{bits & pieces: thibaut’s faux bois wallpaper}

I planted the seed a couple of weeks ago. In passing, I mentioned to my husband, ” Think about horizontal (painted) wood planking on the headboard wall in our bedroom.” Audible groan, and then, “what are YOU talking about?” In our house, my ideas = husband doing a lot of the work.

That was before I saw this wallpaper in the new Neutral Resource book from Thibaut. The Hirshfield’s Design Studio staff first showed me the paper, and then a couple of the stores mentioned it. Everyone’s in agreement. It’s an excellent faux bois paper and all around great book. That extra layer of texture gives a room more character and added interest. What do you think?

A wide array of natural tones comprise Thibaut’s Neutral Resource wallpaper collection. Designs range from traditional classic patterns to novelty contemporary prints. A variety of metallics paired with colors such as soft fawn, stone, and charcoal enrich the neutral color palette. Specialty papers like cork and raffia enliven the collection with dimension and vitality.

The majority of H’s stores have the Thibaut books, but call first before making a special trip.

Enjoy your week! Spring is almost here.

{friday finds: faux bois 2012}

BHG

knack studio

Heincker Design

Bachman’s Ideas House Spring 2012

Christopher Kane

Remodelholic

Verde Azul

DYI – Centsational Girl

House of Turquoise – Garrison Hullinger

Lars Contzen

Benjamin Dhong – Decorpad

Faux Bois hand towels

Heincker Design

Duralee available at Hirshfield’s Design Resource

Faux Bois paper – Hirshfield’s Design Resource

Faux Bois (from the French for false wood) refers to the artistic imitation of wood or wood grains in various media..

Apartment Therapy:  Looking to add a bit of natural, woodsy whimsy to your decor?

Elle Decor Trend Alert:  This traditional rustic motif is suddenly hip, showing up in glamorous new guises and unlikely colors.

I have been crushing on faux bois for two long years, and it’s all my fault the relationship hasn’t moved forward. I practiced with my graining tool on the white Hirshfield’s sample boards, bought a $2 piano bench, but could never decide on a color combination; I waviered between hot pink and a more neutral color combo, like Lindsey from Everything LEB  used on her nightstand. Plus, no one else seemed to appreciate or get excited about faux bois.

In 2012, everyone has embraced the classic, and sometimes retro look of faux bois. You can see from the images how faux bois works with any decorating scheme in your home, adding yet another layer of pattern and texture to your room. It’s all about layering. And it’s time for me to pick up the graining tool and move forward.

P.S. Not all our stores carry the graining tools; if interested, leave a comment and I will be happy to locate one within our system.

{friday finds: faux bois}

I started looking into faux bois after I ran across this very cool bedside table makeover. It’s been on my mind ever since I saw the post, so I thought I best share. This faux bois table is from Pure Style Home, click here to read the entire post.

Faux Bois is french for “fake wood,” as it looks like wood but it’s not.  Replicating the faux bois look appears to be easy, fun and fairly inexpensive.

These photos are showing a painted base, then one or two (I can’t remember what the Old Masters rep said, I’ll find out) layers of stain that has dried.  Also, shown is the graining tool.  Apply the wiping stain and gently rock the graining tool back and forth as you pull it across the surface. The third photo shows two different wood grains. Can you see the right side has more knots than the left side of the sample? The rep very gently dried brushed the finished product to blur the sharp edges.

With practice, and help from knowledgeable co-workers,  I think this is a look I can achieve and be happy with the outcome. Hirshfield’s has the paint experts, graining tools, paint, stain and white cardboard stock to practice on before the real deal.

What do you think of the look? Interesting or not really?

Here is a site dedicated to all that is faux bois: http://itsknotwood.blogspot.com/ Also, the April issue of House Beautiful has eight different articles on the “new look of wood.”

Shop local…for every $1.00 you spend in a locally owned store 68¢ stays in the community vs. 43¢ if you shop national chains. Keep your money in your community.