There is something in common with these walls, can you guess what it is?
Have you figured it out? Nope, it's not $50.00 a roll designer wallpaper. The common factor is that all of the walls in the pictures above have been created by using stencils and paint. Yep, stencils!
I was afraid to put the word "stencil" in the title of this posting because most people cringe and immediately think of the old ivy/grapevine stencil that made the rounds 10 years ago in almost every kitchen in America. Nope, no ivy/grapevines here, so don't run the other way and miss out on this great (and inexpensive) decorating idea. I want to inspire you and show you how stencils have evolved in a HUGE way over the last 10 years.
While it's true that stencils have evolved over the last 10 years, it's important to point out that there were fabulous walls stencils available 10 years ago, but they were extremely difficult to locate and only marketed to interior designers and decorative painters. In fact, more than 10 years ago, I used this Ralph Lauren damask wall stencil and in my dining room. Take a look (click on picture for a better quality picture):
Here is a close up of the stencil design that I used
10 years ago, the only reason I stumbled across this stencil and this technique was because a friend had used it in her home, which she had discovered herself through a decorator friend in Dallas. I used this particular Ralph Lauren stencil on a plain white wall with a Ralph Lauren wall glaze called "Chestnut", which is still available today. After I completed all of the stencils, I went over the whole wall very quickly with the same glaze using a rag and towel to remove the glaze almost immediately after putting it on the wall (tea stain technique). My dining room stencil project cost only $90.00 for me do and I love it today more than I did 10 years ago!! Granted, I would NEVER do a whole room again and do not recommend it!
The great thing about a wall stencil is not only are they a heck of a lot cheaper than designer wallpaper but the results are incredible. The richness and depth that paint can provide to a wall is much more vibrant than wallpaper could ever bring. Using a tinted glaze is even better and provides even more color variation (shading) than paint if you want a stenciled area appear aged, like I wanted for my dining room. The great thing about using a stencil is you can customize any design for the specific room, corner, a wall or a small area such as a bathroom in a way that is very difficult to do with wallpaper. Again, did I mention how cheap it is too?
Today, there are hundreds of websites that offer great stencils and easy step-by-step tutorials and galleries full of wall ideas that will make blinging out your walls one of the easiest home decor projects that you can do. If you're interested in looking through more stenciled wall ideas or purchasing a stenci, my favorite stencil websites are; Sunny's Paint (you can buy fabulous wall glazes on her site too), The Stencil Library and Royal Design Studio. All three of these websites not only offer stencils but have amazing wall galleries with stencil ideas and very detailed tutorials. Again, I can't tell you how incredibly easy it is to stencil a wall! Most of these stencils cost around $35.00 and the glaze or paint is minimal.
Not inspired to stencil your wall? How about these ideas;
Stenciled floors and stairs, WOW!
Stenciled pillows! Easy with fabric paint!
I LOVE this stenciled headboard, again done with fabric paint!
Have I inspired you yet? I hope so because stenciling is such a fun, easy and inexpensive way to really add pop to a room! Maybe you love the look but have no desire to tackle a do it yourself project. So think about buying your stencil and calling a local decorative painter to do it for you. It's still a great look and a lot less expensive than high dollar wallpaper.
Well, time to move onto the next project. Thanks for checking out The Exchange and I thank all of you who have sent me emails, notes and comments! I so appreciate your sweet words of encouragement and feedback on projects!
Cheers!
Cyndy
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Thanks for sharing that! I want to stencil some canvas to use as curtains using fabric paint...I think this is the perfect inspiration...thanks again!
ReplyDeleteTraci
I love the look but every time I try stencils I get runs. So sad. So I have not tried anything big. What is the secret to that not happening? I would hate to try fabric paint and it run through the stencil.
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