As I have already shared with you, I am currently in the process of giving our living room an entirely NEW look. And this process most certainly includes adding a bit of drama and flare to the bookcases flanking our fireplace.
Here is what they looked like before.
(I am just showing you the one side because the other side hasn't been done yet.)
Yawn...pretty boring right?
Well here it is with the wall behind the bookcase stenciled in a bold color.
(Plus a little rearranging of the bookcase shelves. Would you expect anything less?)
This process was one of trial and error. Before I stenciled I painted the wall white in a semi gloss finish. I liked the idea of having a little bit of shimmer on the wall. I proceeded to paint on the stencil using the same color as on the walls of the room, unfortunately it was way too light and you could barely see it. Then I decided to pick up a sample can of paint at Benjamin Moore in a color called Coventry Blue. (To be honest it is more of a greenish blue.) Yes...now you could see the stencil and it was dramatic! There were a few spots where the blue had bled onto the white. To correct the mistakes I used a small craft brush dipped in the white semi-gloss paint and ever so carefully painted over the blue. It's not perfect but that is OK...it's all about the overall look!
I was very lucky in the fact that the shelves were removable. This made painting a snap. I also needed to apply two coats of paint so I sped up the drying process with the use of a blow dryer.
As you can see I chose a stencil pattern and a paint color similar to that of the sofa's throw pillows. (I picked up this stencil by Stencil Ease at A.C. Moore for $19.99...the pattern is called Fes)
I love the dramatic effect the stencil has on the entire wall. It looks so much more bright and interesting. Once the wall on the other side of the fireplace is done, I plan to start working on this gorgeous piece.
Hope you all are enjoying the beginning of this wonderful week!
Ciao for now!!
XO
Sharing this post over at link parties hosted by these wonderful blogs...
Oh wow, it looks amazing. I love the stencil, so pretty and what a special touch.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a difference. I love it!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out amazing! I love it!
ReplyDeleteMuch better! I love it!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Looks great Barb. Can't wait to see it done and what and where u wind up putting that pretty cabinet
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT Barbara...love that pretty lamp too... love the look your creating in here! What a beautiful piece can't wait to see how you transform it!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara! Thanks so much for coming by and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate every one of them!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to have found you . . . your blog is beautiful.
I loved reading about your stenciled bookcase. I did the same in our living room, but paneled the backs of the book cases with linen fabric. I love how it turned out. Yours turned out beautiful! Great job!
Thanks for sharing!
Have a great week,
Suzanne
Luv it!
ReplyDeleteOh, Barbara. That is such a beautiful transformation. I always think your rooms are pretty but WOW this is spectacular. I can't wait to see what you do with that gorgeous piece of furniture. Did you make your beautiful table lamp? I am so loving the jute covered 'anything' and it is wonderful with the metallic finish..Happy Wednesday..Judy
ReplyDeleteThis transformation looks really good! I bet it was a bit of trick to get that stencil to line up properly! I'm sure I would've messed it up!
ReplyDeleteLove your stenciled bookcase wall! I'd love for you to share it at my Twirl & Take a Bow Linky Party. http://www.houseontheway.com/twirl-take-bow-party-103/
ReplyDeleteWe love having great projects like yours!
Leslie
House on the Way
Your bookcase looks amazing Barbara! It gives the whole room a fresh new look! Happy to feature you at our party this morning. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I love the stenciled wall! So beautiful. It really sets things off well. Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features at the Anything Blue Friday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to the party. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/09/anything-blue-friday-week-69.html Hope to see you again at the little blue soiree. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDelete