Is it… Bella Faux Finishes or Bella “Fox” Finishes?

We have heard so many of the Guys pronounce “Faux” as Fox.  Interior Design just isn’t high on most men’s want list.

The ladies usually are more interested in the final Interior Design decisions. But not always…

The correct pronunciation of “Faux” is shown below. It is a French word meaning false or fake.

So…Do You Really Need – Bella Faux Finishes?

No, Faux Finishes and Decorative Finishes in your home, are a Want and not a Need“.

But One Question though, do your Friends and Family tell you how much they Love your Home, asking many questions and wanting to borrow some of your Interior Design Ideas?

Is the Interior Design of your home brought up in conversations, over and over?

“What really is… The Wow Effect?” – Someday, somewhere down the road, you will be going to a restaurant, vacationing at a hotel or visiting a friends residence.

On that day, from what you are viewing, your appreciation for Great Interior Design, created by layering … Color, Texture and Effect, will change your opinion about Decorative Finishes and Faux Finishes… Forever!

You will feel a warm intense emotion, the moment you enter the room. You will look around, all of your senses will be heightened,  your curiosity about what you are seeing will tug at you and then you will unknowingly express this unique experience by Quietly Whispering…. Wow! (Have you experienced this before?)

So my message this month is, No… you do not need Decorative Finishes, Faux Finishes or even Fox Finishes. But if you would like your home to be unique from everyone else’s, then you may want to explore the idea…

I just want to open your mind to the possibilities… of introducing a unique Decorative Finish or Italian Venetian Plaster in your home.

“Below, the talented Diana Krall sings and old standard written by Hoagy Carmichael in 1939, “I Get Along Without You Very Well”.   Many people have sang this great song from Frank Sinatra on, but I love Diana Kralls version the Best!”

If you are looking for something Unique in your Home, then maybe… someday, you would like to sit down and share some new ideas about your project. David and I would love to meet you! There is never… ever… a Hint of obligation. David and I are just honored to have the opportunity to meet you, hear your story and share our Interior Design Ideas and Art.

Bella Faux Finishes – You can reach us at Contact Us or Request a Quote. Also, to learn more about the Bella Effect, click on the Testimonials we have received. Please call early on your project, as our schedule can fill up through the year.

Important – If you are interested in what you see, then I would encourage you to “Like Us” on Facebook. Here you will get to view our New Projects First and our New Decorative Finishes.

Interior Design Budget – You do need to set a budget, but we have stunning Decorative Finishes for every size budget!

Our Interior Design Process is Easy… Just pick One Room or Unique Area to… Wow!

It could be a Crows Foot Tray Ceiling that is sadly sleeping in effect, a Niche that is begging for an Interior Design Purpose or your Pale White Columns that are hungry for something to Boost their Self-Esteem…

Thanks for those following our “Think Bella” blog! Who knows, maybe we will get a chance to meet down the road. You can’t miss my Gray Hair…

Also if you are interested in Interior Design and would like to learn a little more on How To Create the Wow Effect, read “The 7 Interior Design Mistakes”. It will give you the structure on where to start first.

Wishing everyone the Best!

https://youtu.be/wQS_7A0l-wk

 

 

 

 

 

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From the beginning in 2005, our goal for Bella Faux Finishes, was to search out and specialize in the most Unique Decorative Finishes from around the world. Bringing them to the Midwest, to present to our clients on projects.

We sought out various schools to attend and invested thousands of dollars in training, books and products to work with in the studio. We then invested many Months and Years, learning new Techniques, Methods and various decorative finishes.

As Bella Faux Finishes, approaches our 10 year anniversary, our efforts have been richly rewarded with invitations to share our Art and Interior Design Ideas on some of the most Unique Homes in the Midwest.

We love presenting and introducing our Art on any size of project, large or small. It is alway fun creating new level of drama in a home or business.

Bella Faux Finishes specialize in the historic application of Italian Venetian Plaster imported from Italy, the Italian Finishes, New Decorative Finishes and Faux Finishes. We also offer imported Art from Italy, which is incredible to view! You just have to see it.

We specialize in Marbling for columns or any unique area. We use both methods, the French Style of marbling and the Italian Style of marbling.

We also Marble columns in Italian Venetian Plaster with a trowel. Both finishes are incredible!

