Interior Design, Faux Finishes, Decorative Painting & Murals | Washington DC, Maryland (MD), Virginia (VA)

This section provides a list of techniques, materials, and common references that are frequently used in the design and decorative painting profession.

Tortoise shell

It is forbidden for sale but we have enough available samples to copy it with more or less fantasy, and at a larger scale than what is observed in nature. It looks gorgeous in any color: orange, red, yellow, sienna, blue or green. It is a bravura finish that requires a good eye to reach realism and credibility more than any particular technical dexterity. It brings a grand and wild look, on mirrors or walls, and an expensive touch on objects. On a large surface it is recommended to faux squares or rectangles of this substance and to display them in a geometrical pattern, a star-like pattern for example. It should be sealed with a gloss varnish.

Trompe l�oeil

It is not a decor, similar to a theater decor or a mural; it is a painting that fools the eye by the realism of the subject and its execution. It can be a fake window or door, a dog waiting for you at the foot of your steps, or birds perched on a cornice. It is supposed to surprise you and trick you into believing that it is real. To achieve this illusion, the location and perspective of the subject, its colors and size must have been thought out carefully in conjunction with the surrounding architecture. If it is not believable, it has lost its interest. Sometimes artists even fake the presence of doors or windows (such as the famous doors painted by Christian Berard), headboards or furniture; this time, it does not fool the eye, yet it contributes to an elaborate fantasy decor that is original, fresh and visually pleasant. A large Trompe l'oeil expands a room to a pluri-dimensional space. The walls are no longer the limit, and the furniture is organized around the design. Floor patterns as well can make wonderful Trompe l'oeil when furniture and paintings make walls unavailable for a special treatment. Indeed, the sole artifice of a small Trompe l'oeil can achieve the transformation of a room.

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"Christine completed several faux finishes for us, and we are thrilled by all of her work. She has wonderful taste, fabulous ideas, and delivers on time at a reasonable cost."

— Marvin Jawer

"I think of you whenever I look at your wonderful art — in my kitchen, powder room, sun room, upstairs bathroom, and bedrooms! You really made my house so much fun!"

— Marti Cochran

"Our dining room ceiling needed to be repainted to hide a patched hole where the chandelier had been moved to a new position. Christine came up with the idea to paint a cloud scene around the chandelier. In the daylight it looks pale blue with puffy white clouds, and when the chandelier is lit, it looks like storm clouds rolling in for the evening. We love the way the scene brings the outside in and how it changes with the light and seasons."

— Dorie Laurent

"You know when you find the perfect person for a service and you hesitated to spread their name around too much for fear of unavailability? That would be Christine Meyers. She refinished my poggenpohl kitchen cabinets three years ago and they are still perfect. She works quickly and her work is creative and beautiful."

— Susan Clifton

"Christine painted a custom stenciled frieze and some beautiful custom wall glazes in my home, ranging from an old-world burnished copper finish to a translucent caribbean sea. Her versatility and range of talents is limitless. I only wish I could have commissioned her to paint a trompe l'oeil design for me, at which she is quite masterful. She was a delight to work with and always on schedule and budget. I cannot recommend her highly enough."

— Cherie Mohr

"It is Christine's touches throughout our house that make it such a warm and comforting home. In addition to being a creative artist with a wonderful flair, she is absolutely delightful to work with. We miss her very much when the project is over!"

— Eric and Sharon Hovde

"Everyone who comes into my home tells me they love the faux finishes and murals Christine painted."

— Diane Quinn

"Christine was fast, efficient and neat. She did a beautiful job — one I am happy to look at everyday."

— Joan Fitzgerald

"Christine Meyers is a true gift to Washington. Christine takes faux painting to a new level. From textured walls to antique furniture and fireplace mantle painting, Christine's designs are truly master class. With versatile abilities to work in both classic and modern applications I would not hesitate to recommend Christine Meyers."

— Martin Toews

"Count yourself lucky if you can get Christine to do art work for you. Her talent, imagination, and professionalism are top-notch!"

— Penny Mallory

"Christine's work is original and unique. Her art (trompe l'oeil) has literally 'transformed' unsightly electric transformer boxes into delightfully attractive focal points within the Leisure World of VA community."

— Patrick Rhodes (VP/Project Manager, IDI Group Companies)

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