Carezza Custom FInishes, Inc. is a full service faux finishing and design contracting studio. We can provide you with everything you need, from an initial design concept, to the completed project. Our dedicated team takes great pride in using our imagination, creativity, skills, knowledge, and experience, to deliver an innovative and unique solution to any project.

Carezza was formed out of a growing need for skilled artisans in the workplace. The common goal for finely painted decoration and the most current and innovative finishes is shared passionately by this unique group of artists dedicated to their craft. Extensively trained by European masters and the most respected faux finishing institutes in America, our clients enjoy a unique blend of the best of both worlds.

We work with homeowners, businesses, interior designers, architects, builders, kitchen designers, and people like you. We specialize in transforming ordinary spaces into exquisite, exciting, relaxing, serene or inviting works of art - every project, every time.

We pride ourselves in bringing together the right elements of form, function and artistry to meet the demands of our clients, in creating that certain style and ambiance desired. Choices can be made from almost unlimited studio samples or we can custom design unique samples capturing your own individuality.

By combining our expertise in a broad range of skills and many years of professional experience, Carezza Custom FInishes brings the hallmark of quality in Faux Finishes, Marbling, Woodgraining, Murals, Trompe L'Oeil, Gilding, Grisaille, Patinas, Textures, Old World Finishes. Our finishes can cover walls, ceilings, countertops, fireplace mantels, columns, furniture, moldings, tile, in fact, almost anything.

And remember... although we offer competitive pricing, our high standards, professionalism, and top-of-the-line results mean we're not the cheapest!

Mission Statement

Carezza Custom FInishes, a company of artisans recognized and respected for creating the highest level of decorative artistry and finishes, is committed be the premier recourse in design and decoration, exceeding the expectations of our customers on every project.

Our dedicated team takes great pride in using their imagination, creativity, skills, knowledge, and experience, to deliver an innovative and unique solution to any project.

In The News...

We are proud to be leaders in our industry!

Sharon Taglienti trained with international artist Sean Crosby of Crosby-Amblard Studios for a spectacular week at Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes.
Tag attended the Fresco Panel class where she recreated one of Michelangelo's fresco panels -- the "Libyan Sibyl". In addition, Sean treated the class to a demonstration of woodgraining along with tips and tricks on tools and techniques.

Erik Tweten

Erik began his decorative painting career twelve years ago, when his wife was transferred to England. While living in England, Erik caught the decorative painting bug, and studied the British City and Guilds course for decorative painting for three years.

After living in Europe for five years, Erik returned with his family to Chicago, where he has since worked as a decorative painter. Erik has continued to further his industry knowledge and skills, and has enrolled in several courses offered by European and American Masters in decorative painting.

Erik holds a degree in advertising and design, and has worked as an art director, special effects computer technician, and held positions in other creative fields. He has a wonderful wife and two sons.

Sharon Taglienti (Tag)

After laboring for nearly twenty years as an executive at commercial real estate development firm, Tag began her second career, fulfilling her dream of becoming part of the artistic community.

Tag's extensive skills training includes completion of a year long course with the prestigious North American School of Decorative Arts — a Chicago institute bringing European Masters across the ocean to instruct artists in the old world techniques of marbling, wood graining and murals. Tag also holds faux finishing certificates from the Faux Finishing Institute (Seattle and Nebraska), Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, Faux Effects Studio (Florida), Decorating Masters, and from renowned American artists, including Gary Lord and Victor DeMassi.

Armed with an extensive skills foundation, plus seven years experience in the faux and decorative painting community, Tag has provided clients in the residential and commercial community with some unique and stunning projects.

From a Chicago loft, to a St. Charles commercial fish store, you'll observe her unique touch. Tag brings years of project management expertise, plus world-class decorative arts skills, to every project. Each creative assignment is scheduled and completed in a professional and hassle-free manner.

"I truly believe that the key to success in this business is to stay current with all of the newest trends and materials, to provide my clients with the most exquisite and unique finishes, and to accomplish every task in a thoroughly professional manner."

Mike Willeford

For twenty-five years, Mike served up fresh ideas and solutions in the advertising industry, as an award-winning creative director on many national and international accounts.

Recently, Mike shifted careers to return to his love of painting. After discovering the North American School of Decorative Arts, he recognized where his future was headed. He enrolled in its multi-faceted program with top European and American instructors, and soon became associated with Sharon Taglienti and Erik Tweten.

It wasn't long before Carezza Custom FInishes was born, and Mike was once again serving up creative ideas and solutions. Many Chicago penthouses, commercial boutiques and fine homes bear witness to Mike's artistic intuition, and his passion for painting.