---
title: "DOWN UNDER FAUX — Painters | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/painters/down-under-faux-pfvwus-pf~2080504805
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2080504805.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "DOWN UNDER FAUX"
category: ["Painters"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/af137b2b0ec43d41_4668-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "RED HOOK, New York 12571, United States"
phone: "(845) 758-1040"
website: http://www.downunderfaux.com
rating: 5
review_count: 42
best_of_houzz_awards: 9
followers: 158
last_updated: 2026-09-22
---

# DOWN UNDER FAUX

Original Houzz profile: [DOWN UNDER FAUX](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/painters/down-under-faux-pfvwus-pf~2080504805)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Painters
- **Location:** RED HOOK, NY
- **Serves:** Kingston, Saugerties, Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Livingston, Port Ewen, Lake Katrine, Lincoln Park, Glasco, Pine Plains, Saugerties South, Germantown, Annandale On Hudson, Ruby, Tivoli, Hillside, Rhinecliff, Malden, Malden On Hudson, East Kingston, Malden-on-Hudson, Barrytown, Bloomington, Clinton Corners, Connelly, Elizaville, Mount Marion, Stanfordville, Ulster Park, USA UK Australia, West Camp
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (42 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2013–2024), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Woman owned
- 25 years in business

Professional Faux Finish Artist and Decorative Painter.  Modern, Olde World, Contemporary including Kitchen cabinet refinishing.  Property management and consultant.

### Services Provided

- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Door Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Deck Staining
- Wallpaper Removal
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Drywall Repair
- Color Consulting
- Cabinet Refinishing
- Wallpaper Installation
- Decorative Painting
- Texture Painting
- Faux Painting
- Drywall Installation
- Paint Removal
- Garage Floor Coating
- Drywall Texturing
- Plaster Repair
- Epoxy Flooring
- Wall Texture Removal
- Plastering
- Attic Conversion
- Mural Painting
- Wall Stenciling
- Lead Paint Inspection
- Contemporary Design
- Countertop Painting
- Furniture Painting
- Glazing
- Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing
- Olde World Finishes
- Plaster Finishing
- Spray Finishing

### Areas Served

- Kingston
- Saugerties
- Red Hook
- Rhinebeck
- Livingston
- Port Ewen
- Lake Katrine
- Lincoln Park
- Glasco
- Pine Plains
- Saugerties South
- Germantown
- Annandale On Hudson
- Ruby
- Tivoli
- Hillside
- Rhinecliff
- Malden
- Malden On Hudson
- East Kingston
- Malden-on-Hudson
- Barrytown
- Bloomington
- Clinton Corners
- Connelly
- Elizaville
- Mount Marion
- Stanfordville
- Ulster Park
- USA UK Australia
- West Camp

### Typical Job Cost

1,000 - $200 000.00

Each project is given a firm price before starting which also includes samples to the clients satisfaction.  There are no surprise charges or additional costs.  We pride ourselves in being completely transparent with pricing and expectations, and communicate closely with our clients throughout the entire process.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | DOWN UNDER FAUX |
| Address | RED HOOK, New York 12571, United States |
| Phone | (845) 758-1040 |
| Website | http://www.downunderfaux.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 158 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Down-Under-Faux/168831129821473
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/DOWNUNDERFAUX
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_home
- Blog — http://downunderfaux.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [DOWN UNDER FAUX](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/painters/down-under-faux-pfvwus-pf~2080504805)
- **Website:** http://www.downunderfaux.com
- **Phone:** (845) 758-1040

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Meeting of the Masters 2007
- Professionally Trained
- Hudson Valley Best Faux Painter 2010
- Faux Masters Studio 2002
- Faux Effects 2003 & 2006
- Finishing School New York 2004, 2005, 2008

- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2013–2024), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 42 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 48.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — HU-867034048, March 2023**

> Muriel was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. She transformed our pink countertops to a beautiful white marble faux stone. She was great at communicating throughout the entire process. Not only did she do exactly what we asked for, but her beautiful, high quality work exceeded our expectations. She is truly a talented artist and a master in her field. We will definitely hire her again!

