At Novacolor Near Me, we love showcasing the incredible talent of surface designers who transform spaces with our products. Today, we’re excited to feature Tracy Browner of Venezia Design & Finish, an artist known for her expertise in Venetian plaster and surface design. With over two decades of experience, Tracy has built a reputation for capturing her clients’ visions and bringing them to life through various techniques, including faux finishes, gold and copper leafing, and custom fine art painting. Her latest project, which combines artistry with functionality, highlights her skill using one of our most dynamic products: Metallo Fuso.
A Unique Opportunity in Kitchen Design
When Tracy was contacted by her clients to repair Venetian plaster in their Sedona home, she was also asked to weigh in on a more complex issue—the kitchen backsplash. Grease splatter had begun to affect the plaster behind the stove, and the clients were eager to find a solution that would not only protect the space but elevate it. Tracy immediately saw an opportunity to bring in a complementary design element that would reflect the artistry already present in the home’s great room.
The focal point of the space was a custom-crafted metal fireplace with stunning flame-like vertical designs. To complement this one-of-a-kind feature, Tracy knew she needed a material that could echo the fireplace’s unique texture and metallic sheen. Enter Metallo Fuso, an epoxy-based decorative coating that, once sealed, offers both durability and beauty. It was the perfect solution to transform the kitchen backsplash into a true work of art.
The Design Process: Metallo Fuso is the Perfect Match
Given artistic license by her clients, Tracy created two sample boards showcasing potential designs for the backsplash. One sample board incorporated three colors of Metallo Fuso, while the other, a more straightforward two-color design, was ultimately chosen. The final look used Metallo Fuso in Bronzo for the background and horizontal ribbons of Metallo Fuso in Ottone, mimicking the fireplace’s ribbon-like vertical elements. The result was a textured, metallic mural that not only protected the backsplash but became a striking focal point in the kitchen.
“I always take the whole space into account when conceptualizing a project,” says Tracy. “The Metallo Fuso complemented the metal fireplace perfectly, creating harmony between the rooms while also standing on its own as a unique piece of art.”
Working with Metallo Fuso: A Transformative Experience
Metallo Fuso is one of Tracy’s favorite products to work with in the Novacolor line. “The magical reveal when sanding is something I always look forward to. It’s amazing to watch the transformation from a dull surface to something that reflects light beautifully.”
In this project, Tracy applied multiple thin layers of Metallo Fuso to achieve a high-texture finish. Her top tips for working with the product include using two to three thin layers and letting the Festool sander do the work—especially with high-texture applications like this one. “It’s a lot of sanding, so work smart, not hard,” she advises.
The Client’s Reaction: A Kitchen Transformed
Although Tracy’s clients were out of town during the creation process, they were thrilled by the progress photos she sent. “They were astonished when they saw the finished product in person,” Tracy recalls. “They loved how the backsplash not only solved the practical issue of grease splatter but also became a unique piece of art in their home. They were so grateful for the transformation.”
About Metallo Fuso
Metallo Fuso is a versatile, epoxy-based decorative coating for interior vertical surfaces. It allows for the creation of unique textures with a metallic finish. When sealed, it becomes durable and wipeable, making it an ideal choice for spaces like kitchen backsplashes. The product transforms treated surfaces into what looks and feels like real metal, enhancing the space’s beauty and function.
We’d like to extend a special thanks to Tracy Browner for sharing this incredible project with us. Her ability to combine artistry and functionality inspires us, and we’re excited to see what she creates next. To learn more about Tracy’s work or to inquire about a custom project, you can visit her website at Venezia Design & Finish.
FEATURED APPLICATOR
Tracy Browner of Venezia Design & Finish / Arizona
Contact: 928-380-5382
Email: tracy_michelle67@hotmail.com
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