Tutorial, a Trumeau

There was a design problem... I needed to fill the spaces above 2 windows.

All of my windows, on the main floor, are very large French windows. However, the front facade windows are much smaller. Window treatments can look very awkward if placed at different heights in the same room. But now what should I do with the empty space? A Trumeau will do the trick.

What you will need is a sturdy wooden board, not very thick. Cut it to the appropriate size to fit your space. Cover board with dry wall compound (add little builders sand), see earlier posts about frescoes. With screws attach garland and shell motif or something similar. I found these at TJ Max. They were hideous, gold resin architectural fragments. With an old brush apply more dry wall compound onto resin pieces and fill any open spaces. Let dry. Cut a stencil from mylar film and push dry wall compound through stencil to make frame. Or you can add a more conventional frame to your masterpiece. Let dry again. Mix a few acrylic paints with beer or water and brush helter skelter over entire surface. Last coat, age the piece a little by adding a warm brown color mixed with beer or water.

See the space above the left window? So forlorn looking.



So much better

Now, this is the way I like it.

Gina