**Comment from DOWN UNDER FAUX:**

> Thank you so much Courtney and Steve!  You were both awesome to work with too.  Enjoy your new countertops!

**★★★★★ — prmeltzer, May 2022**

> This project was a joy from start to finish,  Muriel painted my maple cabinets a lovely white, installed new hardware and painted 3 rooms, one with a cathedral ceiling. Her work is fastidious and beautiful!
> It doesn’t hurt that she is boatloads of fun to spend time with…I highly recommend!

**Comment from DOWN UNDER FAUX:**

> Thank you so much for a great review.  Such a pleasure to work on your home!

**★★★★★ — Peter Johnson, May 2022**

> Muriel and her team have a eye for creativity and perfection. She finds ways to work with different materials and the out come is amazing. She is always learning and pursuing new techniques to master painting and carpentry. The outcome of every job I've seen her complete is amazing.

**★★★★★ — Kitchen remodel, Oct. 2021**

> Muriel is an artist. She is very dedicated to achieving the best result and will work very hard to get there.
>
> She worked on our kitchen for seven months so we got to know her and her work very well. She navigated through several setbacks.
>
> We couldn't be more pleased with her work. We plan on having her back for more projects.

**★★★★★ — HU-483236520, April 2021**

> Muriel is very talented, and has a great attention to detail. She plastered our fireplace, and did a beautiful job.

**★★★★★ — BHHS, Hudson Valley Properties, Jan. 2021**

> Muriel is a true professional with an eye to details, she also pays attention to details that are not in the work she was doing for us and gave us some good ideas, she is a hard working person and dedicated to her work, we are planning now to work with her regarding our kitchen counters that will fit all the work she has already done on our cabinets.

**★★★★★ — Mary J, Sept. 2020**

> Muriel did a fabulous job for us, I would recommend her to anyone.
> All of the rooms in the house we bought had very dark colors and we wanted to brighten it up. Muriel came out to give us an estimate on Thursday and started the project on Friday. She is meticulous and thorough, with an extremely steady hand. The previous owners had cats so she lightly sanded the walls to remove the cat dander. She sanded areas of the ceiling and patched cracks. She removed every switch plate and replaced them when done. Patched all of the holes. Painted the ceiling as well as the walls. She even vacuumed up the dust from the project when she was finished!
> And the finished product is perfect. We couldn’t be happier with it.
> She started when she said she would and finished when she said she would.

**Comment from DOWN UNDER FAUX:**

> Thank you so much for your kind review!  Was a pleasure working on your new home in Upstate New York.  Hope you settle in soon and look forward to seeing you again.

**★★★★★ — Margot, Feb. 2018**

> Muriel is fantastic, start to finish. Although she's well known for her gorgeous plaster finishes, I was in need of a good painter for a few rooms in a new (but old, 1850s) house I was about to move into. Muriel went above and beyond, caulking, fixing problems areas, and achieving that meticulous line between wall and ceiling which delineates the pros from the wannabes. She has great advice (and contacts) on just about anything involving interiors. Can't recommend her highly enough.

**Comment from DOWN UNDER FAUX:**

> Thank you Margot for your kind review.  Was a pleasure working on your new home in the Hudson Valley!

**★★★★★ — rjanelli, Dec. 2017**

> Muriel is an amazing artist! That is the best way to explain her work. The kitchen cabinets that she re-finished were absolutely stunning! I have never seen cabinets like that anywhere. What was amazing however, was that the finish looked like it was completed in a factory. The edges were crisp and the workmanship perfect. She also finished a bathroom in the same home and it was beautiful as well.
>
> I am sure anyone who hires her will be extremely satisfied.

**Comment from DOWN UNDER FAUX:**

> Thank you Bob for your kind review of my work.

