Hey Y’all! Are you ready for another Stencil Star showcase? We visit Nashville this week to meet with Dana & Brooks Tucker of Bella Tucker Decorative Finishes.  Dana & Brooks are a husband and wife team that are perfectly matched — he oversees the projects and she runs the marketing and management of the business.  It’s this teamwork that translates beautifully to the creation of outstanding decorative painting projects and inspired applications of stencil design and patterns.  

Dana & Brooks Tucker

ABOUT BELLA TUCKER

Bella Tucker Decorative Finishes is based just outside of Nashville in Franklin, TN. It is a collaborative partnership of husband and wife team, Brooks (artist) and Dana Tucker. Brooks is a 6th generation Texan who was born into a Navy family. He has lived all over the world including two moves to Italy. It was in Europe that he developed a love of texture, color and decorative paint treatments.  In 1997, he moved to Nashville with Dana, and after seeing the incredible finishes they were creating for their own home, family and friends starting requesting Brooks to paint for them as well.  They launched their business in 2006 and since then, have received many accolades as well as being chosen for a feature in the Nashville Southern Living Showcase Home.

The Chez Sheik stencil from the Allover Moroccan Collection makes a gorgeous impression when walking into the powder bath (above).  Our easy to use  Smoked Oyster Stencil Creme was chosen to stencil the pattern with a lustrous sheen.

What draws you to Stenciling?

We were initially drawn to stenciling as a way to modernize our portfolio and stay on-point with design trends. We were getting a lot of feedback from designers that no one was asking for faux finishes any more. Once we could show them modern applications of faux finishes using graphic stencil patterns, the tide turned. Now, we keep a pretty full pipeline of projects with a lot of designers and clients requesting stencils.

Our Contempo Wall Trellis stencil is a relatively new pattern in our Allover Modern Collection and used within a wonderful neutral scheme above.  The interior design is by Julie Couch Interiors and the photo is courtesy of photographer Caroline Allison.

How do you determine which pattern will work for your project?

Pattern is so personal. It really takes walking through a client’s space and getting a feel for their style. What helps us narrow down pattern more than anything is Pinterest. I always keep active boards and I ask my clients to either send me photos of patterns they like, or comment on the Bella Tucker Pinterest account. Royal Design Studio has an amazing website, too. My clients love to get on there and spend hours looking at the stencil design options.

Bella Tucker uses great stencil patterns for ceilings to flooring and every surface in between!  Our Skylar’s Lace Floral stencil was chosen by designer Julie Couch and is perfectly paired with the beautiful light fixture above. Photo by Caroline Allison.  A custom Ikat Chevron Modello™ Designs vinyl stencil pattern is used with the Skimstone concrete floor below.  The beautiful exterior patio was part of the Nashville Southern Living Showcase Home.

How does Stenciling enhance your creative business?

We were originally drawn to stenciling because we are always try to stay on top of current design trends. We were seeing a lot of graphic patterns in the shelter magazines and we knew that we could work with that concept but extend it to be more artistic and one of a kind while completely customizing the color, texture and pattern for each specific project.

Dana & Brooks had a fun personal project with a  re-purposed vintage headboard, above.  They made a “welcome” sign for their front porch using our Chevron Furniture stencil and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™.  Below, a photo by Caroline Allison shows our Uzbek Suzani stencil gracefully enhancing a guest bedroom.  Designer Julie Couch worked with Bella Tucker to create a beautiful and serene guest bedroom.

Dana and Brooks are an engaging couple and a GREAT team! We love how each design here is done in an neutral palette, but with a fresh, fun twist that makes their finishes anything but boring.  We appreciate their sharing their stencil thoughts with us! Keep up with Bella Tucker by visiting their their website, Bella Tucker Decorative Finishes, and watch their Facebook page for frequent project updates.

Don’t miss a pretty pattern opportunity!! Be sure to follow us on Facebook AND follow us on Pinterest to receive the fresh and creative inspirations and projects we share daily!  Don’t forget to pin these wonderful images too-BIG hint!

Our weekly series on Stencil Stars™ showcases our customer’s use of our Royal Design Studio mylar wall stencils and Modello™ masking stencils on walls, ceilings, floors, and more.

