Talking Walls
Volume 6, Issue  2 March 2008
A regular look at decorative wall finishes.
 

 

Atherton

 Since we specialize in high-end residential work, we have done a number of projects in Atherton. For those not familiar with it, this is a secluded community in Northern California, with homes tucked away in large lots along tree lined avenues. Our clients here have been upscale, discerning, aesthetic and easy to work with, and in all cases asked us to create custom wall finishes for their homes.

 The Custom Finish Process

We love bringing our level of aesthetic to a home, whether it is just one room or helping to create the look and feel of the whole house. We go through an extensive process to create the perfect finish. When we first meet with the client, we take in the existing scene. We look at such things as the current style of home (both inside and out), furniture, fabrics, rugs, tile, and the colors and textures of each of these items. We take into account how many windows are in the space, the type of lighting, height of the walls, etc. These are all factors we consider when deciding the colors and textures to incorporate into the wall finish.

We also find out exactly what the clients are trying to achieve, the colors they like and the purpose and intent of the room. They may also be working with a designer so we get any input on that.  

We determine which of the many different plasters and textures we use would create the best look for the room.  It might be rough, rustic, iridescent, translucent or a smooth polished look. Next, we determine which colors will work best or will harmonize with what is there.  As a note, many people have the idea with wall finishes that you need to use the same color as everything else in the room.  While that is one alternative, it is far from the only way.  We often use the color wheel to pick out colors that harmonize with the other surfaces already in the room, such as tile, counters, etc.  

 (follow this link to see more pictures of this beautiful Atherton home)

 

We try to create subtle, sophisticated finishes that enhance the colors and furnishings of the room, not overwhelm it. Heavy-handed finishes that use multiple colors, layers and embellishments can make a room look too heavy and busy. Instead, each layer should subtly add to the earlier one, leading up to a finish that should look very natural (as if it has always been there) not new or contrived.

Using all this information, we create various large size samples that we bring to the room or rooms where the finishes will be applied.  We encourage the client to look at the samples at different times and in different lighting, since these factors will often dramatically change the look or feel of the wall finish. It’s easy to see when we have the right finish; everything seems to tie together with it.

 

 

 

 

 

Invitation

We invite you to call us for a free consultation.  If you are considering doing any work on your home this year, call us early in the creative process. One of the things that our clients love about us is the time we spend with them, really determining what they need and want, consulting with them closely before and during the work process, so that the end product is always Molto Bene.

Call 925 606 0644 or email molto@earthlink.net.

 

      Molto Bene License No. 739710

Molto Bene Designer Wall Finishes

venetian plaster * marmarino * stucco veneziano * eco friendly wall finishes 
www.moltobenewalls.com
1141 Hibiscus Way
Livermore, CA 94551
925 606 0644
to be removed from our database, email us at molto@earthlink.net  with "remove" in the subject line.