I began at the paint store in the knowledgable hands of Vic, on whom I can always count for advice and a story or two. He assured me that Benjamin Moore Regal was the way to go and he was right; it covered dense and dark in one coat.
When I told him what I was doing he looked down and nodded his head. “You know, I can paint a steady, straight line,” he looked up from under his brow and finished, “with either hand.” I smiled back, “You know, I can, too. Pretty much.”
And I did. The lines waver slightly – you can see that they were not taped. I like it better. No pretense.
I made a quick guide and started at the center of the longest wall and moved toward the door. I was intent on getting the worst out of the way, the Catholic school girl in me still so deeply embedded that I felt the need to earn satisfaction through suffering. But I succumbed. Succumbed to the creamy temptation of the paint and the soft “shush” of the brush on the wall. The marking scrambled my brain, but the painting soothed my spirit and before the small space filled with the scent of the intoxicant I realized that this was what I sought from the beginning.
In no hurry, with my focus on what was right in front of me, I took it a little at a time. There was the bother of corners and plumbing, but even those, with patience, were managed. Standing back now, with pictures and props in place, it looks as if it all worked out as it should.
I too find painting to be very therapeutic, but wow–I am amazed that you took on something as detailed as this! I once took on stenciling our large closet and swore I'd never do anything like that again. Your results looks great, bravo 🙂
It looks great!! Congrats -your hard work paid off big time. Isn't this what they call sweat equity?
it looks so great!
Nicely done, it's really good.
I'm in awe. Truly. I cannot imagine tackling this. It looks amazing. Bask in the glory!
Looks great!
And I love to paint. And the funny thing is I have slight hand tremors, but when I paint I am so steady!
That looks fabulous! I know I couldn't do it without taping etc..you did a great job!
Please don't give up your writing for decorative painting. I bet your lines must be busy with calls for you to paint for hire. Looks just as sharp as you are.
pve
Patricia, You did a fabulous work of art on these walls. I love the Greek Key Pattern. The Greek Isles have also been my favorite place to visit…until I get to Paris of course!
xoxo
Karena
2013 Artists Series
Stunning!
Great job and totally chic!
Congrats!!
I like to think I have a steady hand but you must be a true master – in the leagues of Michelangelo – to try that pattern free hand! Looks stunning xx
Anna (My Design Ethos)
It looks wonderful! Painting is so soothing because no one wants to help you–they all disappear! I just painted my kitchen floor in a grid and circle pattern. I am crazy for the results.
xo, Lissy Parker
Bravo
Very well done, Patricia. I have attempted a similar project (hand painted a pattern projected by an over-head projector that shaked every time a bus went by, oy!) and know how deeply satisfying it is. You will always love stepping into this space. Thanks for sharing.
AMAZING!!! How big are the squares? I think I'm having a bout of temporary insanity to say this, but I would love to try this! Hopefully I come to my senses when I open the door to the paint store and before I pick up a brush!
It's gorgeous. And I want some in my house. Bravo.
Mary
Just lovely! So elegant. Congratulations!
Crisp, beautiful and personal. I love it. Congratulations!
Chloe – technically, it's not a square. It's 22X 24. I measured two-inch lines in pencil all the way around the room, then went back and penciled in the black lines that run vertically from the top black line to the bottom. I found that it was easier to paint the top and bottom horizontal lines and those vertical lines first. As you're drawing the meander it helps to have something solid to reference.
The thing to remember with this is that doesn't take any talent. There's no sense of scale or color or balance involved. It's measuring. All you need is the time and the want-to. I thought the time and effort of taping it off would be painful. I did buy a straight edge in case I wasn't as steady as I thought I would be – that would be another handy tool if you need a little reassurance.
Good music helps. Zac Brown and I spent a lot of time together during this project.
I'm blown away by the sheer genius that you managed to incorporate the a/c vent in all white. I couldn't imagine the nitemare if you hadn't. Claire
So simple and yet so effective…
Anything worth doing or having takes time and patience — this is a beautiful example and very inspiring.
Fabulous!!
Mrs. B. – I absolutely LOVE IT! And now I want to do it somewhere in my own home. So happy you've dunked a toe into blogging again! M.
Beautifully done. I love it. That blue is fabulous.
You've really got it – the eye, the touch, the feel, the follow through, but the wavy lines knock this project right out of the park. You've knocked so many balls out of the park so many times, I'm not surprised one bit that you've done it again.
-Flo
my walls are jealous.
Bravo
A new post on your blog always makes my day. I am about to do a similar color combination in my son's room (dark blue below and on trim, paper with a black and white pattern above) and wondering what shade of blue you used? thanks
This looks really great! I was planning to do an accent wall with wallpaper but after dealing with hassles of discontinued and back ordered papers I'm thinking I might just paint a freehand pattern like this since I like it so much. How long did this take you about? What kind of brush did you use?
What a great success this room now is. The Greek key design is a very bold statement but works so well with the lovely silhouettes. Congratulations!
What a bold and beautiful choice. I love it. I've wanting to paint my bedroom and seeing this…well, you have inspired me. Thank you.