The latest trend in refurbishing plain plaster walls or concrete surfaces is decorative painting. Yet instead of simply applying another paint color to the walls, many homeowners are turning to more creative solutions. Why simply change color pallets when you could turn a pre-existing wall into a different material altogether? Since authentic masonry is heavy, expensive, and requires specialized installation, many people are choosing to give their walls the illusion of texture with faux brick. This term refers to any surface that is stenciled, wallpapered, or painted in order to give the appearance of a brick façade. It has become a trendy interior design trick that gives value to your home by transforming an ordinary wall into something unique and individual.

An Artist for a Day
Simply by buying a gallon of paint, a basement could be transformed into an old-world wine cellar. A dorm room wall could become a hip, urban hangout. Many times, these stenciled finishes are used on a single surface, creating an accent wall to the rest of the room. Sometimes, if you really want a rustic look, simply painting a portion of one wall with faux brick can make for an interesting look: as if part of your plaster has been removed to expose the beautiful "natural" masonry beneath. Or maybe you want your fireplace to have a country charm, but you don't want to pay the bill for materials and hire an expensive mason to take care of the job. Not only is this process less expensive and time-consuming than authentic masonry work, but it can also be fun. Make it a family project or a weekend venture with your friends and neighbors. Interesting home improvement jobs such as this can be made into an entertaining artistic endeavor instead of just another remodeling chore.

Do It Right
There a several different stencil kits out on the market for those do-it-yourselfers out there, so make sure to invest in one so the job is done properly. Even when you're doing it yourself, get help where you can so the project doesn't turn into a disappointing disaster. These pre-packaged kits are still cheaper than real masonry, and they all come with thorough instructions so you can get the job done right the first time. Of course, if you're not artistically inclined, you may turn an inexpensive project into a cheap mess.

There is still artistry involved in creating a proper illusion, so if you still want that innovative look but don't want to do all the work, there are several experts out there who specialize in this industry. Some painters out there have even earned post-graduate degrees in decorative painting, and along with producing murals, frescoes, and Trompe L'oeil, they can also make your faux brick look truly realistic with detail, texture, and proper coloring. These interior artists can be hired at a reasonable price and are there to listen to your ideas and simply implement them onto the "canvas" for you, guaranteeing cost-effective satisfaction.