This is a rare 18th century French painted "trompe l'oeile" commode. What is trompe l'oeil you may ask? Trompe l'oeil is French for 'trick the eye". It is an an art technique involving very realistic painting or imagery that serves a purpose to create an optical illusion of something three dimensional, instead of actually being a two-dimensional painting. In the 18th century, faux painting was extremely popular. Faux marble walls were in demand, and they didn't stop at the walls, furniture was painted as well. You can get these stunning designs from wallpaper books at your local paint store.
Take a look at each of these outstanding decoupage ideas. The georgous wastebaskets pack a punch with style without looking like a home project. Try out a white dresser with red coral, or a green or gold bamboo print on a white dresser. Very simple looks that look dynamite without looking too busy.
Dana Gibson Bamboo Wastebaskets Red Coral Waste Paper Basket from Marye Kelley Thanks to Matters of Style Blog**
Although this dresser is not considered Trompe l'oeil, it is magnificent! Country Living photo editor Barbara Ovrutsky needed more storage space, and made over her parents' 1980s chest of drawers. Check out how she did it here
Trompe L'Oeil At Home: Faux Finishes And Fantasy Settings
The Art of Trompe Loeil Murals
