Inspiration: Found

The inspiration for Julie's dining room was found in her choice of fabrics, and her desire for an all-over damask.  After presenting the initial sample boards, Julie decided on a combination of technique and color. The damask pattern was then chosen; the same 'chandelier' cartouche used in the samples, 14" high.  For   the ceiling finish, we opted for Lusterstone, custom-tinted to match the draperies with the medallion stencil complementing the wall pattern.

We would like to express a professional opinion here.  We feel VERY strongly about ceilings.  This is the 5th wall...never leave it white!!  Especially if you have beautiful crown mouldings and coffered beams, as this dining room does. Color on the ceiling completes the room, makes the trim pop and will feel like its always been there.  You'll want to paint every ceiling in your home...no kidding...clients have done this!!  Either bring the color of the flooring up, or use a color that is a slight contrast to the walls.  Trust us on this!!

First up...the coffered ceiling.  It was basecoated in Richmond Gold, followed by 2 passes of Lusterstone custom tinted in the same.  The medallion stencil was then installed.

The walls were then basecoated in Blue Danube.  We trowelled on 2 coats of Soft-Tex, also custom tinted to match.  Soft-Tex is a plaster that adds soft highs and lows to the wall, giving the appearance of fabric.

 The walls were measured and marked for the registration of the stencil.  The first pass of color was Lusterstone tinted in the Richmond Gold.  Working with a production stencil of 2 images up, we worked our way around the room with the 'whole' cartouche and then went back in to complete the corners, tops and bottoms. 

After the first pass was completed, we toned down the entire damask pattern with a wash of the Blue Danube Soft-Tex. 

The completed dining room walls have a very soft, aged feeling.  A little shimmer, but not too formal.  And the ceiling...the icing on the cake!!  As mentioned earlier, we have very strong opinions about the 5th wall.

This particular ceiling has very dramatic architectural features that were lost against the sea of white.  Now, stunning in gold!!  Need we say more?

 

The sitting room across the hall was completed in a similar color palette: Richmond Gold on the walls, and a very pale blue on the coffered ceiling.  Perfect visual balance upon entering the home's foyer.

Julie recently informed us that she and her family are now using their dining room on a daily basis.  Amazing what artistic inspiration can do for a room.

Until next time...

Susan and Tracey

FWS