With faux painting techniques you can make a room look like a Tuscan villa or a Renaissance palace - the choice is yours.
The basic technique involves adding a glaze to a prepared surface.
A glaze is essentially a thin layer of paint that creates an almost transparent coating.
On a color base, different layers of glaze are applied to produce a subtle and deep color and texture effect.
It can be varied across a surface so that different colors show through more strongly in different places.
Color Washing: One of the simplest and most effective paint techniques is color washing.
Different colors are applied more or less randomly (or 'free form') in a 'wiping' motion, to create a moody, cloudy effect.
Depending on how softly textured you want the result to be, you can use a rag or a brush.
Usually, color is applied from light to dark.
The precise effect depends heavily on the type and number of colors used.
Earthy colors can produce a soft, time-worn effect.
Light colors can give the impression of airiness and space.
The simplest is a wash of one color on to a base, but more colors can be used to increase the intensity and drama of the finish.
Textured Effects: A lot of faux painting depends on adding texture in one way or another.
If you want to distract attention from uneven surfaces but want a more or less monochrome color scheme, there are various ways of creating textured effects and introducing visual interest.
Dragging a comb through freshly applied glaze is one way of creating this effect.
You can make it as bold or as subtle as you like, depending on the space and the style you want to achieve.
A woven effect can be created with a comb or, as in the French 'strie' technique, by using a fine brush.
Dragging and rolling are other techniques for creating textured finishes.
As well as using different techniques for applying paint, texturing can be achieved by simulating the appearance of different materials, often called trompe l'oeil.
Faux moldings, painted to simulate low relief, are one example; faux exposed brickwork showing through flaking plaster is another.
Stenciling: A fantastic variety of stencils are available today, for use either in creating a patterned effect across a complete surface or for use as border or trim.
Many are reusable and you can get them in custom sizes.
Gone are the 'bridges' of paper that marked the old cut-out stencils and designs of much greater complexity are now available.
Some contemporary stencils are closer to transfers.
Subtle differences can be achieved by using different applicators: brush or roller, sponge, rag or even aerosol.
Stencils can also replicate a particular finish, such as brickwork laid in a herringbone design.
Other Techniques: So versatile is faux painting that with an understanding of the techniques available almost any finish can be replicated and your décor and design ideas can become reality.
Venetian plaster is a popular finish.
It can be achieved either by applying synthetic Venetian plaster in layers as thin as paint, or by simulating the finish in paint.
If you're a fan of abstract expressionism you could try spattering paint onto your surface by using a toothbrush, to create a flecked effect.
Designs or motifs can be stamped on, using cork or craft foam.
The possibilities are almost endless and the effects always exciting.