Decorating with Stencils

Messy Bedroom transformed in to palatial retreat!

Just prior to us moving in to this large home of ours I took pictures of each room so I could remember just how the house looked as we waited to close and I packed to move in to my own home for the first time in my life. Once the owners moved everything out, left behind in this room was the wooden paneling at the base of the wall (painted the brightest blue!), the tiny flowered wall paper (that I couldn't wait to rip out) and an incredibly wonderful pine slat ceiling and pure white carpeting. Not much to work with, but I put my faux and decorating know how to the test and here's the result!

That bright blue paint was turned to a rich butter cream color as were the walls, then I faux finished a very soft marble pattern using soft beige and rich taupe colors.

I just used a sea sponge to blot on "diagonal lines" of each color, separated by the cream beneath and then immediately went back with an old, dry towel and blotted off excess allowing the colors to blend softly.

I then hung a simple brass curtain rod above the bed and draped sheer material purchased at the fabric store for only 1.75 per yard! (They didn't have the color I wanted so I dyed it with "Rit Liquid dye" to a soft beige).

 It looked rather plain so I draped hanging tassels (about 3.00 each at the fabric store) in deep brown, Hung a vintage print in the center and TA-DA! That did the trick!

 I ditched those bright blue curtains and hung sheers completely across the window and wall, purchased tie back holder in brass, hung them at the ends and middle of the window then draped deep brown sheer material over them to create a much larger looking window which added obvious visual space to the room.

A few glass tables, a couple of statuesque candles and that once "country style" room turned in to an elegant guestroom (which has been used often since with 5 bedrooms we've now been deemed the "Larsen Hotel"..... as my husband says: "You can check out any time you like... but you can NEVER leave!"

 

Sponge Painting Tip:
The biggest mistake that I see most people do is just simply blotting on color onto walls without blending. Blending is what makes it pleasing to the eye and allowing you to create something soft and inviting. It takes the harshness out and makes the brain "relax", rather than "busy" by viewing too much detail.

In home decorating, the detail can be in the walls if you choose, however, you are better served to create detail in your furniture, a piece of art that you're proud to display, in your accessories and colors. Allow your walls to be the "backdrop" for your treasured items rather than the entire focal point of a room and everything else gets overlooked.

If you want walls to be a focal point, make it one wall.........or a border.......a single mural, rather than all of the walls in the room being completely covered with detailed design. Create "balance" and you'll find the room a relaxing and enjoyable living space.

Exciting News!
Victoria's husband Dana has finally released his fabulous "Smooth Jazz" CD that includes Victoria's single "Gravity".

Give a listen for free at
cdbaby.com
today!
Click here!