Kitchen Style

Faux textured wall, including a small section to resemble a repaired crack, coupled with trompe l'oeil, antiques, and a bold red (Cranberry Zing) combine to make a bland kitchen more appealing. Using black to outline the narrow wall between the kitchen and great room, over the bar, adds depth that would have otherwise been lost in the room colors.

Childrens' Ministry Set

When the church said they wanted to create a "Tree House" set for their Childrens' Ministry, I was excited. Doing "kid stuff" remains my favorite. The tree itself was painted on the cinder block wall by Jorge Rodriguez; the fort on the left was built and painted by the Childrens' Ministry staff. The three canvas backdrops that formed the balance of the set were painted by BT Redhill Designs.

Notice the ladder coming from the floor, the nail heads on each sheet of "found" wood, and the wood planks that appear to sorta hold things together. The idea was to create the impression that it was built by kids for kids. The graffiti was personalized to some of those that would get to enjoy the set. Notice how the tree is actually painted into the canvas to transition from one media to another. More importantly, note that the canvas and the block were done by different people at different times in the course of six days.

Now, imagine your child's room taking on a similar feel.

Kitchen Backsplash

In a similar manner as creating a faux granite counters, kitchen backsplashes make a great place for faux tile or brick. These examples can help you visualize the dramatic change in your kitchen.

Granite: Risky and Costly

(above example from http://arttodifor.com/)





Granite makes for beautiful counter tops and back splashes, especially when paired with rich, solid wood cabinets. Unfortunately, as reported in the NY Times, it isn't always safe.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html?no_interstitial

For less cost and none of the risk, you can achieve the look of granite or marble with paint. You can have concrete counters made and installed, then have then stained or painted and sealed to achieve the same look that would cost thousands more. Alternatively, there are several products that can be applied directly over existing laminate (e.g., Formica) counter tops that give the look and feel of stone.

For those on a tight budget, existing laminate can be prepared to take a beautiful faux finish for a fraction of the cost of any other alternative. Give new life to your kitchen without the health risk. Let us show you how.

Custom Builds

Sometimes you just can't find the right plan, pattern, or piece to finish out your project. This cradle is an example of that. I've had occasion to build two thus far and several years later, they remain as sound as they were the day I finished them.

Elsewhere herein, you'll see a "tractor bed" as well as wood-top tables that were faux finished to assume the look of marble.

Simple Murals

From start to finish:

Part-Time Pop Star

The Home Office/Work Room

In this small home, the spare bedroom became the home office housing a PC, extra TV, two desks, and files. But that didn't mean it had to be boring. Taking advantage of varied interests, including sports and antique tools, as well as a collection of Cars die-cast vehicles, the office has taken on a life of its own.

Of most interest is the Cars display table which is made of four motorcycle tires, a blue light from within (like the "ghost light" that kept Mater scared), and a plexiglass top.

Authentic jerseys, autographed hockey sticks, diplomas, and other memorabilia complete the eclectic decor making it uniquely "home" for this family.

Gallery