Michelle's Design Works

Bling in the Powder Room

How fun is it to have a glitzy powder room? I love taking a small room like that and making it big and dramatic.

Here’s a peek into a lovely townhome I recently worked in. The view was fantastic, looking out onto the Ohio River. The view of the powder room, however was not very inspiring. But, we took care of that.

My client now has a powder room full of glitz and glamour, with lots of sparkle imbedded in the plaster.

Rich, warm bronze, plums and browns in the finish. It’s hard to get good photos of small, dark rooms like this one. Here’s a close-up:

I even added a faux finish to the ceiling using bronze lusterstone and glaze. Much more interesting than a plain, white ceiling to look at.

Participating in CitiRAMA Home Show

I was thrilled when asked by Grace Jones of Hoffman & Albers design studio if I’d like to do some work in a CitiRAMA Home Show home. What a great opportunity!

Grace asked me to paint a floral medallion around the ceiling light fixture to coordinate with the bedding she had chosen. The colors were bright and funky and the design had a Moroccan feel. Ceiling work is never fun (literally a pain in the neck), but luckily it was only 8ft. high.

You can only barely see it, but I added some bling to the design too – crystals around the center of the flowers.

The opening is tomorrow night. I did a distressed leather faux finish on another ceiling in the house as well which I hope to get a good photo of. I can’t wait to see the girl’s room and the rest of the house with all of the final decorating touches. From everything I saw while I was working there, I’d be happy to move right in!

Thanks so much to Marilyn Abrams from Lighting Efx for recommending me to Grace. I truly appreciate it!

Sensational ceilings

Ceilings are the fifth wall in a room, and often are ignored. We tend to think that they aren't really noticeable. Flat white paint will do just fine.

But, what if you want to step up the a room a notch? What if you want a ceiling to appear higher or more special than it is? Or, what if you have a vaulted, domed or tray ceiling, and want that to be the focal point? You can add some beautiful paint finishes to a ceiling to really make it special.

Here are a few examples of ceilings that I've painted that make a sensational impact as you step into the room.

 

This is a very simple approach to bring attention to a very average ceiling. This living room has an 8ft ceiling that was anything but special. By bringing the faux finish on the wall up onto the ceiling, it gives the appearance of a tray ceiling and definitely brings the eye upward, raising the perceived height. This is a ceiling in my home, and I can't tell you how many times guests have commented on what a great effect this is.

 

Here's a fantastic vaulted ceiling in a foyer that went from plain to WOW! A faux hammered copper finish added color and a beautiful glow as you enter the front door. Chocolate browns, rust and golds add depth and blend with the woodwork and wall colors.  

 

This is the dining room ceiling of the same client's home, and is visable as you walk in the front door. We carried the same hammered copper faux finish onto this ceiling, and added a beautiful ornate stencil inside the circular area and in the corners. The stencil is done in a deep chocolate brown and adds a special touch that isn't overpowering. It really makes this special ceiling stand out. 

  

  

Here's one last ceiling for today. It is quite high, and in a breakfast nook. Even though it is beautifully constructed, it wasn't really noticeable until the faux finish was added. A Bella Fresco finish in multiple colors give depth and a warm, cozy glow when the lights around the tray are on.