The Lighthouse

 

The Lighthouse

Over the years I’ve been requested to paint lighthouses into some of my mural work. Living in SW Florida, the Sanibel lighthouse is a common request. However, until recently a lighthouse hasn’t been the focal point of the mural work. Rather it’s been a mere addition into an overall scene. So, I was excited at the request to have  a lighthouse be the only object in the mural piece. A homeowner who is a collector of yard statuary wanted a lighthouse painted to fill an odd exterior wall angle. Little could they have known how much it meant to me. Every time I see a lighthouse I think of my Uncle Bill. He is a minister retired from a life as a missionary. Whenever he would return home to the U.S. to visit, he would be asked to preach and usually sing as well. One of the songs I remember him singing the most was the gospel song “The Lighthouse”. What a joy it was to paint this light house while in my mind’s memory hear him singing “The Lighthouse” and rejoicing in the love of Christ as our lighthouse guiding the way.

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Bamboo Mural to Hide the Drainpipes

Bamboo Mural to Hide the Drainpipes

Drainpipes are an essential for house construction. But sometimes they can get in the way of the overall look. Most of the time we choose to simply ignore them and pretend they aren’t there. Not for this homeowner. The pool on the lanai is flanked by the walls of a Casita addition. Previously, I had painted a botanical mural for a Zen feel. The location of the outdoor dining area is to the side of the wall mural and gives a view of the side of the new extension. This side wall is where the drainpipes are placed. Rather than look at the drainpipes, the homeowner requested the pipes be camouflaged by extending the bamboo of the mural. A few favorite backyard birds now fly in the mural as well:

Here’s a closeup look of the side of the Casita:

Ready to change the focus of your Lania? Contact me at Swan Studios Inc 

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Silver Metallic Faux Grasscloth

Silver Metallic Faux Grasscloth

There is a simple elegance to Grasscloth wallcovering. The care and installation, however, is not so elegant especially here in SW Florida. The average humidity level hovers in the upper 70s and often climbs into the 90s. It is like breathing water. Granted every home has climate control, but that humidity does find its way in and can affect wall finishes. If the Grasscloth is added into a bathroom there is , of course, the shower steam and sink splashes to contend with. A simple answer to having the look of Grasscloth on your walls without the worry of its upkeep is to have the look faux painted onto the walls.

This Casita bath was literally screaming for a wall finish. With a few tones of silver stria’d on in a horizontal pattern, the room now has the timeless yet modern look of grass cloth: 

Here’s a closer look:

For this particular room, the base coat color is SW7646 First Star. Then using a wide flat natural bristle brush the silver is delicate brushed. This look was alternating with Faux Effects Palette Deco in Silver, and a mixture of Flexible Modeling Paste and Metallic Silver acrylic.

The end result is glamorous, looks like wallcovering, and has the added benefit of being easy to care for and holds up even in the steamiest of rooms.

Let’s create your own custom faux finish look. Contact Swan Studios Inc 

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Asian Style Shutter Mural

 Asian Style Shutter Mural

Shutters are a quintessential look for homes in SW Florida. The traditional plantation style shutters are used both in both the interior of the homes and on the exterior of the homes. Occasionally, they are requested to be painted on in my mural work. For a current homeowner “traditional” meant an Asian flair. Their heritage is Chinese.  The mural work started out as a Zen look for their poolside wall. (to see those photos, visit: Florida Zen Mural )

I’ll have more on that in a future article.

Next to the Zen mural was a traditional arch window. Rather than leave the window “undressed”, Asian style shutters are now painted on either side. For extra flair, Asian fret work Is painted above the arch.

The end result is “traditional”, Asian, and 3D:

 

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Ginger Cat Appreciation Day

Happy Ginger Cat Appreciation Day!

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Cabinetry Makeover

Dark and dated kitchens are a common angst for SW Florida homeowners. An easy update to a lighter and brighter kitchen or bath  is have the cabinets painted. Painting the cabinetry is a more budget-friendly way to give your home the look you crave. Of course, the cabinetry needs to be in good condition. If the cabinets are warped or crumbling, paint won’t fix that. But if the cabinets are in good shape, painting can literally save you thousands of dollars over replacing the cabinets.

If you plan to replace the hardware , keep the current hardware spacing in mind. If you plan to go from a knob to a handle, the painter needs to know that before the cabinets are painted so that the proper prep work can be done.

Even though some paints declare they are paint and primer all in one, I always prime the cabinet first. Proper preparation makes all the difference in the world. I’ve used a variety of paint brands over the years. What brand and type I use depends on if I’m painting for one color or creating a faux finish. If its just one color, I suggest Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane. It flows like melted butter.

Here are some before and after examples of changing dark finish cabinets to modern airy look. ( the color used in the next 3 photos is Sherwin Williams Moderate White SW6140).

A world of difference:

Are your cabinets dragging you back decades? Let’s update them to a fresher look. Contact Swan Studios Inc 

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Faux Mohogany Front Door

Faux Mohogany Front Door

Your entry way is the first impression of your home. Make it fabulous. The yummy goodness of rich mahogany makes the entrance warm and inviting. It both impresses the eyes and creates the feel of a welcoming hug. Here are a few mahogany examples to inspire you: 

Close up :

Ready to give your doors a welcoming makeover? A faux mahogany look may be just the thing. Contact Swan Studios Inc

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