Travel with us today to California to visit with decorative artist, Jeff Raum, who seamlessly incorporates stencil patterns, hand painted artistry and decorative paint finishes.  Jeff  joins our Stencil Stars™ series, where we showcase the inspired use of our Royal Design Studio mylar wall stencils and Modello™ masking stencils on walls, ceilings, floors, and more.  

Jeff Raum

ABOUT JEFF RAUM STUDIOS

When Jeff Raum’s kindergarten teacher wrote a note to his mom saying he had talent and should be encouraged, Jeff had already known his calling.

Achieving a BFA in Commercial Design, he has had several careers in different cities. A medical illustrator in Dayton, Ohio, working in an art studio in Washington DC, an art director of 3-D animated TV commercials and as a Broadway make-up artist in New York City. It wasn’t until he moved to Los Angeles that he began his decorative painting company, Jeff Raum Art, in 1990. He began in murals and 11 years later branched out to include faux finishes.

Some of his commercial clients include Gucci, the Las Vegas Hilton, the Luxor and Macy’s. He has appeared on The Christopher Lowell Show and his work has been published in Better Homes and Gardens and Traditional Home magazines as well as numerous books.

While Jeff actually designs and sells his own line of stencils, he’s been a friend and regular customer of Royal Design Studio and Modello Designs for many years. A man of exceptional and wide ranging talents, we now give you some of his inspiring work….

What a gorgeous Moorish Powder Bath! Our Allover Moorish Trellis wall stencil was glazed on the walls and a Modello Designs Exotic East Center vinyl stencil (EasCen111) was used on the ceiling with custom elements along the wall corners. (below)  This incredible “leather” ceiling was done for a home theater. The Modello Designs stencil pattern used was Carpets & Panels Aladdin A vinyl stencil in a negative weed.

What draws you to Stenciling?

What first drew me to stenciling was the fact I could produce repetitious elements, like moldings and leaves, so much faster than freehand painting. Once I remember painting grape leaves all around a dining room. I noticed as I went, my leaves gradually got larger – trying to cover more ground. With stencils, it helps me not only paint faster, but keeps the scale consistent. With decorative painting and pattern, there are so many different designs – allover, borders and medallions readily available, I’m likely to find something that will fit the project’s needs. So I don’t have to start from scratch or reinvent the wheel.

Another thing I love about stencils is the crisp edge it gives you. I love using stencils in my murals for foreground elements because that crisp edge makes thing pop and appear in sharp focus. Also, I enjoy playing with sloppy textures, sponging, etc. Things can look like a complete mess and then you remove the stencil and viola! I love the juxtaposition of all that texture contained within a crisp outline.

Above is an example of the crisp edges that can be achieved by stenciling. This wall is in a wine tasting room in Mission Viejo, CA. The majority of this is painted freehand, but the grapes and vine are stenciled with the Grape Clusters Fruit stencil. A custom stencil was designed by Royal Design Studio to recreate the iron railing that was on the stairs in the house. (below) Stenciling can also add visual weight to a light fixture while incorporating color and pattern.  The ceiling medallion was first painted on canvas and then installed. It used a modified Modello Designs Ornamental Center stencil (OrnCen 128).

How do you determine which pattern will work for your project?

When looking for a pattern that will work for a project, I always look at the type of line that appears in the house and try to find a pattern that harmonizes with that. Scrolls are enormously popular in L.A., so I’m often looking for scrolly patterns. Occasionally, I’ll be asked to do a Moorish-style interior and those designs incorporate the angular with the curve. When showing clients my proposals, I will sometimes show the patterns in black and white if the reference is in the wrong color way or tweak the color in Photo Shop. I find more often than not, clients are drawn to color first and then pattern. They will usually choose a design that is not right for their space, but is in the right palette.

An inspired use of our Modello Designs vinyl stencils! Both an Ornamental Panel pattern (OrnPan173) and an Ornamental Center design (OrnCen195) help create a wonderful finish to the panels of a window treatment.

Ceiling stenciling looks even more magnificent surrounded by wood!  (above) This ceiling is in a Calabasas, CA dining room of a movie producer. The stencil designs were done with craft paint and glaze and then an antique glaze was put over the whole surface. The Villa Classic Panel stencil was used for the center while the Villa Border stencil completed the framed design. (below) The powder room cabinet was stenciled using the Micah Classic Panel & Furniture stencil to create the look of inlaid ivory.

