She estimates that elaborate faux finishing caught on in this region three years ago. Instead of simple sponging or ragging over flat paint, today's faux looks are more complex and have more depth. Frescoes, tortoise shell finishes, and multi-layered trompe l'oeil effects that look like brick, stone, broken plaster, or an actual object, are often requested. They can be painted to mimic stone, a cherry wood inlay, or tile, and then they're professionally sealed. It's a great way to update floors in entryways or around kitchen islands.
Ceilings are just as much open to such possibilities.
New stencils are laser-cut and are larger than they used to be, so they contribute to much more precise results. There's more shading and detailing, so you don't get that repetitive look. From stencil borders with a hand-painted appearance to large murals, homeowners add faux finishing to bring warmth to their decors. Exact color matches are another plus. As an alternative to wallpaper, they're much more durable and easier to repair.