Talking Walls
Volume 1, Issue 2 October
2002
A regular look at decorative
wall finishes.
Creating
"Optical Illusions"
One of our most recent projects
was at Santana Row. "Optical Illusions" is a high-end eyewear store,
in the heart of this new work/live/shop urban village development in San
Jose. Fortunately, our project escaped the huge fire that was in the news
a month ago. Our job was to create walls and ceilings in the display area
that looked as if they had been there since Roman times, and create unique
wall surfaces for the exam/office areas. We gave Optical Illusions block
walls that look as if they are crumbling away, aged columns and ceiling beams
that frame computer generated murals, and dramatic metallic plaster
finishes in the hallway and exam areas. The general contractor was happy
with our ability to meet time frames and work around other tradespeople.
The architect was happy with our execution of his design. And the client was
happy with the effort we put into creating "aged" finishes that didn't look
contrived. It is a beautifully designed commercial space, and a great place to
come and look at a number of our wall finishes (as well as killer eyewear). Stop
by this new store when it opens November 7th.
Finish of the Month -
Colonnato
This finish was used on the interior columns and ceiling beams at the
Optical Illusions project. We started with ordinary wooden frames. First, a
sandstone and plaster mixture was used to create a stone like effect.
Layers of metallic gold and bronze formed the base and final aging was
accomplished with lime washes. We have subsequently used a variation of this
finish on a residential project where the designer had railings where she wanted
to do something special that at the same time did not look gaudy or
gimmicky.
Metallic
Finishes
A lot of different sources are talking
about the trend toward using special effects and metallics in color. "Color is
no longer uni-dimensional. New technologies in color design, materials and
manufacturing have opened an exciting world of color expression for creators and
users of color in all industries. Pearlescence, metallics, iridescence, texture,
layering and even colors that change with lighting conditions have given
designers the ability to create fresh approaches to their products and
materials," said Color Marketing Group President, Jay de Sibour, CMG, Marketing
Consultant, Kenvil, New Jersey, USA.
