Trompe I'oeil

Trompe l'oeil, or "Trick the Eye" gives you the impression that something exists, when it really doesn't.  There are many ways to trick the eye using interior design.  Some ways include painted finishes, interesting furniture, art, florals, lighting fixtures, etc.  When executed properly, it is a great way to make a unique statement, and have some fun with your space.



The Venetian Las Vegas, and it's famous Canal Rides, has a faux painted ceiling that gives you the impression that your not only in a building, but your really in Venice.  This is an excellent example of Trompe l'oeil, and tricking the eye into thinking your walking under a partly cloudy sky. 

 Murals and Painting Techniques are a great way to trick the eye. By painting a window and the scene beyond it, you can liven up an interior room and make it feel more open.  You can also paint faux items such as headboards or even chair rails.  Say you don't want to put molding on your walls, but want to have that appearance of a chair rail, just leave the strip white, and paint around it.  You see it often in current advertisements for various paint and paint accessories. 



This technique by 3M shows a nicely painted wall using unpainted white lines as a faux chair rail and frame around the various colors.  While standing back, it may look as though the treatment was framed using white molding, when really it is unpainted white stripes. 



This Mural, painted in a powder room, by Debbie Cerone, can take you out of the space your in, and transport you to anywhere you paint. 

  Faux Finishes using Various Sheen's of paint is another great way to not only make the room look as though it was wall papered, but also give it a unique touch of your own.  While yes you can create a striped look using different colors, using different sheen's gives the room a different look during different lights, angles, and time of day. 

 


This painted technique has matte and gloss stripes painted in the same color, which is a fun way to create a different look.



Universal Building and Design Resources

When remodeling or building a home, or even a single room like a kitchen or bath, it is important to think about adding simple barrier free options and upgrades to accommodate not only the older generations, but also the unexpected.  I have written before on simple changes that most wouldn't even notice as being trans-generational or barrier free, such as my post Simple Changes that Encourage Accessibility.  As a home owner, or design professional, when planning for any space, it is good to have some resources and tools available to ensure that any space is easy for everyone to get to, including small children, older adults, or a friend that comes over with a broken leg or arm.

National Association of Home Builders CAPS Directory
Certified Aging in Place Specialists will help with designing a new home, or remodeling your existing, so that you can age in place at home with little effort.

• Eskaton Universal Design Principles
• Eskaton National Demonstration Home Brochure (Livable Design) 

Livable Design by Eskaton is a new certification process for new home construction and remodel.  This new certification process is associated with Eskaton, a leader in housing solutions for the older communities, however the Livable Design is designed for all generations, from newborns and infants to the elderly.  The demonstration home (brochure link above) shows bathing solutions that make it easy for a parent to bathe a small child, as well as a caregiver to bathe anyone at any age.  It features roll in showers, and standard everyday appliances that are easy to reach and use for all users.  [note: if you are in the Sacramento area, or planning a trip, try to see the Demonstration Home, as it is an eye opener for all families to see how easy Barrier Free can be incorporated seamlessly into any home.]

Other Resources 

• Barrier Free Living - Products and Architectural Products. 
• Kohler's Bold Independence Collection - Products for Barrier Free Design. 
• Livable Homes Universal Design Checklist - A simple checklist for use when remodeling or designing a universal space.  
• Designing Well  - An Aging in Place Blog written by a friend, Karla Gustafson. 

Wood Countertops

Wood is a great alternative to some of the current counter options out there.  Including reclaimed wood, there is a lot of wood species, finishes, edges, and options.  This counter solution can be eco friendly with the use of quickly repopulating woods like Bamboo, or with reclaimed and recycled woods.  

Heirloom Wood Countertops features custom shapes and sizes, as well as multiple different species and finishes.  They have multiple thicknesses available as well, and several different edge styles.  These wood tops are treated, and so they are heat, water, and stain resistant.  

Block Tops Incorporated is also a great source for wood countertops, which can be used  all over your kitchen, as well as islands, on furniture, and so much more.  Wood countertops can enhance the look of your space, add warmth, and are a great warm surface for the consumer that feels granite and stone is too cold.  Block Tops also offers woods like Bamboo and Reclaimed wood, which are great for the environmentally friendly consumer.  

This reclaimed countertop from Craft-Art features a custom cutting board that fits perfectly into the under-mounted stainless steel sink.  

Design Tips: Be sure to have some contrast between the cabinetry color, and the wooden top color.  This allows a visual separation between counter and cabinets, and will help users see the edge of the countertop.  It also helps avoid trying to "match" two different types of wood from two different providers, which is nearly impossible!

Window Treatments

When designing a room, you don't want to forget the windows.  Window treatments are a final touch, that is often overlooked.  With so many products on the market for your windows, they should never be forgotten.  There are many products out there today that are designed to make life with window treatments easier.  Make them more user friendly, for all users in the home.  Here are some solutions for window treatments. 

Automation, or remote controlled treatments are great for larger windows, where the window treatments are too heave to open and close.  Automated window treatments can be hard wired, or even operated by a remote control, and are great for users with limited strength as well.  Most window treatment companies have automation options.  While a more expensive option, it is always a great thing to price out for those larger windows.  Here is a link to Hunter Douglas and their Motorized Options.  Another producer of window automation is Somfy, which has more than just remote controlled options.  

Natural Materials can also be used in Window Treatments.  Grass, bamboo, and other natural elements can work well with many interior design styles and rooms.  These products can also be motorized, and are typically an environmentally friendly option.  The shades below are made from Grass by Perry Design. 

Shutters are another great alternative to blinds and traditional window treatments.  Several companies offer shutter solutions for all types of windows, including french doors and sliding patio doors.  The below shutter was designed by the Baltimore Shutter Company.  

Roman Shades are a beautiful and completely customizable solution to upholstered window treatments.  They can be equipped with black out liners for ultimate light control.  There are many different shapes and styles of Roman Shades, and they look great in formal and casual settings.  The shades below are part of the Perry Design line up.  

Draperies are another great customization options with several casual and formal designs.  Typically custom made, these solutions can be made however the end user wants them, including style, fabrics, liners, shapes, etc.  Draperies can be made with automation and black out liners if requested.  The draperies below are available from Factory Direct Drapes. 

Typography in Design

I love words, and I love letters, the funkier the better.  So how would you work them into your designs.  Words and typography can be worked into any design in many different ways.  The seamless integration of typography in designs can not only add character and personality, but conversational pieces as well as artistic flair.  Here are just a few ways you can add typography, as well as some great examples.  

This Interior, and wall treatment, available from Murals Your Way shows one creative way to use typography.  

This custom art work by Stephanie Morris is featured on the hand made goods site, Etsy  allows the designer, or the DIYer to customize their own typographical piece using specified colors, and the lyrics from a favorite song.  Just by doing a quick search on Etsy, there are a ton of typographical prints, canvases, and custom paintings available to suit your needs and style.  

The use of wood letter cutouts, like this from Craftcuts.com allows you to write any word you want, in one font or a collection of various fonts, sizes, etc.  allows you to create a fun piece that both shows personality, but fun as well.  

If you don't want to add typography to the walls, then furnishings with printed or painted typography is always a good muted option.  For example, this piece which was modified using Modello Designs Decorative Masking Products.