Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint (Hardcover)

by Curtis L Heuser (Author)
Key Phrases: faux effects, burnt sienna, strié brush, Sherwin Williams Palette, Antique White, Tatami Tan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Uncover the glory in your home! Use paint to create inspired living spaces that reflect your style and your home's character.

Once upon a time, there was a sad little Victorian house on the corner, abandoned by its previous owners and abused by time. Your Home, A Living Canvas is the Cinderella story of that house and its transformation into a charming, historic home, thanks to the loving care of acclaimed decorative artisan, Curtis L. Heuser.

From the grand staircase to the cozy third-floor master suite, this book takes you along on the complete floor-to-ceiling, room-by-room makeover. You'll learn about the design concepts and inspirations for each space, along with real-world how-to's behind the wall treatments, ceiling features, architectural highlights, and other exquisite details.

• A series of 25+ step-by-step demonstrations show how Heuser used murals, trompe l'oeil and faux finishes to blend old with new, reclaiming the spirit of the house's former glory, while incorporating unique personal touches.
• Covers a range of decorative styles, from the exotic crackle-finish bookcases in the study, to the Italian country villa-inspired kitchen, to a sophisticated dining room that embodies the Old World ambiance of classic European interiors.
• Offers a wealth of expert decorating advice on using color to evoke mood, displaying your collections, mixing and matching eclectic furnishings, and more.

Whether you're interested in a simple faux finish technique or are dedicated to preserving the architecture and charm of your own historic dwelling, this book will help you create a living environment rich in color, texture and atmosphere ... a place called "home."

About the Author
Curtis Heuser is one of the midwest's premiere Decorative Artisans, celebrating 20 years in business with the release of this much anticipated book. He is an expert in custom paint finishes, specializing in fine mural and trompe l'oeil techniques. His finely detailed work has been featured nationally on Around the House and HGTV's Before & After Show. Curtis has transformed fine interiors from across the country, finally turning his talents to the biggest challenge of all: refurbishing his own historical treasure, located in Newport, Kentucky. His efforts earned him the City of Newport's "Excellence in Historic Preservation Award" in 2005. The private residence has been spotlighted on several public home tours, including the nationally prestigious 2006 Tall Stacks Historic Home Tour, the annual Newport Victorian Christmas Tour, and the Northern Kentucky Home Builder's Remodeling Tour.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books; 1 edition (October 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158180783X
• ISBN-13: 978-1581807837
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,832 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best faux books to come out in a while, January 13, 2008

By	Regina Garay "Faux Girl" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best faux books to come out in a while. The colors are rich, photographs are plenty (great before, during and after shots), the directions easy to understand and follow and finally, the finishes shown can give anyone -- from the novice to the professional -- new ideas from which to choose from. Being in this profession for 10 years, I like books that offer something new to learn. I must kindly disagree with the negative review given -- I found the title was exactly on point and I found that the use of plaster for the mural and design elements was imaginative since it made the designs "pop" out even more. The mix of murals and faux made this book more versatile and interesting...something every living canvas should be.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning book puts magnificence within your reach!, November 20, 2007

By	Captain Fig - See all my reviews

"Awesome" has become a word so inappropriately and over used in contemporary language that I hesitate to include it in this review, but applied in its truest form is the only word that does justice to this book.

This work is an extraordinary journey in artistic expression and delight that includes a gift to the reader that, although promised by the introduction, delivers in greater abundance than I would ever have believed. While basking in the grandeur of seeing what a gifted artist has achieved in transforming a wreck into a palace, it suddenly becomes apparent that regardless of imagination or individual talent, much of what is showcased is achievable by anyone with even the most modest of abilities!

Don't know where to find your inspiration? Curt shows you where he found his - a beloved knick-knack, an interesting antique store item, a pleasing fabric pattern - you name it, he reveals that inspiration is a natural inclination easily found within the simplest of everyday items.

Don't know how to employ your source of inspiration? Curt shows you a myriad of ways to do just that.

Afraid you don't have the knowledge or talent to tackle faux finishing? I thought so too until seeing how easy it was to follow the simple step-by-step directions. This book inspired me to try my first faux finishing project with results that far exceeded anything I would have thought possible, particularly since it was my first attempt. People can't believe that what I accomplished wasn't done by a professional.

At a loss in selecting a color palette? (My nemesis!) Curt hands you many on a silver platter! I've always found picking colors that work together the hardest part of decorating. With more than two dozen examples, just find one you like and Curt gives you the exact palette down to the specific paint name that you just take to the store! It doesn't get easier than that!

I originally purchased this book because of my interest in renovation, remodeling and design, and love of art in general. I've always enjoyed improving the various homes I've owned and love seeing how others transform stones into gems. While I have painted many a wall and baseboard in my life, decorative painting was something I thought I would never attempt or be able to achieve. How wrong I was and thanks to Curt I know now that magnificence is within my reach. I can't wait to attempt my first mural!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ordering more today!!!, October 22, 2007

By	JA_HAWK "JA_HAWK" (Ohio) - See all my reviews

Well let me start by saying that I pre-ordered this book several months ago after touring the home by accident while on the local Garden Walking Tour. Curtis Heuser (homeowner/author/artist) - personally walked me through his marvelous home, and gave me a postcard about his upcoming book. I was mesmerized by the intricate workmanship thoughout the house (interior design, faux finish work, and mural artistry). I made my way home after the tour, and looked up this book and ordered it immediately! It's finally arrived and let me tell you it's worth every dime I paid & more. I found out he has a couple book signings coming up at a few events around town, and I plan on going back to congratulate him, and purchase a few more copies for gifts and get them signed! The pictures in the book were so vivid & well done it's as if I were there again! The before and after shots in the book show the REAL amount of work that he put into that home to bring it back to life. The how-to's are stepped out so easily that I think I may try a project or two in there to see how they work out for me half as well as they did in his home. Mr. Heuser's humor and wit come thru in of his writing - you'll know what I mean when you read about his trials & tribulations with "evicting the pigeons" from his attic! If you don't have a copy yet - GET ONE for yourself, and one for a friend...Enjoy! Five Stars out of Five!!! Best of luck...looking forward to a follow up already!!!