Home Design Trend: Paint Technique

 The living room done by Carrier and Company had a very subtle and delicate linen technique.

Up until a couple of years ago the word "paint technique" would make many, including myself, freak out!.  The first thought coming to mind would've been that weary sponge paint technique of the 90's that was just eekie-cheapi-looking... Now wall paint technique have refined itself to the limit.  Most of the designer showhouses I've visited lately have had many walls covered in these new and exquisite techniques.  The latest was Designer Visions Showhouse 2011 where basically all three apartments had two or more rooms covered with Ralph Lauren's paint techniques which offer a range of finishes from Natural Linen to Antiqued Leather.  My favorite finishes so far are Natural Linen and Venetian Plaster.  Now this last one may not appeal to everyone but I think that in modern apartments where architectural details are lacking, this would add interest and character.

In the den, Carrier and Company applied another linen technique in an orange tone where you can appreciate the effect better.  Below, a closer look.

This decorative paint done on the entryway of this year's Designer Visions Showhouse is Venetian Plaster and was done by Ricardo Brizola.  The same technique, below, was done on the hallway walls of Elle Decor Modern Concept home this year. 

images via House Beautiful, Casa Diseno,

Hearst Designer Visions Cinema Style

As a blogger I get invited to many events, unfortunately I either like too much to be at home and get to be with my family or sometimes those events are inconveniently during week days after work and I just can't make it.  But, there is one kind of event I will not miss and that's the one showcasing designers designs where I get to experience firsthand top quality design.  So on Wednesday I went to the opening night of Designers Visions Cinema Style and all I can say is that if you live in the City or anywhere close go and experience these apartments yourself.  You'll feel enveloped with luxury details and textiles, exquisite American craftsmanship and the excellent job the architects did remodeling these Pre-War apartments.  The bathrooms are stunning and there is one in particular designed by S. Russell Groves where I had a special a La Grange moment.  I loved it so much I didn't even want to leave until people started passing by and sending signs that we were taking too much time.  The three designers asked to participate this year were Heather Moore of Jed Johnson Associates for House Beautiful (you can see the entire spread in the current issue of the magazine), Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier and Company for Town and Country; and Thomas O'Brien of Aero Studio for Veranda.  The apartments will be open for public tour on October 9th, October 15th and 16th from 11AM to 4Pm.  Tickets will benefit The Art of Elysium.