Devine Decorating Results for Your Interior

I’m a big fan of accent walls.  In fact I have just finished creating two accent walls in two different rooms using a stencil for the first time.  Both of these projects were low-budget, so I embarked on a DIY adventure that I will share with you here.

The first room is a bedroom in a model home.  I am about to publish a post on that entire project providing tips for staging to sell, so stay tuned.

Before photo…

Before photo of bedroom at Quatama Crossing, Hillsboro, OR

After…

After stencil accent wall has been painted behind the upholstered bed

Stencils are great for accent walls.  Typically you wouldn’t want to put a bold design on more than one wall in a room.  Not only that you save time by only creating one accent wall.  Additionally a single accent wall can really create a great focal point in a room, adding an amazing WOW factor!  Notice the added drama created by the vertical stripe behind the bed above,  and how it makes the ceiling appear taller as well.  Painting the stencils on top of the stripe adds a creative dimension, and replaces the need for artwork on the wall.  Also when you tire of the look, all you need to do is paint over it.

Below is the same stencil which is called the Casablanca All Over stencil that you can purchase online from www.cuttingedgestencils.com.   Cutting Edge Stencils has many impressive stencil designs and styles.

A small home office after a makeover including a stenciled accent wall

You can view the before and after photos for the small home office makeover shown above in this blog post here.  I chose the Casablanca stencil because I was tempted to layer on the dandelion stencil as shown below.  (However I decided it would be too busy for this tiny room.)

I love the look of these layered stencils.  Below they were used on artwork, but this same concept could be used in stripes painted floor to ceiling on a wall.

Layered stencils in artwork.  If you like these stencils, see giveaway details below.*

Below is an example of a more traditional look created by a damask stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils, which also will be given away by the Fusion TV show.  Like the Fusion Facebook page for upcoming details on this stencil giveaway.

This 24″x30″ Nadya Damask stencil is included in the giveaway, and normally sells for $39.95.

The same damask stencil in a different room

The great thing about using stencils is that you can always paint over them if you make a mistake.  It is a bit more work than using wallpaper, but you can save a few hundred dollars.

It is important to follow the application directions.  You want to use a good foam roller brush and definitely have handy-wipes within reach.  You can purchase these tools as well at www.CuttingEdgeStencils.com…

Essential stenciling tools available at http://www.CuttingEdgeStencils.com .

Also I followed the recommendation to use a spray adhesive on the stencil.  I sprayed on the adhesive in a separate, well-ventilated area, and just waited  a couple minutes before using it so that it wasn’t too sticky.  It was much easier than taping the stencil to the wall…

Stenciled accent wall in progress

The stencil kit came with this edging stencil shown below.  To finish the edges, you can simply bend the stencil to fill in the spots…

This edge stencil came with the main stencil and allows you to fill in the edges.

Also when you’re using an interlocking design, it helps to wipe off the edges of the stencil with a handy-wipe while the paint is still wet so that you can see where you’re matching up the design on the next painting spot.  Below you can see how I have done this with a smaller stencil that allows you to fill in spots where needed…

I smudged some stencil lines a little when I started to work too fast and didn’t blot my roller enough on a paper towel (see video instructions).  However, I was able to quickly clean up the lines with a smaller brush.  The key is to take your time, and don’t pressure yourself to get it done too quickly.

Cutting Edge Stencils provides this amazing level that simply slides onto the edge of the stencil.  This allows you to easily see if your stencil is level before you start painting…

Important stencil level tool

If you’d like more tips and ideas for accent walls, check out my posts Accentuate with Accent Walls and Tips and Trends in Wallpaper and Accent Walls.   A DIY post is on the way covering how the day bed was made, as well as the bulletin board in the small home office makeover.  Subscribe to this blog and “Like” us on Facebook for notifications.

* *Enter a Giveaway for the above Casablanca Stencil and the Dandelion Stencil valued at $59 total!**

To be entered in this giveaway:

1. Leave a comment on this post with your idea of how you would use the stencil design.
2. For additional entries mention this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or your blog, and leave a comment on this blog for each post.  You will win an extra chance to win with each post, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each.

Contest is open to US and Canada residents, and ends Sunday June 10^th at midnight, PST.

One winner will be drawn at random and announced on Monday, June 11^th.

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. 

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