Are you looking for pro, designer tips and ideas for stenciled walls? Look no further... Interior designer Trish Johnston developed her creative chops working at Canada’s House & Home for 7 years. Since leaving, she has founded a boutique interior design firm that specializes in residential and commercial design. Currently, she is appearing on CBC’s The Goods as a Design Expert. Trish incorporates Royal Design Studio Wall Stencils into a lot of her interiors and shares, "I've said it before and I'll say it again - wall stencils are brilliant! All the drama and impact of wallpaper without the commitment!"
She’s right – wall stencils look like designer wallpaper, but are so easy to change up if you wanted something different. You just paint over it! Let’s see how she’s used these designs and what designer decorating tips she has to offer the rest of us…
Trish wanted to incorporate a large-scale graphic pattern on a dramatic accent wall with serious indigo color flair. What makes this bedroom even more fun is that she blended the Mediterranean pattern of our Lisboa Tile Wall Stencil, contemporary décor, and rich indigo blues. Do you love it as much as we do? The room was photographed by Michael Graydon and featured on Canada’s House and Home.
Lisboa Tile Wall Stencil in a navy and white gives the illusion of depth in a small bedroom.
Silk Road Suzani Wall Stencil looks like wallpaper, but doesn’t damage walls, can be ANY color you can dream of, and can be painted right over. This room makeover was featured on Canada’s House & Home and photographed by Jason Stickley.
What draws you to stenciling?
Stenciling has become my go-to design element for a number of reasons.
- I love the finish of it - it feels very curated and artisanal - it doesn't have to be perfect - the imperfections give it so much texture and interest. It's truly art on the walls.
- It's so affordable! I've been in love with wallpaper - as we all have - for years. But this is the absolute most budget friendly way to get that huge wow factor in your space without breaking the bank.
- With stencils I can custom design colors and design for each space that I'm doing. Whether it's a two-tone all over print or a three-tone feature wall - I know that I will be thrilled (along with my client:) with the end result of a perfectly designed room.
Antoinette Damask Wall Stencil gives this bedroom a touch of vintage glam. Featured in HGTV’s House of Bryan and photographed by Jason Stickley.
How has stenciling helped convey and enhance your design projects?
I love two things above all else in the design of a room - bold moves and tons of texture! Stenciling gives me both those options depending on what color I choose. I can do a stark contrast blue and white that is absolutely gorgeous, or mix white and a metallic gold which is just a hint of pattern but tons of texture. Both - truly delicious finishes!
Antoinette Damask Wall Stencil in purple nursery fit for a princess.
What is your top stenciling tip?
My top stenciling tip would be first of all from watching my painters :) I am not a very good DIY’er but I'm very good at giving instruction to those who are the experts :) What we've found doing these projects for years now is make sure that you have two stencils of the print - they can get heavy with paint. And - go as dry as you can with your roller - it makes the print much easier to control. And again - don't be too perfect! I love it when it almost feels like a faded block print.
Casbah Trellis Moroccan Wall Stencil creates a boho vibe in this sunny yellow bedroom makeover.
If you have enjoyed Trish’s work and inspiring stencil ideas here, please be sure to click on over to her website or Stencil Ideas to see even more inspiring projects featuring Royal Design Studio stencils. If you have a DIY stencil project of your own, we’d love to see how yours turn out!
Email us at projects@royaldesignstudio.com, share them on our Facebook Page, or you can even Instagram your projects and tag us with #royaldesignstudio