“Important – If you would like to view our New Art on Projects First, before anyone else, then Like us on Facebook. Here is where we share our most recent projects and sample boards. I think your will love what you see…”

“Note – Near the bottom of this page, a great song by Renee Olstead and written by David Foster, “A Love that will Last“. This is pretty much what everyone wants in their personal relationships. David and I, hear so many kind words about our Art on projects, that this song inspired me to write about how, our Art is Different and How you can create a Wow Effect that will Last…”

Your Design Opportunities –  Walls, Ceilings and Columns are the “Canvas” in your Home or Business, this is where some of your Wow Opportunities are for Art.

Artisans have the ability to visualize in Colors, layering various Textures and Effect. This is not always easy to do, but comes naturally if you lean towards the Artistic side, like we do.

When you invite us to your home, you are bringing Fresh Eyes to view your project. This is so important to generate new ideas without any preconceived design plan or color scheme.

From years of experience, most of the time, we can look at a room or space and almost immediately envision various opportunities to create drama.

Sometimes, we get a chance to view past projects. It is such a great feeling to know that our clients and homeowners still love our Art and that our Decorative Finishes are still creating drama!

Our goal at Bella Faux Finishes, on every single project, is to create a ‘Wow Effect” that will last.

David and I, through the years, have successfully helped many Home Owners, Interior Designers and Contractors, create a higher level of drama on their projects. Visit our Gallery and also Like us on Facebook to view photos.

Click on the Testimonials we have received, to learn more about their experience working with Bella Faux Finishes.

If you have a project that you would like to discuss with us, we can be reached at Contact Us or Request a Quote.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing ideas about your dream home. Please call us early in your project as our schedule can fill up. Thanks!

Below, sample on left for Pool Columns. Real Marble Pool Column is on the right.

Below, Pool Columns, still more detailing left. Will show completed columns in a future blog.

Below, a great song by Renee Olstead,  written by David Foster, “A Love that will Last”. This is pretty much what everyone wants in their personal relationships…

David and Ambers son, Owen, turns two this month. Now that is a Love that will last!

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Marbled Columns…. Who doesn’t Love to View, Touch and Ponder the movement of various marbles.

Capturing the color tones, the depth and how the veining intertwines… layers around each other, curling, moving and hiding is truly a “Visual Feast” for the eyes!

The Historic Art and Techniques of Marbling – From the the very first day of marbling, I knew this was going to be an Art that I would love for many years!

David and I, have had alot of fun with columns through the years. But there are many challenges, such as determining the best top coat to seal, protect and enhance the marbling. This seems like a simple decision, but there are many options available, but not all will create the effect or depth you are looking for.

Also, when you discover a marble movement and layering that you Love and then trying to recreate this movement with a brush or trowel, is not always easy.

But it’s all part of the Passion and Love, learning this remarkable historic Art.

Through history, there have been a variety of methods and perspectives on how to approach the Art of Marbling.

The most famous are the Italian Style and the French Style.

At Bella Faux Finishes we specialize in both styles, many times, combining their techniques to create a Unique Marble Finish.

The Artisan Tools that we use:

(1) Trowel – Italian Venetian Plaster or Italian Finishes. Both of these methods can create a real marble finish or textured marble finish by painting with a trowel.

(2) Variety of Brushes – Here you have more freedom to create a variety of effects. We have many different brushes and Artisan tools to move and create magic with a dab of paint…

Lets Talk about Your Columns –  Do you have any “Naked Columns” in your Home or Business, that are begging for attention?

Don’t be afraid to give us a call. We would love to meet you and your columns and share some ideas and possibilities in the world of marbling.

Our company is Bella Faux Finishes. You can reach my son David and I at Contact Us or Request a Quote.

To learn more about working with Bella Faux, you can read some of the Testimonials we have received through the years. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your story someday!

Below, I will share some pictures of marbling, various projects and some of the people in our lives that are special on this… Valentines Day month.

Happy Valentines Day Everyone, wishing everyone the Best!

Important – If you would like to view our Art First, before anyone else, then Like Us on Facebook.

Here is where we share our projects and New Art from the Studio… First! 

I think you will Love what you see!

I know… you will leave with some ideas for your next project…

Below, the final coats of a gloss sealer have not been applied yet. After they are sprayed and honed they should be fun to look at and touch!

