One of the challenges of new construction in old(er) houses is to blend the old with the new. The choice of finish can make or break the deal. If you do your job, no one notices, but if you don't, it's the first thing everyone sees. Here are some examples where I had to match the existing stained trim.
New doors are often more difficult to stain and finish (semi-gloss Varathane over stain, left and middle) than older doors (right). The doors on the right were almost a hundred years old and had been painted all that time. They were stripped and left natural with a semi-gloss Varathane finish.
Two examples of Faux finishes. The screen door (left) has a pseudo oxidized patina. The walls of this room have a "wash" treatment which gives them the appearance of old plaster.
