Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Poor, Poor Powder Room

This little half-bath has been neglected ever since we moved in.

We DID add the bead board which helped a lot, but other than that, it only has a mirror with broken pieces, southwest-style copper accessories (not my style), a decent but not awesome light fixture, and no artwork on the walls.

First, I really like the idea of putting a big mirror on the wall that stretches over the toilet and the vanity. (I found this photo here).

Now, about those blank walls... I was thinking about having it wallpapered, but then I had an interesting idea: I could possibly stencil it. It would be much less expensive than wallpaper, but I'm sure it would be quite a time investment. Before you get scared, hear me out. I typically think of chickens and grapevines when I think of stencils but that's why I was blown away when I found these pretty, modern ones. This store has some really cool Moroccan styles like this:

And here's what the actual stencil would look like:

And then I found this AWESOME one with birch trees:

Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it worth the time?
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34 comments:

  1. True TexanJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    I've never stenciled anything as big as a powder room, but the principle should be the same as anything else! Just make sure you practice on something big like a poster board...and get good brushes and paints! Can't wait to see the pictures...

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  2. sparrowminJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    This decorating blog has some impressive stencils - and she made them herself.

    http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2010/03/tutorial-making-stencil.html

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  3. SarahJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Stenciling is fun-- but it's hard work too. I would go with wallpaper. You're pretty handy, so I would bet that you could hang it yourself (I've done it a few times, and it really isn't very hard at all) When I saw the birch tree design, I thought about this wallpaper I saw at anthropologie

    http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-WALLPAPER-MODERN&id=860077&catId=HOME-WALLPAPER&pushId=HOME-WALLPAPER&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=30&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=bwh&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

    Ok, that's a long link-- but it's really cool! :-)

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  4. Blossoming BranchesJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    those are some really great stencils

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  5. *jjJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    I know! I LOVE that wallpaper. It's really expensive as far as wallpaper goes, that's why I was thinking about doing the stencil. Maybe I can find a similar style that's cheaper.

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  6. RebeccaJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    I love the idea of stencilling... I was reading a blog the other day and found this great site:
    http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/wall-pattern-stencils.html
    Definitely worth a look : )
    Enjoy!

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  7. SaraJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    I was inspired by this book to give stenciling a go
    http://www.amazon.com/Lotta-Prints-Anything-Potatoes-Linoleum/dp/081186037X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294283605&sr=1-1
    I did the stenciling that you see Lotta doing on the cover. I did it on the sides of a smallish cupboard type thing that I picked up at an antique shop. I was surprised by how hard it was to get clean lines with the paint. I didn't have the greatest equipment, but I did buy stiff stenciling brushes and tried to have the right tools for the job. I love it from a distance, but if you look close up, it isn't that great. Anyhow, I only have the one experience and I was glad I attempted it on a small project instead of the wall which is what I was considering. I am not trying to discourage you because maybe it will come far easier to you, but I would try it out on something smaller for the first time just to get a feel for it.

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  8. SarahJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Yes-- it is a bit pricey. I found these too--

    http://www.modernwallcompany.com/Nature-Wall-Decals/Birch-Trees-p256.html

    Still maybe more then you're looking to spend.

    This is so cute too--
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/zusty/246571928/in/set-72157594289567444/
    Of course, this one requires painting talent, which I know I don't have. Do you? I wish I did-- that little bird melted my heart right off!


    of course they're not much cheaper. Normally I'd say stay away from anything but paint in a bathroom, but because this is a half bath-- you don't have to worry about steaming anything right off!

    I saw this,
    http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/425-birch-tree-silhouettes-paint-by-number-wall-mural.html?CS_003=2082644&CS_010=425-birch-tree-silhouettes-pai

    Maybe this is more up your alley. It's a paint by number... I could even do that...lol! Plus, the owl gives it some spunk!

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  9. PeggyJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    Have you ever put up wall paper? I know my mother-in-law loves putting up wallpaper but I find it VERY difficult. Now stenciling, that is a completely different story. I've found stenciling to be go much quicker in a small space than papering. And no where near as time consuming. Yes it can take up a few small blocks of time but once again it is strictly personal preference.

    Good luck! Can't wait to see the finished "product"!

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  10. Lauren KJanuary 6, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    JJ -
    Just this Christmas I stenciled a large space for my roommate. She LOVED it! She laughed for like five minutes when she saw it because she was so excited! I think it's worth the time investment. After I finished, i felt accomplished - knowing that I had put good old fashioned effort into it and had been a good steward of my money. I would suggest using a high quality foam brush or mini-roller. I used both and the paint was even and there weren't any leaks because the small size allowed for control. Just a thought :)
    Hope it goes well!

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  11. JamieJanuary 6, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Wow! Looks amazing! Wish I could do something like that. Probably should by a house first though.lol

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  12. Heedless January 6, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    I like the trees! Trees have something so healing and relaxing about them....I think that we can heal...just from looking at trees...Behold!

