Design & Decor
The Finesse of Faux
If you want what you haven’t got, faux finishing can give it to you.
BY
Tyler Kessler, owner of Fauxs and Finishes
PHOTOGRAPHY
iStockphoto/Brad Wieland

Maybe you have oak cabinets but want cherry. A wood door but you want iron. New drywall but you want 500-year-old-looking plaster. If you can’t get the real thing, faux finishing could be your solution. The word ‘faux’ is French for ‘false’ and historically stems from artists painting surfaces to look like other materials that were not available or affordable to their client. Today, faux is still a popular choice as a finish and can be applied to nearly any surface in the home, from walls to furniture.

But not all faux is the same. Some faux finishing can be super colorful or busy and some can be subtle. It can be classic or trendy. Back before paint was as good as it is today, plaster was used to cover walls, and different types of plaster gave different looks — high sheen or earthy texture — depending on the region of the world. All of these plasters still exist and are more abundant than ever.

Most people who say they have done faux painting are usually talking about paints and glazes or a generic plaster called Venetian plaster sold at retailers. While those products have nearly endless uses, they are only a handful of hundreds of products and mediums that a professional faux finisher has access to. When he or she combines the vast array of materials with the application knowledge, nearly any look can be created or copied.   

When it comes to walls, the possibilities are endless. If you fall in love with a piece of tile, wallpaper or a picture in a magazine, a professional faux finisher can match it. If you want your fiberglass columns to look like polished marble or stained wood, he or she can do it much cheaper than the real thing.

Faux is a high-end product and service, but with remodeling, it is almost always cheaper than replacing materials. One of the biggest markets for faux finishing right now is kitchen cabinets. By using faux techniques on those ubiquitous yet unappreciated golden oak cabinets, a professional faux finisher can upgrade them without the mess and cost of replacement. You could also make a focal point in your kitchen by having the island or other cabinet finished to look like a stand-alone furniture piece.

If you visit a home valued in the millions, you may notice details that separate it from an entry-level home. Most likely it includes faux finishes on many walls and cabinetry that give it an upgraded look. Faux finishing used extensively on many surfaces can completely transform a home. Remember that faux finishing is not necessarily a set style or look but rather puts a high-end-looking finish on surfaces.

If you’re considering using faux in your home, talk to a professional before you begin choosing materials. One of the costliest mistakes you can make is to cover up an expensive material with paint. A professional can save you money by using a less expensive hard wood and ultimately give you the look you want for less.