Below, Great Song from the movie “Begin Again”. Whether your Passion & Love follows the Arts or the Passion & Love in your Relationships, Hang on to this fleeting energy. Don’t take your Passions or your personal Relationships for granted! Everything that we do in life is better, when it is driven by this powerful emotion…

Below a sample of marbling we created in the Bella Faux Studio. There are so many possibilities with this Art…

Excited about the Pool Columns that are in our future. These will be Fun and Challenging, to create a marbling that compliments the real marble columns…

 

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U-nique (yoo-neek) Adj.

1. Being the only one of its kind. 2. Without an equal or equivalent, unparalleled. 3. Very Remarkable or unusual. 4. Used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else.

You are Unique! Your Spouse, your Children, your Personalities and Passions are all Unique!

But is the “Interior Design Theme” of your Home or Business Unique?

Does your home look like everyone else’s home, similar colors, a little faux glaze painting here or there?

Are your Columns, Niches or Tray Ceilings begging for some drama?

What sets your home apart from others?  What Interior Design Ideas will your friends want to Borrow or Steal to introduce in their… Home?

Where in your home do you have an area, that consistently gathers friends and family, generating comments of… Praise, Curiosity, Wonder and Questions?

Johnny Rzeznik, lead singer from the Goo Goo Dolls says:  “We all, We all, We ought to start something New….. Keep The Car Running!”                   

(Scroll to bottom of this page to view the video and hear this great song, that inspired the theme of this months post! Also to view stunning project photos!)

If you are Tired of your Dated Colors, Old Faux Finishes and are ready to Explode some… New Ideas for Color, Texture & Effect in your Home or Business, then give us a call!

“Keep the Car Running… Let’s Meet, Share some Ideas and introduce New Layers of Color, Texture & Effect in your Home!

Most Homeowners, don’t realize that they have so many opportunities in their home or business to create… “The Wow Effect!”

Schedule an Hour out of your day, put the Coffee on, and Lets meet! We would love to hear your story, share ideas for Color, Texture and Effect, helping you Discover where those unique areas of opportunity are in your Home or Business.

Since 2005, Master Artisans – Mark Nordgren & David Nordgren of Bella Faux Finishes, have specialized in the historic application of imported Italian Venetian Plaster, the Italian Finishes, Decorative Finishes, New Faux Finishes and imported Art from Italy.

To learn more about the Bella Effect, you can read Testimonials from past projects or view our Before & After Gallery. You can reach David and I at Contact Us or Request a Quote.

Important – If your project is down the road, it is never too early to meet. Our Schedule can fill up fast, preventing us from coming to yours. So contact us way early, before you have even dug the hole, lets start the conversation…

Also Like Us on Facebook.  Here is where you will have the opportunity to view most of our projects first!

So if you are interested in our Art, Like us on Facebook and you will be the First One to see our New Decorative Finishes on projects.

I think you will love what you see…

Bella Faux Finishes was featured on “Home Ideas TV” a few years ago. (I was also 40 lbs heavier back then, ugh)  You will learn a little bit about imported Italian Venetian Plaster from Verona, Italy and the stunning Italian Finishes.

In this segment, David, Michael and I shared our Art in the home of “World Famous, Judy Shaw”. Her Passion, Love and Ministry has touched the lives of so many people around the world…

What an Incredible Lady and Great Friend!

 

“Bella….?!?!”

It’s funny on projects today, David and I are known and referred to as “Bella”.  We hear various questions and comments from Contractors, Owners, Interior Designers, Painters and Sub-Contractors ranging from:

“See if Bella can do this”,  “Ask Bella, what do they think”, “You better talk to Bella about that one”, “Bella will have a finish, talk to them”,  “Check with Bella”, to my favorite comment of all… “Where the Hell is… Bella??”

 

“Keep the Car Running…”

David and I are always listening to our iPods on projects. I have been pounding this song in my head all Summer & Fall.

Johnny Rzeznik, lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls says:  “We all, We all, We ought to start something New….. Keep The Car Running!”

Never knew this band before, but I know them now, phenomenal band that Kathy & I saw in concert this Summer!

“Keep The Car Running” means don’t be afraid to move on when you Need to make a…. New Change! Whether the change it is in your Personal Life, your Friends, your Health, your Weight or… the Interior Design or your Home!

I used the lyrics from this great Johnny Rzeznik song to inspire the theme of this months… “Bella Faux Finishes Blog – “Think Bella!”.

