A little bit more on stenciling

You can stencil in any room you choose or all rooms.  I saw in a magazine today, branches with leaves behind a headboard stenciled in gold.  It was quite dramatic.  You can use that instead of a picture.  If it is your first time stenciling, practice on poster board by treating it as you would your wall.  Hang in on a wall and try.  Have fun , and take your time.  When you feel that you have reached perfection, go to your walls.  This will take time and patience, but the rewards are worth every minute of it.  this will last as long as you are happy with it. It seems to me that directions for every thing are available in the craft stores or online.

I recommend that you always make sample boards when using any type of painting technique.  Poster board is available at any craft or art store and the easiest and most effective way to go.  Since Joanne's, Michaels and Hobby Lobby to name a few,  have coupons that make it very inexpensive to buy these items there.

Borders are another way to decorate.  They can personalize your room, lower a ceiling by putting one on the ceiling and a corresponding one on the top of the wall, giving a crown molding look.  The other day, I saw paintable borders at either Home Depot or Lowe's.  Using them in a monochromatic way on the ceiling and top of the wall certainly look like a crown molding. There used to be a paintable wallpaper, that was used on walls that were in less than perfect condition.  It really was quite beautiful.

You can use a border to divide a room instead of a chair rail.  A char rail is much more permanent. You can use them above a baseboard for a totally different look.  Cut pictures out of magazines with paint finishes and save for future reference.

If you just want a new look to go with your old pieces, mix in a few contemporary elements.  Move all your accessories and move them to other rooms and move the stuff from those rooms back to the other places. Moving pieces from room to room changes the whole feeling of the room and it costs nothing to do.  However, just adding a new color of throw pillows, and/or silk floral arrangements or greenery can help spruce up  tired room.  Lately, I have opted for fresh flowers.  It is summer and there is an abundance of colors to add to your rooms.  Just cut greenery and place in a vase.  It makes a wonderful addition to your room.  I even saw in Florida Architecture Magazine today, a branch laying on a coffee table.  Interesting?  I believe I would have painted it.

Don't be afraid to use your imagination, be patient because only you know what you really like.  Designing a home takes time, but you'll love and be very proud of your results.