One of our favorite decorative painting outfits, Simes Studios, is disputing the notion that one needs 14 layers to get a great finish. Simes’ latest newsletter outlines three one- or two-step processes that make for fabulous finishes at a reasonable cost. “We have not found a finish we can’t conquer in five or six steps,” the owners say. “Many of our best surfaces average three steps.” Shown here is the Charcoal finish, a dark pewter wash to be applied over a wood surface or floor. It’s a two-step process over sealed wood and we think it would look equally fab in a modern or traditional home.

–JAN PARR