Reprint from SAN DIEGO HOME/GARDEN LIFESTYLES 5/18/2011
‘STENCILING SAVVY’ by Warren Sheets
Dating back a thousand years or more, the art of stenciling recently resurged as an intriguing way to enliven a room, adding dimension and depth to any space.
In addition to walls — where it can serve as a cost-effective alternative to wallpaper — stenciling can be applied to ceilings and even furnishings.
When applying stenciling, adhere to moderation. Too much stenciling can be busy and overwhelm a room. Ideally, stenciling is used as a decorative border on ceilings and at the top of walls, placed an inch or more under the crown molding.
Sometimes the colors that are used within a space can be incorporated into the stencil pattern. Another interesting technique is to mute the coloration through a process called “aging,” which is accomplished by applying tinted oil-based glaze on top of the painted stencil design.
Stencil motifs also can be carefully applied to wood portions of furnishings, or in and around the back-plate of a wall sconce.
There really is no limit (other than moderation) to how and where stenciling can be used. Applied correctly, it can enliven a room and infuse warmth, bringing color and design to drab surfaces.