**★★★★★ — Feng Winham, Dec. 2017**

> She does what she says, and she does what she says with professionalism and perfectionism.
> I am a real estate agent and I manage bank owned properties. Muriel acts as my GC to service the lenders. The lenders are long-distance clients and they demand A Lot from us!! I have to say the stress level is high. Muriel handles everything coming our way. She is a great communicator, experienced , capable and very resourceful. With her help, I am carving out a niche for my business.

**Comment from DOWN UNDER FAUX:**

> Thank you Feng, you're right, the stress level is high on these projects, for yourself included.  We make a great team!

**★★★★★ — Jim Moore, Dec. 2017**

> I hired Muriel to repaint a faux stone fireplace surround that was in very bad shape. She stripped the old paint and put on a beautiful new slate finish with traces of bronze emerging from the main paint color. It looks so clean and lovely. The transformation is incredible, and this didn't really test Muriel's capabilities. She is a wonderful resource, and I'd recommend her to anyone seeking to upgrade their home for a very reasonable amount of money.

**Comment from DOWN UNDER FAUX:**

> Thank you so much Jim.  Was a pleasure to transform your fireplace for you.

**★★★★★ — Jeff Newman, Nov. 2017**

> Muriel is truly an artist!  She approaches each job holistically and with an understanding of what products work best for whatever end result you have in mind.  Her experience and knowledge of faux finishes is clearly extensive and she pays close attention to how things fit together to create a complete picture.  I can't recommend her highly enough!

**Comment from DOWN UNDER FAUX:**

> Thank you Jeff!  Is always a pleasure working with you.

## Selected projects

- [Rhinebeck New York](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rhinebeck-new-york-pj-vj~7535359)
  - Location: Not specified
- [Roman Clay Rhinebeck New York](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roman-clay-rhinebeck-new-york-pj-vj~7529945)
  - Location: Not specified
- [Marlboro New York](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marlboro-new-york-pj-vj~6749026)
  - Location: Marlboro, NY
  - Photos: 2
- [BEFORE AND AFTERS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/before-and-afters-pj-vj~205683)
  - Location: San Diego, CA
  - Photos: 12
- [Old Stone Farm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-stone-farm-pj-vj~2706627)
  - Location: Staatsburg, NY
  - Photos: 51
  - Description: Portola Lime Wash, color Dune Shack with Matte Sealer
- [River Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-road-pj-vj~6495897)
  - Location: Rhinebeck, NY
  - Photos: 10
- [Hudson New York](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hudson-new-york-pj-vj~6495876)
  - Location: Hudson, NY
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: With a ton of elbow grease and imagination we transformed our clients Farmhouse Kitchen into a thing of beauty. Torn out old countertops and replaced with custom Epoxy Hand Troweled Faux Finished Marble effect. Two coats of epoxy mechanically sanded to give a honed marble finish. Upper cabinet doors removed, backs painted in the wall color to give the appearance of open shelving. Reconfigured kitchen, removed stove from island to refrigerator position, made custom alcove for refrigerator, custom…
- [Upper East Side, New York, New York](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-east-side-new-york-new-york-pj-vj~5681734)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 9
- [UPSTATE NEW YORK](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upstate-new-york-pj-vj~572127)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: Previously stained wood cabinets. As cabinets were in perfect condition, it made sense for the owners to refinish. Colors used were Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo in American White for the main cabinets. Finishes by Muriel of DownUnderFaux.com
- [CARRIAGE HOUSE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carriage-house-pj-vj~29006)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
- [Rhinebeck Kitchen Facelift](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rhinebeck-kitchen-facelift-pj-vj~5642404)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [CHERRY COTTAGE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cherry-cottage-pj-vj~1392604)
  - Location: Red Hook, NY
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Venetian Plaster in Super White buffed with wax.
- [OMBRE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ombre-pj-vj~2699263)
  - Location: Rhinebeck, NY
  - Photos: 1
- [TULLY - NEW YORK](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tully-new-york-pj-vj~1849261)
  - Location: Rhinebeck, NY
  - Photos: 1
- [HYDE PARK NEW YORK](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hyde-park-new-york-pj-vj~1067444)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Strie' hand painted finish glaze over eggshell paint. Interior design by Danielle Relyea, Mill Road Design
- [MELLEY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/melley-pj-vj~154373)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Lusterstone hand trowelled plaster walls.
- [MASTER BATHROOM](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bathroom-pj-vj~99592)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Refinished cabinets with trowelled concrete countertop. New molding to existing mirror. Cabinets refinished in metal faux finish, new hardware. Walls in lusterstone hand trowelled plaster in two colors. New tiles.
- [MILLBROOK NEW YORK](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/millbrook-new-york-pj-vj~1059880)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [SUNSET CIRCLE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-circle-pj-vj~41039)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [LONDON UK](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/london-uk-pj-vj~276276)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12