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  13. ~VA~January 6, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Those stencils look amazing!! I guess I don't have anything to say that hasn't already been said--make sure to practice first and remember it could take some time--but I guess I just wanted to comment because I think it's really cool that you put so much effort into making even such random spaces like your bathroom really fit with your personality.

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  14. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    We've lived in this house for 10 years, with a powder room that has nice fixtures but needs something. I recently told my husband that I am gearing up to DO something - thanks for your ideas and inspiration!

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  15. CateJanuary 7, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    I'm with Sarah, I would use the decals. I think it's a nice balance btx the two. I haven't done it yet, but have friends that have. I am going to do winter tree decals w/ either song birds or owls behind the baby crib from etsy.

    :)

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  16. najaJanuary 9, 2011 at 4:31 AM

    I would suggest that you go with something on the simple side. Or use it as an accent. It's a small room, so you don't want a busy pattern to swallow it up!

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    I totally love the birch tree wallpaper! About a mirror, since it is a small room it should probably have a mirror on the smaller side. But that's just my opinion...

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  18. The SleeveJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    I've stenciled an entire wall of a friends bedroom and the results were great! The biggest thing would be to practice first so you can get a fell of what the paint will do when you pull the stencil up. Also, make sure you take your time. If you rush you will probably end up having some paint bleed over. It's very rewarding once it's done though. Plus, you can tell everyone you did it yourself :D

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  19. The SleeveJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    I should proof read my comments...sorry for the spelling and grammar mistakes :P

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    I cant wait till I move! than i can redecorate my house!

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  21. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    i wish people view my blog. :(

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  22. ErynJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    love your blog!
    I recently saw this tutorial on "painted wallpaper". Check it out...a really fun blog.
    http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/painted-wallpaper-a-tutorial/

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  23. JaimeJanuary 18, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    jj -
    i've stenciled before and i chose it for the same reason you're considering. well...it was kinda like stenciling mixed with a mural. i used a pattern but projected it up onto the wall the first time. the second, i fre-handed it. i did a wall in my daughter's room and matched the pattern to her bedding. i found that doing a larger pattern was easier...not so intricate. you're artsy...i say go for the stencil/painting!

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  24. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    you should try making these :) super quick and easy and cute

    http://fluffyland.com/blog/index.php/ribbon-headband-tutorial/

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  25. JoseJanuary 23, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    hello there ! i just wanted to say that i'm in love with your music ! love your texts and the melody ! i'm from germany ;))
    jose.

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  26. jacquelynJanuary 23, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Hi there! I stumbled upon your music and I am really enjoying it! Thanks for sharing your heart in such a relatable and interesting way. Love it!
    I love crafting and sewing too, I will bookmark your blog (:
    p.s. cute Lucy girl!
    God bless!

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  27. Gideon ZedJanuary 24, 2011 at 4:48 AM

    I think those ideas are really cool... I like the big mirror idea and the cool stencil. I might have to stencil something when I buy a house.

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  28. KatieJanuary 25, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    what a great idea! thanks for the link, I have been wanting to do this on a dresser anyway. awesome!

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  29. UnknownJanuary 25, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Thank you for the idea of adding bead board to a bathroom. I love, love, love it!! I have a neglected bathroom in my basement that I have tossed around ideas for the last 5 years. Now, I just need to get some muscle involved and get the job done.

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  30. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    I vote Stencil the walls....there are so many blogs with fabulous photos....
    http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com/p/tutorials.html
    http://lulupainting.com/2009/07/darling-diy-damasks/
    http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2010/03/cutting-edge-stencils-and-giveaway.html

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  31. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    oPTION 2....Vinyl wall art.....cool stuff that is very removeable...

    One example only
    http://walldiy.com/

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  32. charityFebruary 7, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    JJ, if you love these, you'll love Uppercase Living. It's vinyl "stickers". It's better than stenciling, easier to put on and quick too! Plus, when you are done with it (when you change your mind and want to redecorate) you peel it right off! It's quality vinyl and won't come off until you choose to. Go to www.uppercaseliving.com and look under the products tab. If you want to have a party (to make your purchase cheaper), contact a demonstrator in your area. Better yet, contact one to see a demo! It's so easy and fun!

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  33. cottagepinkperfectionMay 27, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    Yes, I have experience with this! I stenciled one wall in my family room with a damask stencil. It is lovely and much cheaper than wallpaper. It is well worth the time. So much easier than wallpaper. And if you don't like it, paint over it. Paint is relatively inexpensive. More time is involved than money. Do it girl, but be sure to post pics.

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  34. UnknownOctober 14, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    i stenciled my dining room, and it was worth every minute! (took me about a week, working off and on). it's been well over a year, and i still feel delighted every time i see it, and every time someone thinks it's wall paper and then realizes it's paint!

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