How to stencil an accent wall
February 17, 2014
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Last I left you I had told you about our little kitchenette spot that I’m super excited about:
I had finally painted the cabinets and installed the countertop. I’ve actually made some progress over the past few weeks but this big project I finished up last night. My goal all along has been to tile the wall above the cabinets but I haven’t found what I want just yet. Actually…I have, but it’s really expensive. So I want to pull the rest of the area together first and then decide if I want to drop some cash on the tile.
So to dress it up in the meantime, I decided to go with a stencil instead:
I thought it would work great with the slightly more modern vibe we have going in the basement. I actually had this one in my hands months ago for another project and decided against it but remembered it and went back for it. It was $17, but 40 percent off with my Hobby Lobby app and coupon.
When it came to the color to use with the stencil I went with this stuff from Krylon:
Again, from a project that never was. :) I got it last fall from True Value but I’m guessing you could find it anywhere Krylon is sold? I think it’s made to mix with another color but I liked it as it was – it’s a very light silvery finish.
Just like tiling or flooring, the first one is the most important – make sure it’s exactly where you want it because it will set the tone for the whole wall. Some use a light spray adhesive on the back but I didn’t need it:
As long as the stencil is level it will lay down flat. I used my small one to check it each time:
Now the amount of paint you use is really important. They sell stencil “stampers” at the craft store for projects like this but geesh, a wall would take forever with something like that. I always use a foam roller, just make sure you roll most of the paint out of it:
You hardly want anything on there at all. If you have too much it will get under the stencil and you’ll be mad. :)
Use decent pressure to paint over it – not too heavy but enough it covers well:
I stood back after a few and LOVED it:
It took a few hours – I did it while we watched the All Star game in the basement and it took the length of the game – about three hours from start to finish. The last little corner by the light switch took me longer than anything. It’s always the last part of the project…always.
But I was pleasantly surprised by it – I really love how it turned out!:
I was just using what I had but the silver paint ties in perfectly with the hardware and the lights. The drawer hardware is the same as what I used on the mudroom bench (from Lowe’s) and the door hardware I already had.
Here’s a look at it without the lights on:
Love it! I got the base installed around the cabinets while I was at it – it’s coming together!
Next steps – paint and caulk the base then install the shelving on the wall. I’m using these Ekby brackets with wood:
And then finally get that sink installed! (It will go on the right side of the kitchenette.) A wise reader reminded me we need to install a GFI outlet there since we’ll have water nearby, so that needs to happen too.
For now I’m really pleased with it and I toasted some pizza rolls last night to celebrate:
:)
Once I get our basement cleaned up I plan to give a rundown on the whole space. I haven’t shared the costs and how our plan came together and want to do that.
Have you stenciled a wall? It’s been a while since I’ve done it (last time was in the pantry) and I’m always surprised with the difference it makes. It’s such an inexpensive project too!
That is just gorgeous - favorite stenciling project I've seen yet. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteThat looks great, Sarah! Also, it just so happens I used the same stencil on my porch floor last month! Love it.
ReplyDeleteLooks perfect there, Sarah! I love a good stencil as a focal point - really gives a great pop! I have one in my office, and always get compliments on it. People think it's wallpaper - ah, no, something much easier to change out when I change my mind. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely beautiful and stands out just enough to make a large impact. I get really nervous when using stencils but I love what you've done here.
ReplyDeleteIt looks awesome!!! I love that you celebrated by making pizza rolls! (:
ReplyDeleteI am totally crushing on it!!! Great job.
ReplyDeleteLovely!! Wanted to pin, but it won't allow and when I hover over a picture the pin icon will not appear? Is something wrong?
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one who sees the Steeler's logo in that stencil??
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteI love how this turned out! I've been looking for inexpensive alternatives to tile for our kitchen backsplash. I think this type of treatment would be perfect. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love this! The tone on tone with the bit of shimmer looks so good! I like how it adds interest without being super in your face. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOhh, I love that stencil! The silver shimmer color looks great and adds just enough color without the stencil over taking the wall.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I love it, Sarah! The shimmery silver is gorgeous. I may even like it better than tile! I just stenciled a wall for the first time myself and also used a roller like you. I did go a little to heavy on the paint a couple of times and had to do some touch up, but I love my result. I went with a herringbone pattern. Love the stencil you chose also!
ReplyDelete- Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body {www.designertrapped.com}
Love how it turned out. The metallic finish is great, I have yet to try and conquer a big stenciling project like that. I love the impact that they always have.
ReplyDeleteI am so totally going to do this SOMEWHERE in my house! It looks amazing!!
ReplyDeleteSuper great idea!
I don't usually comment on posts (sorry!) but that looks seriously gorgeous!!!!! I love the look of stencils, but they can sometimes look overwhelming. Your shimmery silver dresses it up without being too over-the-top or in-your-face. Love love love it!
ReplyDeleteHi ! This is the first time I comment on here - I absolutely LOVE this overall stencil, especially the Silver shimmer which is exactly what I have been looking for ! I have been googling the Krylon Color Creations Shimmer Finishes but can't find it.... Maybe they stopper making it ? Bummer !
