We have been privileged to work with some great interior designers. George Steele owner of George Steele Interiors is one of the most knowledgeable ones we know. He recently called us to journey from Kansas City to Topeka to see a fireplace mantle.
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| From MorningStar Studio |
He explained to us that this style was close to “French Chateau”: it had marble tile. He wanted a look that was “country French”: all limestone. But his clients didn’t want to go to the expense and mess of tearing out the old fireplace and installing new limestone. George explained some history of French design and how the French never made mantles out of wood (because of the fire risk). Then he took us to a local company that carved amazing shapes out of the Kansas limestone. Brenda got a good idea of what he wanted as we oohed & ahhed over the craftsmanship of these pieces.
Brenda began the job by using a special primer to adhere to the marble tile. Then she used a texture to mimic the feel of carved and polished limestone. Layers of glaze followed, making it look like the limestone had been there for years.
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| From MorningStar Studio |
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| From MorningStar Studio |
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| From MorningStar Studio |
After a couple of coats of dead flat varnish it is ready to go. The clients and designer are happy. And it looks just like the carved limestone pieces we saw at the stone company.