Decorative finish created by Harmonic Surroundings. www.harmonicsurroundings.com
Decorative finish created by Harmonic Surroundings. www.harmonicsurroundings.com
Posted by: Diane Capuano
The Old World finishes that were popular for so long in the decorative painting market are giving way to looks that are more contemporary—simpler, cleaner and more linear.
This change in direction is most likely a direct result of the economic slowdown, which caused many homeowners to forgo painting and decorating projects for the last couple of years. As the economic recovery slowly takes hold, consumers are once again looking for ways to decorate their walls but for the most part are doing so in less inexpensive and less ostentatious ways.
“Contemporary, clean, high gloss and metallic finishes are currently in demand in comparison to five or 10 years ago where heavier, multi-layered Old World finishes were desired,” stated Raymond Sandor, Founder & President, Faux Effects International Inc.
Jerry Russo, president of Roman Architectural Finishes, confirmed that metallics will continue to be a major trend in the faux-finishing market. “If someone is going to spend money on a faux finish, they want it to be something special. Metallics are special, unique and, to a large degree, exclusive to the faux-finishing market,” he said.
Doris Westbrook of Crescent Bronze sees the reinvention occurring with the expansion of products into new and exciting areas. “Some recent project expansions I’ve seen using Crescent Bronze powders include decorative concrete and cabinet refinishing, canvas painting and floor coatings,” she said.
The creativity of the faux market means that there is room for a diversity of styles. “My belief is that people are hungry for a mixture of new things,” observed Kelly S. King, Director of Education & Product Development for Modern Masters Inc. “We’re seeing contemporary looks intermingled with Old World undertones. The intermingling of looks is a way to keep things fresh and exciting for consumers. It’s a blending of past trends with current trends. ”
King is seeing an emergence of simpler, cleaner, more elegant and more linear patterns. Some of the designs have glamour and glitz, using such mediums as glass beads, foils and stencil patterns, but often they are aged back with glaze. This intermingling of styles makes for some interesting combinations, such as the use of metallics with glass bead gels that reflect and refract light.
Ralph Lauren Finishes have contributed to the reinvention of faux with the introduction of simple faux textures, available “straight out of the can,” according to Krim Danzinger, senior color consultant for AkzoNobel, manufacturer of the line. “Candle Light, Suede and Regent Metallic emulate this simple process. Ralph Lauren offers appeal to the DIY or painting contractor. There are more complicated specialty finishes if one wants to add another dimension to their faux look.”
Because of the adaptability of faux, it will likely never go out of style. “There is an ever-increasing need to personalize spaces for the homeowner and/or a commercial environment,” Danzinger said.
Tags: faux trends
