Martha's Love Affair with Faux Bois

While browsing the archives over at Martha Stewart, we noticed a recurring theme. The lady loves faux bois! We searched it on her site and got 243 hits, including the tray and towels shown above. Although we like the look, we're a little puzzled by Martha's outpouring of love for a style that can easily come off as cheesy. We think it might have to do with the combination of earthy and polished looks, sort of like Martha herself. Like many people, we're fascinated by Martha's genteel exterior and the grit under the surface.

Still, all psychology aside, we love that faux bois tray and we're itching to try the how-to project from her site.

For AT: Chicago's love affair with faux bois, check out these previous posts...
• Chilewich Woodgrain Plynyl at NeoCon
• Hanging Faux Wood Lamp at Hotel Vitale
• Birch Bark Candles (Faux Faux Bois)

Comments (6)

I have to say I've been a fan of MissMartha for quite a few years-
but is it just me or has there been a HUGE influx of Martha related posts, ads etc on this sight VERY RECENTLY!!I can honestly say I do not recall any mention of the woman or her work on this sight prior to a few weeks back, but she seems to have somehow even infultrated our beloved Apartment Therapy!!
well you've got to give her credit for persistance!!I just hope 'A.T.' doesn't turn into 'A.T. Living'!!!

posted by bball on August 30th 2007 at 9:07am
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I must be the only person in the universe who does not like faux bois.

posted by Nora Rocket on August 30th 2007 at 11:01am
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I agree, Nora. Don't get its appeal.
... Except, for one product I just saw yesterday: Chilewich's Woodgrain Bag. Maybe I like it because it's already on a textured vinyl? Or maybe because the fake woodgrain image is just a much nicer pattern than the tight squiggly lines in the faux bois pictures above?
http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Chilewich%20Woodgrain%20Bag_10451_10001_43735_-1_11536_11540_null__

posted by Sea on August 30th 2007 at 11:05am
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I once painted a set for a TV commercial all witha 'woodgrain 'roller ( not unlike a rubber stamp in the round-the effect was so cool, sort of vintage wallboard effect ( anyone remember fake wallboard sheets in white with metallic green woodgrain-or did I dream that one...) but more organic-I did silver grain on a black wall,graphic and textural at the same time!!

posted by bball on August 30th 2007 at 11:09am
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I had to look up the term - I guess I'm really out if it. I was a little concerned with AT reporting about Martha's love for trannies though. Glad that's not the case. :D

posted by plausibledenial on August 30th 2007 at 1:12pm
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wouldn't that be 'faux goils' LOL

posted by bball on August 30th 2007 at 2:01pm
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