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,

Kitchen of the week: Traditional kitchen utensils as acceessory

Ever since I saw this kitchen at the current issue of Veranda Magazine I was taken by it.  Windsor Smith, the designer, incorporated industrial elements in a classic background to create an open, grand and unique kitchen.  The first thing that caught my eye was the balance scale on the picture above.  Isn't that an exquisite detail? For crying out loud Windsor, God Bless you!  Then of course my eyes started to get bigger as I was trying to get everything in.  Let's talk about those gray cabinets, how seamlessly they blend with the carrara marble that is used abundantly throughout.  Oh! and that sconce in the middle of the open nickle shelves, oh my!  Talking about layers, texture and interest, the wall behind the shelves is enveloped in hexagon marble tiles, really?!  Now moving on to the floors, I can see kids coming in and out riding scooters and roller blades and the floors would only get better.  This kitchen is an absolute antidote to boring.  If it were a brownie I would have already ate it! 

I suspect that we are going to start seeing touches like the balance scale more often and more frequent.  Below are a few traditional kitchen utensils and industrial accessories that I think would look great in any kitchen.   Many of them can be found at restaurant suppliers.

Clockwise, from left top corner, Antique apothecary balance scale at Etsy, Brass balance scale with weights at 1stdibs, old scale, white at Anthropologie, 19th century American wine maker at Urban Remains Chicago, and meat grinders. Below, a Russian antique samovar.