Outdoor Trompe L'oeil

Figure A--Cardinalli points out that this clay pot is as big as she is. She wanted to fill the end space to complement the Belgian fence-style row of apple trees that are painted on the wall. By painting the unattractive foundation white and simulating the wood siding to continue to the ground, she has added more light. In addition, the simulated orchard takes up no space and stays green and lush year-round.

Figure B--It seemed logical to have a life-size shovel and rake hanging by the basement door. Again, the siding has been simulated here and is centered by a faux work bench. Don't be fooled by the that, though--it's real.

Figure C--Using paint specially formulated for painting on concrete, she painted the original gray a lighter shade so that it would look like the grout holding in a stone foundation. She then painted the stones in a freehand fashion.