ReplyDeleteHere's the page on their site that I found: http://www.krylon.com/products/color-creations-acrylic-latex-enamel-quart/
DeleteAnd here's where it says they sell it: http://www.krylon.com/locator/
I didn't see this exact color on there though. You can also use a glaze from the hardware store to get this same effect -- just check the faux finishes area. :)
looks amazing! I might just try this on my backsplash!
ReplyDeletewhy hello there sexy! i love it!
ReplyDeleteI love it!! I"m sure you've mentioned it before, but what colour did you use on the walls? It's really nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's called Marina Gray but I had it lightened a bit. More info here: http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/05/picking-out-basement-paint-colors.html
DeleteWow, that's a lot of bang for your buck! It turned out really, really, really awesome. And I LOVE those lights.
ReplyDeleteLooks really good! I stenciled borders on all my rooms that I have painted. The same border, but different coils to harmonize with the room. I also stenciled one wall in the living room above the chair rail. I used those little brush stampers
ReplyDeleteI think the paint and pattern is perfect Sarah! Looks absolutely fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI oh so LOVE this! I painted a friend's kitchen, including the cupboards last summer and I said I would come back when I had a back splash plan. I think you've definitely helped me! Congrats on a great look!
ReplyDeleteSarah, do you wait until each square is completely dry before tackling the next one? How long in between squares? It looks fab! - Lisa
ReplyDeleteI waited a few minutes at least -- probably five to be safe! It really does dry fast! You'll just want to feel to see if it's tacky.
DeleteThis looks amazing. I just discovered your blog and I'm kind of obsessed. This wall is awesome - congrats!
ReplyDeleteThat is so freaking beautiful!! I have never stenciled before. Will have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get this awesome stencil?
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! Well done, girl!!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Love this! I haven't stenciled in ages and nothing on this scale...now I've got the bug, I want to do this in our half bath. Great job! Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteLove this to pieces!
ReplyDeleteOk, this is too freaky, about an hour ago I told my daughter we need to do this very thing to her bedroom wall. Thanks for the tutorial. It looks so cool!
ReplyDelete<3
ReplyDeleteStenciling scares me... But this looks great! You're absolutely right about the color tying in with the hardware and pendant lights. Makes for such a polished and pretty kitchenette!
ReplyDeleteNot to sound stupid, but I have always been afraid to stencil because I don't know how to line up the stencil so it looks good (like yours - awesome!) Any tips/hints you can give me?
ReplyDeleteIt looks so great! Almost like wallpaper. I'm with some other readers, how the heck do you line up stencils so they match up. etc?
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous! I want to stencil some wall in our house some day too. I like how yours has that subtle tone on tone look with a little shimmer.
ReplyDeleteNice! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow! That turned out awesome. I would love to do that in my house.
ReplyDeleteI love this look! I have been going back and forth about stencil ing in my daughters bedroom but now that I have seen yours I am definitely going to do it. It gives a wall so much interest but can be very subtle at the same time. It turned out beautiful
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me...that looks wonderful! Can't wait to see more. :)
ReplyDeleteSo cool looking!
ReplyDeleteWhoa, is it possible to fall in love with a wall? That's crazy beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I can't believe the beautiful results with such a simple process...thanks for sharing all the tips...now, where to try this in my house? :)
ReplyDeleteI have thought of stenciling silver over our gray walls in our bedroom. This is beautiful. I'm going to have to do it now.
ReplyDeleteThat looks great! I would have caved and just bought wall paper, hired a paper hanger and paid the bill.
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing! Are you going to have any mirrored walls as a back drop to the shelving? Say like antique mirroring? Just thinking mirror backed shelves would be so perfect in that space, and opens it up.
ReplyDeleteI really, REALLY, love this! You've made stenciling look like something that actually isn't too difficult to tackle so I really appreciate that! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I stenciled the wall in our entry (with the same color just high gloss finish) and the wall behind our bed (with a shade lighter). I used the hand stamper (like a round dot sponge by Martha Stewart) since I was too afraid I'd overload a roller and create a mess so it took FOREVER! But I get a ton of compliments and I feel it makes the room.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I did a similar project in the bathroom in my old house and want to do it in my new house. I really struggled with keeping the stencil in place using just tape, though, especially in the corners. Did you have any issues with this, or any hints you can share?
ReplyDeleteOn a completely different note, I have to tell you how much I love your site. In fact, it inspired me to start my own blog. I am so impressed with all of your projects and your writing style. I hope that someday I will be as successful as you have been with blogging. Keep up the good work!
I love it! Just a touch of shimmer.
ReplyDeleteIt turned out so pretty. I love the softness of it. Stencils are kind of a pain sometimes, but they really provide such a nice impact, and soooo much cheaper than wallpaper. I just finished a stencil myself except mine was the whole room. Time consuming but I'm happy with how it came out:)
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI don't even have the words to say how much I love this wall project. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteThis turned out sooo pretty! I have the same stencil but have never used it -- now I'm wandering around my house trying to find a place to use it!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done ... you made it look easy.
ReplyDeleteAudrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
This is so beautiful.What is your basement paint color?
ReplyDeleteperfection. wonderful job, it really adds spectacular bling to the wall!
ReplyDeleteThis is so gorgeous!! You have really inspired me to get started on stenciling my dining room. I can't seem to find this paint on the Krylon website though, will have have something similar.
ReplyDeletewww.bajantexan.blogspot.com
Wow. Looks amazing!
ReplyDelete