The Transformative Power of Faux Painting

Faux Lead Painting | Hoppers, Brackets & Downpipes

Faux leading: hand-painted downpipes & hoppers

Iron downpipes, hoppers, and brackets were transformed with a hand-painted aged lead finish. Trompe-l’oeil monogrammes added a personalised, embossed effect. Even small details can elevate a surface dramatically.

"Tip: It is certainly possible to paint various materials, although shiny metals may be slightly less successful."

Faux Sandstone Painting | Victorian Iron Columns

Ageing Faux Sandston

Why not transform Victorian iron columns, which were originally designed to echo ancient Greek stonework, be faux painted to look like sandstone? Oh, it can get twisty! Such fun!

Faux sandstone: Victorian iron columns

The client wanted a weathered, aged sandstone look. I studied beautiful medieval sandstone façades in Cambridge before painting the columns, ensuring the finish felt authentic and full of character.

Faux Lead Painting | The Electricity Box Solution

How llusionary Painting Camouflages an Unsightly Box

Sometimes, finding a solution isn't immediate. An unsightly pink plastic box meets a painterly illusion—what began as a faux brick trial evolved into a lead-look finish with a refined trompe l’oeil twist.

This was the original plastic box that houses electrical components, and it clearly needed some help.

The idea was to conceal the box by blending it in with its surroundings.

I felt dissatisfied with the brick painting: it didn't seem realistic to depict brick in a box shape. It then occurred to me that sticking with the theme from the client’s yard—faux lead—was a good solution!

Faux lead & garden transformation: from unsightly to seamless

What began as a tricky challenge—a pink plastic box disrupting the yard’s charm—evolved into a painterly triumph. Through a careful lead-look trompe-l’oeil finish, matching the newly installed lead hopper and downpipe with the addition of lush planters, the space now flows seamlessly. The house façade’s refreshed colour completes the transformation, turning a previously ordinary corner into a harmonious, enviable garden retreat. Sometimes, patience and creativity make all the difference—and the result is pure joy!

Faux Ageing | A Copper Pipe with Patina

Keeping Up With The Antique Radiator From New York

A gleaming copper pipe met its match when a vintage radiator from New York came to town. Aged paint layers brought unity and charm to the scene.

Copper patina & aged radiators: antique finishes

Adding scratches and subtle paint blotches can enhance the charm of new items. For this project, the goal was to match the vibrant layers and flakes of two historic New York radiators. A bright copper pipe initially disrupted the antique atmosphere, so I applied multiple layers of faux paint—greens, blacks, and washes—then selectively sanded areas to create an authentic patina.

The result? The copper pipe now blends seamlessly with its surroundings. In the restored 18th-century conservatory, these faux ageing techniques transform new elements into timeless features.

Before: The copper pipe clashed with the antique's aesthetic.

After: Several meticulously placed spots and scrapes later...

...a cohesive look was achieved.

Decorative Painting for Timeless Homes & Offices

These images showcase just a few of the finishes that can be achieved with faux painting techniques. From classical patinas to modern textures, decorative painting offers almost unlimited possibilities for walls, furniture and architectural details.

Faux finishes aren’t limited to tradition—they can look sleek, modern, playful, or atmospheric, depending on your vision. The beauty of bespoke painting is that it adapts to your space and style.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me—after all, two minds often create the best ideas.