your door color. If you were to lean toward a cooler hue such as a historic blue or dusty eggplant the vintage cream would surround it beautifully but if you want to set off a warmer color you might lean towards the vintage cream.
I hope that help by giving you some things to consider as you make your decision but based on what you have told me already I feel confident that whichever you choose the end result is going to be stunning.
Enjoy your new home!
Resources:
**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint or material color. Please refer to an actual sample for an accurate rendition of the color.
Which color do you prefer: Linen Off-White or Vintage Cream? Please share it with us in the comments.
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21st Jan. '08 ·
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Tags: decorating, interior-design
Authored by Denise Turner
Do you have difficulty reading small print? Is your favorite rock & roll song, now one of Muzaks’ Top 10 elevator hits? If so, quite possibly you are one of the 78 million Baby Boomers.
Trendy Boomers are customizing their homes; which enables them to continue living there independently and safely.
Tips:
- Install additional safety lighting. Most accidents happen in bathtubs, showers, walk ways and stairways.
- Control sunlight glare. Window sheers defuse sun’s light; mini blinds deflect it.
- Light-colored, wall coverings, work surfaces and counters increase reflectance of light.
- Install safety bars in shower and tub. They aid adults and children.
- Widen doorways and halls.
When our home environment makes us feel comfortable, safe and secure, it improves our quality of life.
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TGIF! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and take a little time out to enjoy your friends and family or maybe like me you’ll be working on a DIY project.
My son has the flu and my beau is out of the country so time for me to throw on those old jeans and grab a paintbrush and get busy repainting the guest bathroom on the main level.
I bought the paint a few weeks ago with the best of intentions to get started right away but between “the boys” wanting my time and attention, my new year’s resolution to workout every day, and unexpected house guests the paint has remained in the closet.
First thing tomorrow however I’m going to be roll out some blue tape, give the paint a good stir and get started applying Valspar’s Brushed Pearl paint. I’m hoping it looks as spectacular on my walls as it does on the color card and sample board. So stay tuned and I’ll let you know!
I won’t see you again until Tuesday since Monday is a U.S. holiday but you’re welcome to stay awhile and browse around. I’ll be back next week to help reader’s with their color dilemas and share ideas for your next decorating project.
Until then,
Kate
P.S. Do you need even more color and style inspiration? Check out the latest on our blog at www.liveinfullcolor.com
Update: I have posted the process and results of my DIY project here…
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I was recently interviewed by Elaine Rogers and featured in her article ‘Courageous With Color’ that appears in this month’s issue of Solutions At Home Magazine. Thanks Elaine!
From Courgeaous With Color–
As the Earth sleeps, blanketed by the travails of icy weather, we alternately bundle up and hunker down — awakening to shivers and daily doses of brittle air, blustering winds, brutal temperatures and barren landscapes. Dark skies and hard rains also dampen spirits, causing mudrooms to fill with wet boots and overcoats as gloves and hats sporadically adorn every part of the house.
Rather than waiting for the clouds to part, ward off bleak, colorless days and the sense of “blah” that gloomy weather inspires with interiors awash in vibrant hues, taking refuge in bright spaces designed to lift moods faster than a warm, spring day.
Psychologists and color designers say color is one of the biggest influences on the human state of mind and our language regularly references the emotive connection. After all, we “see red,” we’re “green with envy” and we feel “peachy.”
Read the rest of the article…
Disregarding color trends and surrounding yourself with favorite, feel-good shades creates rooms guaranteed to lift your spirits. Pictured: walls painted in Sherwin-Williams’ “Blackberry.”
Resources:
**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint colors. Please refer to an actual sample of the paint for an accurate rendition of the color.
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Today’s color dilemma…
I’m in need of help of any suggestions. I have new capert being installed at the end of the month and it’s a rich burgundy color. I have tan furniture in my living room, I just don’t know what color to paint my walls. Thanks for your time and consideration. Sincerely Josie
Kate suggests…
Josie, you don’t mention what type of home or decor you have but burgundy is a color that can work well with with either traditional or contemporary styles.
The constants: Burgundy carpet, tan furniture
A soft gold or wheat color on the walls in a light to mid value with cream trim could be beautiful especially if your tan furniture is medium to dark and has golden undertones. This would add a second value in the tan/gold family rather than introducing an entirely new color on your walls.
Martha Stewart Colors Primrose E22 or Corn Husk E32
Another color that would work is Ellen Kennon’s Buttercream. It is a soft yellow with just enough pink to give it a rosy glow without turning peach.
Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint Buttercream
This color scheme would make the room versatile and easy to keep up-to-date. You could then bring in another color or two in your accents and accessories.
Adding hunter green and/or navy blue with gold and burgundy is a classic look and could work well but you could also update this combination by using use variations of these colors as shown below.
The cooler colors, such as blue-influenced greens, would add a nice contrast and balance your predominately warm color scheme.
Going with the blue-green that almost looks grey could be a bit more sophistocated while using the yellow-green could create a more masculine or even cozy feel.
I like the blue greens but you might prefer to go in an entirely different direction if that is what feels right to you. Depending on the undertones in the carpet perhaps a charcoal grey would be interesting or even try a color that doesn’t instantly come to mind such as rust, gold or plum.
You will never know until you look at the colors together so don’t rule anything out too quickly.
Once you have selected your wall color and the carpet is installed play with some good size swatches of accent colors you are considering and go with which ever combinations please you most. There really is not a single ‘right’ color.
Go with what makes you smile when you see it. You are the designer-in-charge so relax and have fun.
The wall colors I’ve suggested allows you to change the accent colors to suit your mood so trust your instincts and go with what feels right to you now. If later you change your mind or change your mood it is easy to change your accent color.
Resources:
**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint colors. Please refer to an actual sample of the paint for an accurate rendition of the color.
Have an idea of what might work with the burgundy carpet and tan furniture? Please share it with us in the comments.
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Today’s color dilemma…
I have been searching for the special color “Tiffany blue” to paint my room. Does Tiffanys sell this anywhere? What is the best way to find the closest color to it? Thank you for your time –Malissa
Kate suggests…
Malissa the best way to find the closest color is to have that special person in your life buy something fabulous from Tiffany & Co. for you for no reason other than you deserve it. Once you can stop smiling long enough to say more than an ecstatic “thank you!” take the famous blue gfit box to the paint store and have them color match it for you.
Just in case you don’t have time to wait for your gift to arrive I found what I think is a close match for you at Benjamin Moore. Its a paint color called Tropicana Cabana 2048-50.
You will want to sample the actual color and make sure this matches that beautiful color vision you have in your head before putting it up on your walls.
I have a free special report that can help you to get your color right. “Sample Your Way to Paint Color Success: The Low Cost Way to Avoid Expensive Color Mistakes” Click here to get a copy
Please let us see pictures of the little jewel of a room you create with “Tiffany blue”. You can share the with all of us by posting a few pictures on RoomVues.com
UPDATE:
Thanks to reader Erica I have learned that Shewin Williams SW6766 Mariner is the best match for Tiffany Blue. You can see her comments below.
Here’s a swatch of the color Erica recommends and it is available from either Sherwin Willaims or Duron.
Resources:
**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint colors. Please refer to an actual sample of the paint for an accurate rendition of the color.
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