[See all 29 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/painters/down-under-faux-pfvwus-pf~2080504805)

## Ideabooks

- [KITCHEN CABINETS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1327543/list/kitchen-cabinets) — 81 ideas
- [EXTERIORS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1704281/list/exteriors) — 70 ideas
- [Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4719830/list/garden) — 7 ideas
- [Prince](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164082211/list/prince) — 3 ideas
- [Kitchen outlet ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164082131/list/kitchen-outlet-ideas) — 3 ideas
- [Concrete](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159426547/list/concrete) — 3 ideas
- [Airstream](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8122694/list/airstream) — 7 ideas
- [Garage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152582617/list/garage) — 1 idea
- [Hot Tub](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152248042/list/hot-tub) — 1 idea
- [Tableware](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/139956378/list/tableware) — 3 ideas
- [OUTDOOR SPACES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2023727/list/outdoor-spaces) — 155 ideas
- [Black and White Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120002367/list/black-and-white-interiors) — 24 ideas
- [Dirt T Shirts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115512082/list/dirt-t-shirts) — 10 ideas
- [FINISHES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1345876/list/finishes) — 6 ideas
- [Counter tops](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4719938/list/counter-tops) — 21 ideas
- [Banquette](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102562548/list/banquette) — 2 ideas
- [BATHROOMS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1704288/list/bathrooms) — 70 ideas
- [BLACK STUMP](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64373424/list/black-stump) — 33 ideas
- [FLOORS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3356414/list/floors) — 9 ideas
- [Modern House Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86990576/list/modern-house-exteriors) — 6 ideas

[See all 79 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/down-under_faux)

## Community Q&A

**Q: levitating bed?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Is the bed levitating? Or cantilever ?

A: Levitated

**Q: What is the paint color? Beautiful!** *(in Photo Questions)*

I'm very cautious about selecting paint colors. This is the look I am going for. Please share the color you used in this room. Thanks!

A: This is a plaster finish that was tinted using Farrow & Ball's, "Stone Blue" tint.  It looks different in paint to the color it reads in plaster.  Hope this helps.

**Q: Rug** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where is the rug from?

A: This rug was purchased by the client in New York.   I'm not sure if they know where as it may have been at an auction.

**Q: Floating bed ?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What's holding the bed up ? Is this David Blane's bedroom ?

A: Thank you for the enquiry.  The head of the bed is attached to the wall, a center pole approximately 3 - 4 feet (900 - 1200mm) from the walls is on the floor.  I believe there's a metal platform under the mattress.

**Q: Paintable linen look wall covering vs more expensive linen wall coveri** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Does anyone have an opinion on this?  I'm thinking small dining room painted aqua for a coastal theme. Thanks

A: I'm a professional faux finish artist and recommend hand painting the 'linen look' using a glaze over the base coat to achieve the finish.  If you're doing it yourself the cost will be minimal.  Purchase some clear glaze at your local hardware store and add up to 25% paint in the color of your choice for the 'linen'.  I would experiment with color combinations first, however this is one way of getting the look without the expense AND being easy to change in the future too.  Brush the glaze horizontally first, let dry, brush vertical next, let dry.

**Q: Can you tell me the paint name of the goldish wall? Thank you!** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hi Glen, This isn't a paint on the wall, it's a custom venetian plaster with earth brown as one of the tints.  Sorry, I do not have a paint color I can advise to match this finish.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*