 

 

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I will share one of the articles I wrote on Interior Design.  This has been published around the world and is on many websites today.

The article details “Seven Common Mistakes made in Interior Design”. Many you may already know of, but some may give you ideas on how to approach your next project.

Rarely are Interior Design Projects given sufficient time to nurture, collect and test ideas for a project. Many times,  critical decisions are rushed, preventing your project from…  “Revealing to You”,  the best Color, Texture and Effect.  Multiple samples must be tested to work the Interior Design Process. This way, you do not miss out on an opportunity to Wow!

So nothing too profound here, just a few thoughts on how to approach a really cool project.  Remember… your goal, our goal is always to create… “The Wow Effect”.

You can the full article on this link:   “The 7 Interior Design Mistakes”.

Also, the video below will walk you through it, but you better grab a cup of coffee… sorry, it’s a a little slow moving…

If you would like to share some ideas about your project you can reach David & I at  Contact us or Request a Quote.  To learn more about the Bella Effect on a project, visit our Testimonials. Have a Great Week!

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

 

 

 

 

 

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What room in your Home or Business is begging for a make over? Interior Design trends and colors from 10 years ago, today may reflect a dated home. Now that doesn’t make it bad, it just may not be creating the drama and comments from friends and family that it use to.

If you would like to share some ideas about Interior Design and how Color, Texture and Effect are the keys to creating … The Wow Effect, we would love to meet with you. You can reach us on Contact link or Request a Quote.

Our project calander can fill up very fast, so start early on your project, bringing your Interior Design Team together.

At Bella Faux Finishes, David and I specialize in the application of Italian Venetian Plaster, Italian Finishes, Decorative Finishes and stunning New Faux Finishes. Our Decorative Finishes are heavier in texture than some of the common finishes you may have seen before. We seek the most unique finishes and textures from around the world. Testing and Sampling in the Studio. This is where the Work and Fun begins.

Our Design Goal is to make each project unique from everyone else’s. We have many new Colors and Texture to share. We will try to add them to the Gallery as they are created, to make it easier for you to gather Interior Design Ideas for your project.

Finally, when you meet us, I think you will be surprised with the variety of Interior Design Ideas we will bring to your project. Since 2005, we have been invited to share our Art on some of the most unique homes in midwest. It is always an honor to meet new clients, whether the project is large or small, and hear about a your project and share ideas and possibilities.

David and I, wish everyone the Best!  Remember… start with One Room to Wow! From there do your Homework and get your Interior Design Team together.

To learn more about the Bella Effect, visit the Testimonials we have received.

So, Think Bella…. for your Next Project! Lets have some Fun!

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

 

Below is a video from one of our Home Ideas TV segments. You do not get long to share your message, but it may give you some inspiration to create a higher level of drama in your home. Note – the colors when they film these always seem to tip a little heavy. So to see a better picture of the projects, visit our Gallery and Before and After.  (I was also about 40 lbs heavier back then, so I have been working on my own personal wow goals to get fit and stay healthy!)

 

 

 

 

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There are Two Ways to begin a Interior Painting Project:

(1) Common Homeowners Method:   The most common way, for most Home Owners, is to go to your nearest Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore Paint store and begin pulling paint samples. Choosing new colors to bring home and test on their walls for effect. Over the next few days, they will be asking for opinions from many friends and family, which color they like best? Finally a decision will be made and the painting begins…

 

 

(2) Professional Interior Designers Method: Interior Designers approach the New Paint Color decision… much differently.  Their Interior Design Goals for the project are much higher than just changing the color of the room. Understanding the budget for the project, they are looking to create a “Wow Project” by introducing New Colors, New Texture & Effect. The Best Interior Designers have the ability to mentally visualize layers of Color, Texture & Effect. This is not easy to do. They understand that the Key to Creating “The Wow Effect”, is to …”Interrupt The Senses“.  Their training and experience has taught them that by introducing a great color and then layering a hint of texture, with a Stunning Decorative Finish,  you can consistently create a higher level of drama in the room.

Important – The Best Interior Designer and Interior Decorators, always use a “Concept Board or Mood Board” to test New Colors and Texture.  This is their laboratory. By introducing, testing and pulling New Colors & Textures, everyone on the Design Team will be able to see immediately when the “Wow” is happening and when it is not.

