When one says “gilded”, you envision a glossy shiny gold finish. But this is not always so; it is true that straight gilding is done by 1) applying a base coat, 2) brushing size on the piece (glue size is … Continue reading →

Who said that using distressed finishes to transform restaurant walls was passé? Lately, to recreate a post-Russian revolution ambiance at the Mari Vanna restaurant in Washington DC and to implement a traditional Mexican décor in Taqueria Nacional, I executed unusual décors … Continue reading →

What do you do with a long built-in bench when you can no longer bear it’s sight?  You may wish to embark on a totally different look, unless you are restricted to a color theme that matches the wall or … Continue reading →

Tortoise shell finishes are one of the most difficult faux finishes to execute.  In this post, I will explain the process step by step, and hopefully provide enough guidance for you to get started on your own imitations. For centuries, … Continue reading →

If you want to realistically imitate a wood essence, you need to have several samples of it at hand and to study them in depth. First, observe the different hues of the particular wood, then its pores, its veins, and its … Continue reading →

Many homes display a breakfast or morning room adjacent to their kitchen.  Nowadays, the need for this extra small room is being challenged: larger kitchens join practicality to conviviality and  they are better suited to children and entertaining needs.  Besides, … Continue reading →

Discarded furniture is often tempting to collect with a view to offer it a second life. However, one can quickly accumulate enough broken, comatose, moribund pieces to open a furniture hospital or grave yard. You should brake for these abandoned … Continue reading →

Many large murals adorn the French urban streetscapes.  Some serve a sole decorative purpose: to transform unsightly blank walls or hide temporary renovation work.  Others are political or whimsical.  However, when it comes to the beautification of the city, the … Continue reading →

Every day, Parisians find dream objects or utterly-delightful treasure troves in the flea markets, or “les Puces” as we name them. A good eye can spot among rejected objects a fine painting that needs a little TLC, or a ravishing … Continue reading →

Why do so many armchairs have to be upholstered in ugly or nondescript fabrics?  A fabric should impart your seats with a timeless note of color and elegance, not become a liability to your interior. Follow simple rules when picking … Continue reading →