Decorating with Plaster Stenciling

Understated Elegance

Here she shows us a wall in a client's home that is faux finished in a beautiful bronze. Notice the darker edges.  They  really set the wall apart from the white wall casing and add dramatic depth! Ah, but that wasn't quite enough to sooth the ache that Suzanne had inside for detail.

Suzanne has the mind of a true "artist" and knew that she could take this wall design one step further.

Enlarge the photo by clicking on it and you will see faint elegant swirl patterns that she created within the panel. The faintness of them says "notice me" but doesn't "scream" it as more brilliant or darker colors would. It's understated, refined and classy.

See much more of Suzanne's work by visiting her website at http://www.susannerende.com

And by the way... did I mention she's for hire?

Designer's tip:

"Understated elegance" is the art of using a pattern or design in a subtle, soft way to add interest to a wall, ceiling or room design. Bringing in the detail of the design without allowing it to have an overpowering feel.

For instance, "understated" elegance might be where you paint a wall a golden cream color then add a repeated "wallpaper" type stencil pattern in a lighter opalescent paint.

The design is there, it's noticeable, but it becomes soothing and breathtaking.

Check out Victoria's new "Decorating With Class" Blog!