Heart Of The Home - Faux Finishes For Kitchen Cabinetry
By Jay Dorman, Fri Dec 9th

Faux finished cabinets are finding a welcome home in today'skitchens. From the most timeworn distressed looks to high-endlacquered finishes, a decorative painter can add just the righttouch from his artist's pallet to create the exact design andstyle most appropriate for your dream kitchen.

As we all know so very well, the kitchen is the heart of thehome. It's our source of comfort and joy. Whether we'repreparing a meal for our loved ones or just hanging out with ourfriends, the kitchen is the place everyone loves to be the best.And these days, the makeup of our kitchen environs is gettingthe attention it deserves.

Older kitchens are being remodeled and expanded. The kitchens innew homes are bigger than ever and are more accessible, too.Everything that goes into making a perfect space is beingincluded -- professional cooking equipment, granite countertops,sophisticated lighting, and especially important is stunninglybeautiful cabinetry.

Giving the kitchen a particular feel can be easily achievedthrough decorative painting on the cabinets -- whether the lookis farmhouse French, Swedish country, or even slickcontemporary.

A sophisticated and experienced faux finisher has at his commandmany finishes and materials that can fit the needs of theinterior designer, homebuilder and homeowner. He is able toprovide information on the best colors and most suitabletechniques, plus bring unique artistic insights to the job.

Some of the faux effects that are popular in kitchens these daysinclude one or a combination of the following:

Dry-brushing

Stippling

Strie

Stains and paints

Ragged glazes

Metallic finishes

Antique distressed finishes

Pricing for the finishes depends upon the level of complexityand the material used to get that "just right" look. If yourkitchen cabinetry is freshly painted, then a simple dry-brushedfinish may be all you need, and is usually inexpensive. However,the more steps that are involved in a process, the more theprice goes up. A knowledgeable faux finisher can work withinyour budget while giving you the best possible look to completeyour dreams.

I encourage you to contact an experienced professional fauxfinisher for a free consultation when you are ready to beginyour kitchen project.

Discuss your ideas with a faux finish expert -- look at colors,styles, techniques and samples. Then develop the perfectcombination for your dream kitchen.

Ask detailed questions, get references, ask to see photos, andif possible go to a kitchen the faux finisher has completed tocheck out his quality and level of competence.

Make your heart of the home as perfect as you deserve.

About the author:Jay Dorman is the owner of Greystone Artisans, a decorativepainting and faux finishing company. This Houston-based companyhas been in business for eight years and has worked in many ofthe finest homes locally and in other cities in Texas. This teamof talented artists is available for travel to locations outsideof Texas, too!

Consultations are available upon request and are at no cost.Please visit us at: http://www.greystoneartisans.com