Decorative Painting

Happy New Year everyone! This year marks the 20th year I have been in business. Hard to believe! My fellow decorative painters from all over the country, and I, have been discussing the current trends in decorative painting. Many have been in this business as long, and much longer, than I. We all agree that the word "faux" no longer fairly or accurately represents the work we are doing now, and are careful not to use that terminology, to avoid confusion.

While glazed finishes and the Tuscan Look kept our brushes busy for several years, we are as happy to see that look take a back seat, as you are. Today’s finishes are clean, simplified, and typically not on every wall. What is popular with our clients today are utilizing the ceiling as a 5th wall with a more elaborate design and perhaps doing one accent wall in a room. Accent walls can be done with polished plasters, textured plasters, mica, metallics, or any combination of specialty materials. Bold or subtle patterns on an accent wall are also very popular.

Murals are also in high demand right now, which I am very happy to see. Just a few years ago, the majority of mural work I did was for children’s rooms only. Now, homeowners are opting to do a mural on an accent wall in a main room of their home or in the foyer/entryway. These murals are personalized and serve as a special piece of artwork. They are great where space is limited and artwork may not be easily or safely hung. One of my most fun projects in 2015 was this bookcase mural, which I will feature more of in my next post.

My client base consists of a wide age range: young, first time homeowners to repeat customers who are now downsizing or repurposing rooms in their home. The high cost of housing in the Boston area, makes purchasing a home that does not need any work, cost prohibitive for many first time home buyers. I love introducing this group to cost saving techniques to give their homes an updated look without the major construction price tag. Painting dated kitchen and bath cabinets, in good condition, instantly revives that room. Creative finishes for backsplashes abound. Both of these options utilize professional grade products and of course, professional techniques, which make them very durable for years to come.

If you would like to hear more about what finishes are trending in the decorative painting world today, I will be reinstituting my e-newsletter in February and you can sign up via my website. My newsletter will be delivered to your email address approximately 6 times throughout the year. You may unsubscribe at any time. Looking forward to another year of creative and fun finishes!