They are always looking for Opportunities to introduce New Decorative Finishes, Faux Finishes, Italian Venetian Plaster & Italian Finishes. They know the importance of Decorative Finishes. They are not concerned about budget, because they know that there are many options that the “Preferred Artisan on their Design Team” can create,  that will keep them Under Budget and still create… “The Wow Effect”.

 

 

Finally, if you are just beginning a new Interior Painting Project and would like some help Choosing your New Color. Please give us a call. We can also bring along samples of New Decorative Finishes, Faux Finishes, Italian Venetian Plaster and Italian Finishes for you to explore. You may choose not to introduce a Decorative Finish, which is fine. But you should explore all of your Interior Design options to ensure your project creates… “The Wow”. You can also Click our Testimonials to read reviews from previous projects. In our Gallery we share a few photos from projects to offer some Interior Design Ideas.

If you would like to meet? David and I look forward to seeing your project and sharing some ideas! As always… there is never a hint of obligation, we are just Honored to have the opportunity to meet you and see your project.

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

 

 

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At Bella Faux Finishes, we believe that somewhere in every home or business, there are areas that are unique, presenting design opportunities to change a common room to a “Wow Room”.  Many times, it can be achieved by introducing a stunning paint color that will compliment a unique decorative finish. I think everyone we work with is surprised at how easy it is to change the entire drama of a room by simply introducing a stunning Decorative Finish, Faux Finish, Italian Finish or Italian Venetian Plaster.

The most challenging part of starting a New Project, is identifying “Where your Opportunities are” in your home or business. Sometimes, it’s an area that you never would have thought of. That is why it is so important to make the phone call and bring “Fresh Eyes” to your project to share ideas for Color, Texture and Effect. Visit our Before & After Gallery to view examples of creating the Wow Effect.

What part of your Home or Business are you most proud of?  Would you like to have an area of your home or business that your friends and family are always talking about? “You have to see this room, its unbelievable!”

Take a chance and break away from the common, to explore some New Interior Design Ideas. David and I would love to meet you and see your project. Together we can exchange new ideas, share samples of our portfolio of Decorative Finishes and leave you with a vision for your project to think about and sleep on. Click on the Contact link to set up an appointment.

Remember… “Less is More, regarding Decorative Finishes”. To create the most drama, at a price point that is affordable for everyone, you just need to introduce a ….. Taste of Effect.

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

 

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Christmas is such a fun time of the year, with many party invitations from family and friends. Everyone has finished their new homes or remodeling projects, have decorated and are ready to share their experience. These parties and family gatherings are also great opportunities to View and Capture some “New Interior Design Ideas”.  If you have been thinking about building a new home or remodeling your home in the future, then it is important that you do your homework… Today!

Before you arrive at a party, remind yourself to pay attention to the paint colors in rooms and your level of emotion. What are you feeling when you view these colors? We will share more in future posts regarding “The Power of Color”, but your decision on paint color is critical to the success of your project. Also notice if they have introduced any Decorative Finishes, Venetian Plaster, Italian Finishes or Faux Finishes on their project. Again, what are you feeling when your view these finishes?

Your first impression, will create the “Most Powerful Emotion”. This is where the “The Wow Effect” begins. Your “Senses have been Interrupted” and your mind is trying to understand this new visual effect that is being presented. The Colors and the Texture of the Decorative Finishes have created this new level of drama.

So remember, don’t just come to the party to celebrate, do your homework too. The owners will love your interest in their projects and will share paint colors and names of Decorative Artisans and Interior Designers. Merry Christmas to everyone, take lots of pictures and don’t forget the reason for the season…

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

 

 

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David, Michael and I have been honored, to be trusted with the final layer of effect on so many projects through the years.  When we finish a project, it is almost like leaving family. Its hard to describe this new relationship.  Probably because this Art involves so many steps, that the time involved is longer than a common paint or simple faux finish.  The testimonials we have received, probably describe this relationship best.

One final thought, this time of year our “Dining Rooms”  finally get to be used. For most of us, our Dining Room is a special room that rarely gets visited. If you like some ideas on how to create a little more drama in your Dining Room and still stay on budget, give us a call or visit our Gallery of Photos for ideas. The Before & After photos are always fun to look at.

Again, Happy Holidays and takes lots of pictures! We truly wish everyone the best. Hug your family and friends a little bit longer this year, make sure you are the last one to let go. You will be surprised at their reaction…

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

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