Our Services

Faux finishes are techniques that simulate surfaces like marbling, wood graining, leather, tortoiseshell and other organic materials found in nature. Most of the historic houses and palaces in Europe boast some form of marbling and wood graining because these materials were so expensive to acquire that it made sense to commission a craftsman to give an acceptable rendering of them. In some cases actual marble was too heavy to be installed so that a faux marbre was a more logical option.

Techniques such as striéing (dragging), color washing, sponging, ragging and stippling are not faux finishes. In Europe they are collectively called decorative techniques, or broken color effects. This simply means that a colored glaze is applied to let’s say a wall and then broken up with a brush, cloth, sponge etc.

Gilding, patination, aging and distressing come under the very large umbrella of a finisher’s repertoire. Stencilling, découpage and trompe l’oeil are other skills that have to be acquired in order to fully round off a faux finisher’s portfolio.

Portfauxlio creates custom finishes to enhance the environment you live or work in-from traditional to contemporary, and elegant to eccentric. We can create a gorgeous finish for your project.

A few of our finishes:

• Woodgraining
• Marbling
• Gilding all types of leaf
• Distressed plaster/texture
• Stone and Granite
• Skim Stone
• Lime paint
• Venetian and metallic plasters
• Aged and patinated metals
• Denim, Suede, Linen and Silk
• Harlequins, Plaids and Stripes
• Raised and Embedded patterns
• Bamboo, Tortoiseshell and Malachite
• Faux Leather
• Parquetry and Marquetry

Portfauxlio Inc. provides installation of authentic Italian Lime Plasters — better known as Venetian Plaster. We will coordinate your project with your existing décor, and provide expert color guidance for other areas. We can design around themes, and coordinate complex projects. We provide extraordinary services so that you, as a home or business owner, obtain the full benefit from your interior designer or general contractor.

Because they are natural products, these elements will bond over time, and harden back to an original stone/texture state. It actually improves in appearance over time and has what is called a natural healing process that can repair natural cracking or splitting that could occur naturally over the years due to weather or other natural environmental issues. Some of the benefits of this product include: resistance to water and water damage; mildew and mold resistance; and little or no upkeep.

We will be happy to consult with you for any of your professional needs. Please contact us for additional information.

Murals

Murals are large paintings, and are most commonly created on expansive walls in private homes, as well as on public buildings. Aliya strives to create a realism that fools the spectator’s eye into thinking they are looking at a genuine three-dimensional image.

Trompe l'oeil is a French term which means “trick the eye.” Sometimes called illusionism, this unique style of painting gives the appearance of three-dimensional or photographic realism. It has flourished since The Renaissance, and can be playful or intellectually serious.

Aliya uses the combined techniques of faux finishes and trompe l'oeil in her ceiling treatments. Painted ceilings are one of the most intriguing of canvases, dating back as far as the 17th century when they were widely seen adorning the palaces of Europe. Painted ceilings can adorn your palace. You'll be absolutely thrilled when the piece designed for your home or business enhances your new environment.

Decorative Art

Aliya uses the combined techniques of faux finishes and trompe l'oeil in her ceiling treatments. Painted ceilings are one of the most intriguing of canvases, dating back as far as the 17th century when they were widely seen adorning the palaces of Europe.

Now painted ceilings can adorn your palace. You'll be absolutely thrilled when the piece designed for your home or business enhances your new environment.

Furniture

Have you felt frustrated trying to find the right piece of furniture, or the right finishes on your cabinetry, to best suit your home?

Custom-finished furniture and cabinetry is an affordable option. Aliya has designed finishes using both faux and trompe l'oeil techniques, to finish or re-finish furniture and cabinetry. The advantage to this approach is being able to decide exactly how you want your piece to look. Whether it is a distressed finish, using colors from your décor, or a hand-painted design, you can be sure it will be a one-of-a-kind piece that will be admired for generations to come.

Portfauxlio Inc. will coordinate your project with your existing décor, and provide expert color guidance for other areas. We can design around themes, and coordinate complex projects. We provide extraordinary services so that you obtain the full benefit from your interior designer or general contractor.

Our style of faux painting is a unique blend of paints, glaze and color. Working closely with you, we create harmony in the desired space.

The existing surfaces (wood trim, flooring and counters), furniture, window treatments and accent pieces all play a part in the color combinations that are chosen for the wall treatment. By giving consideration to all of these components, the end result is an ambiance that one feels when entering the room.

Consultation. A consultation fee is charged based upon travel time. The amount is agreed in advance of the initial meeting and should be paid at that first meeting. This fee is then applied towards your project if you choose to proceed with the proposal.

During the initial consultation, Aliya will show you her portfolio and give you many options to think about-these are based on your interior- furnishings, carpet, draperies and art work.

Your space will be measured and Aliya will discuss your requirements and suggest colors, techniques, design ideas, budget, deadlines and pay attention to your personal preferences. Sample work will also be discussed at this point. You will then be sent a detailed written proposal for your approval.

If you are working with a designer, both Aliya and the designer will visit you and proceed in the way discussed above except we’ll have the benefit of the designer’s input as well.

Payment. A 50% down payment is required to proceed with your project. The balance is due upon completion of project. For large-scale or multiple projects, the down payment may be adjusted.

Other Considerations. Our pricing reflects these additional factors:

• What is the level of detail and complexity of the artwork or faux finish?
• Is the artwork a large piece (over 100 square feet), or something smaller?
• Does the design require extensive research or travel time?
• Does the client already have a design concept, and viable reference materials?
• What is the quality and stability of the surface to be finished? Does it need surface preparation, patching, priming, or a color base?
• Where is the surface located? Is it a stairwell, or a ceiling? Is scaffolding is needed, must it be custom-built?
• Where is the site of the project? Is travel and hotel stay required?

Contracts and Scheduling. After the client approves the rendering or sample board, Portfauxlio Inc. signs the contract, and schedules the project start date. All jobs are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are only scheduled after the deposit is received. If you are on a deadline, please let us know this in the planning stage. We are sometimes booked months in advance.