Unique designs with faux painting

Cindy Parisi, owner of Eye for Color Designs -- a faux painting business based in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater -- said metallic paints added to wall finishes, trim or accent pieces seem to be trendy appliques for this year, and will most likely continue through upcoming seasons.

"They add extreme dimension and interesting shimmers of colors as light is reflected from them," Parisi said.

Parisi said many of her clients in Somerset and Middlesex counties choose faux painting to create custom textures and finishes for an upscale and unique design look. "This look creates a designer look that is classy, sophisticated and upscale, but even more than that -- it is customized," she said.

Parisi said faux painting creates the look of wallpaper but offers cleaner lines and options for change. "People have the option of changing paint easier than ripping off wallpaper," Parisi said. "I think within the last five years, consumers have been gravitating away from wallpaper and realizing that paint is a more versatile option."

She said faux painting incorporates many specialized techniques offering great texture to the touch and depth to the eye.

One service which is growing in demand is faux painting in kitchens, she said. "More families are spending time in the kitchen," Parisi said. For kitchen cabinets, she uses a painting application with creme paint and a mocha glaze that is a signature look, she said. "This application offers an Old World style and its beautiful," she said.

She also is able to create custom looks for clients. One Somerset County client wanted to create a master bathroom in "Hollywood glam style."

"I painted a master bathroom in a rich red shade and then coated it with a bronze metallic which makes my client feel as though she is back in the 1950's," Parisi said. "Lot of times, the clients personality comes through in this type of custom work."

Parisi's professional experience includes working at a retail decorating store and an interior design business. She was offering faux painting services on the side, but said she decided to pursue her own business for greater career satisfaction.

"I truly enjoy going to work everyday, but the most fulfilling part of my job is stepping back and seeing my final art, as well as becoming friends with the homeowners along the way," she added. "All of my clients have been through word of mouth referrals. Each and every one of my projects contains different colors and finishes to fit the unique requests of my clients."