About Accent Walls
Accent Walls is a mural and decorative painting service that provides a unique approach to personalizing walls and ceilings. Art work suited to a room’s furnishings or function, especially as is the case with trompe l’oeil and murals, can create a real sense of atmosphere and the ‘POW’ factor that only Art work can deliver.
The idea of mural painting as an integral enhancement of one’s own living space is a relevant today as it has been through the centuries. The private interior is seen today as a realm for meditation and retreat as well as for hospitality and social gatherings. Accent Walls murals and trompe l’oeil are a unique and personal way to revitalize space with custom designs to reflect your individual lifestyle. Create a nursery rhyme atmosphere for your baby. Plant a garden in your kitchen. Bring the sea shore to your bath. Dine in the Tuscan countryside. Float in the clouds in your bedroom.
Whether as small scale commissions or large scale murals and trompe l’oeil(French for “fool the eye”), or if you need a view where there is none, Accent Walls can provide the answer.
When wallpaper is not the solution or you need a view where there is none, let Accent Walls provide the answer. Call us for a consultation in your home, office or business.
Renae Cole - the Artist
Renae Cole is a resident of St.Louis Missouri, but grew up in Liberty Missouri on the West side of the state. She graduated high school there and attended the Univ of MO in KC for and undergraduate degree in Art. She then moved to St Louis and taught Art there for 31 years, acquiring a Master’s degree along the way. To reinvent herself after retiring from teaching, with the help of a friend, she started Accent Walls, a mural and decorative painting company in 2001.
Renae’s love for Art and travel have led her to many countries both for information and inspiration. To experience the culture and color of another country is one of her greatest joys. She has practiced her craft throughout her life and considers it the love of her life.
What can I expect when I contact the Artist?
Once a client contacts me, the artistic process begins. This is a creative endeavor between the artist and the client that may require collaboration.
The first step is a visit to the site to see what space is being considered. I always like to talk at length with the client about what he/she want is the space and to get a clear idea of how the design will proceed.
Sometimes the client has a clear idea and some quick on site sketches can confirm that artist and client are in sic on the design. Sometimes the client has a vague idea and needs help with bringing the design into focus. I will usually then request time to submit loose sketches for approval. A few clients want more detailed and or color sketches. There is an appropriate charge for further work in that direction.
Once the design is agreed upon, the cost is presented. Cost can be negotiated by adding to or simplifying the agreed upon design. I usually ask for a budget up front and try to design at or below that figure. This allows the client to have an original design at an affordable price.
Much of my work is done on canvas and then installed in the space. This is a centuries old technique and has many advantages.
- The home life is not disrupted because the artist is working in the studio rather than the home.
- If the client wants to relocate the mural(to another space or another home)it can be taken off the wall and moved to another location. It can also be sold.. This is a very attractive feature as it eliminates the pain of painting over it when a decorating scheme is changed, and helps defray cost in that it can be sold.
- Because drive time to and from the site is not a factor, even with the additional cost of the canvas, price is only slightly more and in some cases less than painting directly on the wall or ceiling.
Of course canvas work is not always appropriate. Smaller designs do not require this process and are best executed in the home.
I use high grade professional quality artists acrylics and sealers to do all mural work. These result in lustrous works that can withstand light and abuse. A tougher sealer may be required in baths or kitchens so that the work can be washed.
The result of all this is an exceptional, personal and creative solution for the discriminating homeowner or business. Accent Walls prides itself on never having had a dissatisfied client.
