The rustic charm of painted scrolls on ceiling beams needs no introduction. This decorative accent is a delightful addition to any country room. And though beams are common elements in rustic interiors rarely do I see them used as a focal point for decorative applications. French Country lends itself to this type of stylized treatments. It is a blending of the attention for detail with the desire to beautify all things that makes this application appropriately Country French.
Using color at home or in the office - for paintings, furniture or any artistic challenge - takes a good eye, a little know how, and a creative imagination. Create custom color schemes and color effects in your home or office. Learn how to use the best base color, create a glaze, mixing colors, and more.
Step 1:
First I measure the width and length of a beam to properly scale my scroll pattern.
Step 2:
The scroll pattern can be scaled to the proper width using a photo copier. Next I illustrate the outline of the scrolls using a sheet of tracing paper and black pen.
Step 3:
Using the transfer method described on page XX, I trace out my scroll pattern directly onto the beam.
If you are applying the pattern to a painted beam, as in this instance, you can use homemade transfer paper or colored transfer paper purchased from your local art supply store. If you have a wooded beam that you wish to paint you’ll find that white transfer paper will be best suited for this type of project.
Step 4:
I’ll outline the shapes first using a blend of Raw Umber, Ultramarine Blue and White.
Step 5:
. Now I’ll fill in the forms using an ochre colored wash of Raw Siene mixed with Raw Umber.
Step 6:
I add a secondary shadow line to establish the 3-dimentional quality to the scroll pattern. This color blend consists of Raw Umber with a hint of Raw Siene.
Step 7:
Next I introduce additional color accents into the leaves of my scroll pattern. Mixing Sap Green with Raw Siene I apply this using a No. 3 brush.
Step 8:
The last element I want to distinguish will be the four petal floral motif. I mix a blend of Raw Umber, Raw Siene and Cadmium Red Medium together and loosely apply this color to the motif.
Step 8:
A light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper will soften the scroll and add a worn appearance.
A light antique glaze can be applied over the painted scrolls to further enhance the aged appearance. Mix Raw Umber and Burnt Siene together in a loose, watery solution. Liberally apply this to the painted areas and then dab and wipe with a clean rag removing most of the antique glaze. The remaining color should provide a lightly textured antique appearance over the decorative scroll pattern.
Colonial Amercians drew inspriation from their European heritage. Curent design styles would filter across the ocean and become reinventedin early America. Proportion and scale took reign over ornementation, A neutral color palette of grey blue, greens and rose pinks is readily apparent.
Polished Plaster, or Stucco Veneziano, is a Traditional wall treatment that provides a glossy, visually textured wall finish. Venetian Plaster is a natural formula composed of organic ingredients, calcium, and acrylic binders creating a decorative paste plaster for interior applications. Polishing the surface compresses the calcium within the compound, creating a narble-like finish, cool and hard to the touch.
This treatment is quite versitile, ranging from a rustic backdrop to a refined and elegant finish.
The Rustic Style color palette falls within a distinct range of color tones and is essential in creating a successful Rustic interior. By using the appropriate color tones you can create a variety of design styles ranging from Period and Historic, regional or thematic. Color helps define our experiences within an interior and exterior environment. It affects us on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level and can be calming and passive, expressive and vital.
Floral patterns used as accents in fabrics and furniture are common place details in the English Country home. These graceful and organic patterns complement the cozy interior of this style and work particularly well with lace window treatments, an heirloom tea service set and the natural and rustic charm of wooden ceiling beams and slightly irregularly textured walls.