Is Decorative Painting Still Popular?

Is Tole Painting Making a Comeback?

When I tell people I've been teaching decorative painting since 1993, many of them ask: "Is decorative painting still popular?" And my answer is always "Yes, but it has changed and evolved in line with current trends." 

Tole or decorative painting has always been very flexible. It has always been highly influenced by nature, architecture, and textiles, as well as popular trends. And that is as true today as it ever was.  Tole or decorative painting today continues that tradition.

Rather than reinventing the craft, it’s about placing timeless brushstrokes like the Comma, "S" or "C" strokes onto fresh surfaces. Gone are goose-shaped paper towel holders and Amish children shelf sitters. (Remember those?) Yes the subjects change but the brushstrokes live on forever. 

Trends come and go and today is no different. Today's decorative painters are painting on metal trays, plant stands, vintage photo frames, and other more practical surfaces.

The techniques we've
spent years perfecting
haven't gone out of style.
They simply need a fresh setting.

It's completely understandable that people are still asking: "Is decorative painting still popular?"  And of course it is, but things have changed... The cute projects we all painted and the country decor we all yearned for are long gone.  But the techniques we spent years perfecting haven't gone out of style.  They're just being applied in fresh, new ways.

As a result, we're seeing hand painted items slowly showing up in modern home decor. The sleek lines, cool grays, and minimalist spaces that dominated our homes for the last decade are gently making way for a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

What we see now, is a growing desire for collecting vintage treasures and handcrafted pieces. In this time of mass produced items of varying quality, we're looking for ways to feather our nests with things made by humans rather than mass produced trinkets. So what exactly does that mean?

It means the door for decorative painters has opened wide for us to rediscover just how relevant and timeless our art form can be. It is a time when hand crafted decorative pieces are more important and more desired than ever.

The artistry hasn't changed.
Only the presentation has.

This one thing has not changed... decorative painters know how to paint on anything that stands still long enough. And many of these pieces have been around awhile but need new life breathed into them. 

So keep an eye out for pieces such as metal serving trays, picture frames, plant stands, footstools, keepsake boxes, wooden trays with scalloped edges… you get the idea.

You can find many of these functional items in thrift stores, flea markets, and antique shops. They're waiting for your painting skills so they can get a chance at a second life. 

And if you can't find used items sometimes new items will have to do. Believe it or not, even the dollar stores can provide some gems.

Florals Still Dominate

Traditional floral bouquets will always have their place, but decorative painting today has so much room to stretch into lighter, more contemporary motifs.

Here's another change I have seen. Instead of covering every surface, modern design leans into restraint. That means choosing just a few thoughtful elements so they can really breathe and stand out. A little space around the design actually gives it more impact, not less.

Color

One of the best and easiest ways to modernize traditional decorative art is with a fresh color story. Softer, more nuanced palettes such as Espresso with Warm Cream and Antique Gold, or Sage Green with Ivory and Olive create a sophisticated look without overshadowing classic brushwork.

Finishes also change the entire vibe. A high-gloss lacquer elevates a painted tray into a boutique piece, while a satin finish gives wood an elegant, heirloom quality.

As I've already mentioned, decorative painting has always evolved by absorbing outside influences. Today's revival isn't about rewriting history. Instead, it's about placing timeless brushstrokes onto modern surfaces by choosing colors that match contemporary interiors, and treating everyday objects as fresh canvases.

A Traceable Pattern For You

CLICK Image to download a copy

So, how about you? If you want to try your hand at adding a decorative touch to an object you have, here's your opportunity. I'm providing a very simple motif for you to use around the top of a waste basket, bar stool, or plant stand.

Simply click on the image above to download the full size pattern.

Paint it using some of the colors from the swatch above. Then share your finished project using the form below.

Is Decorative Painting Still Popular?

So, is decorative painting still popular? Of course it is. And I predict that because this is the time of AI where everything can be created at the click of a button, it will become even more popular!

That's because folks like you and me will place even more value on everything that's been lovingly created by hand. What could be more delightful than a hand painted piece created by a decorative painter like you.

So learn decorative painting skills. Or brush up on your decorative painting skills. Now's a great time to put them to excellent use.

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You Can Paint These Trees and More

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Get Your Video Course Now

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Introductory Price

Save 30%  plus
a Money Back Guarantee

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