How does stenciling enhance your creative business?

Time is money. By using stencils, I’m able to create art much faster than doing everything freehand like I used to when I started out. Stenciling is such a time-saver that I can lower my prices and get to work on bigger projects that the clients might otherwise not be able to afford.

It has really impacted the decorative side of my business. Practically all my faux jobs incorporate some form of template. Sometimes I’m called in to do a simple wash or rag, but when they see the possibilities with stencils – the projects multiply.

Powder Baths are a perfect space to incorporate stencils!  The gorgeous red powder room featured above was created with the Shabby Chateau decorative wall finish and the Floral Fantasy stencils from the Pronto! Collection with Modern Masters Warm Silver metallic paint.  (below)  Framing each of the walls in this powder bath was an inspired choice!  “I used the border off of the Modello Carpets & Panels Chambord B stencil to create the frames on the wall and used Modern Masters Ivy as well as the Antique Bronze metallic paint to tie in with the silk shades.

Want to see more?? Take a stroll through his wonderful website and keep up with Jeff’s adventures in artistry on his Facebook page.

Do be sure to follow us on Facebook to always catch fresh and daily stencil and pattern inspiration as well as follow us on Pinterest to preview all our fave images incorporating design, color and anything else that strikes our fancy.  (Oh — and don’t forget to pin THESE awesome pics!)

Question: Do you have any Jean Paul Gaultier-designed clothes in your closet?? Yeah, me neither. Part sculpture, part theatre, part avant garde art and MANY parts genius and meticulous craftsmanship, most of his fashion (while looking GREAT on Madonna) is neither relatable  or affordable to mere mortals such as us.

But, oh, what a sensory feast his touring exhibit The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk is! My hubby and I took a quick trip up to the City by the Bay this past weekend and were fortunate to catch this visual, digital wonder in it’s last weeks at the DeYoung museum in Golden Gate Park.

The “models” are actually plain faces mannequins with digital video of stunning women running across their otherwise blank faces-bringing them to life in the most oddly fascinating way. They speak (in French!), they sing, they wink at you-and they dress to kill. At the DeYoung through August 19.

Another fabulolus  Stencil Stars™ showcase.  Every other week, we are sharing our customer’s use of our Royal Design Studio mylar wall stencils and Modello™ masking stencils on walls, ceilings, floors, and more.  This week’s super STAR is Pennsylvania-based Tom Henman of Tom Henman Decorative Painting, a super talented artisan who applies stenciled patterns in innovative and unique ways in his decorative painting projects.

Tom Henman

ABOUT TOM HENMAN DECORATIVE PAINTING

Prior to starting his decorative painting business, Tom was an Art Director for a direct mail company until 2005, when he lost his job. A few years prior, Tom had attended a decorative painting demonstration given by artist Carol Kemery. He had dabbled in some faux painting in his home after her presentation, but then decided to seek formal instruction due to his job loss. Within weeks, he was signed up for an introductory course and knew instantly that decorative painting was going to be his new career.

Since 2006, Tom Henman has been the sole proprietor of Tom Henman Decorative Painting based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  He has attended some of the top decorative painting schools in the country, including a painting trip to Morocco with Royal Design Studio as one of our amazing and intrepid Peacock Painters. Tom continues to explore his new found passion and expand his clientele, which incidentally, includes his last boss.  Sometimes it takes one door to close before a better one opens.

Above, Tom creates a wonderful, well-rounded ambience with a lustery plaster on the ceiling and a Modello Ornamental Center stencil (OrnCen128) encompassing the room’s color scheme.  Below, a beautiful finish walls set off the three Modello Eastern Panel stencils (EasPan105) along the staircase walls.

What draws you to Stenciling?
I love the idea of adding color and pattern to a wall or piece of furniture to personalize it. Wallpaper has not been a friend of mine, ever since I had to remove it from my house. Often it’s difficult to find a correct wallpaper colors and patterns that coordinate with the room’s color scheme, and it may be discontinued. That is where I find that being able to design a custom finish with coordinating stencil colors is a win-win situation. Plus there are no seams that can peel!

Acid etching is a specialty of Tom’s studio, after being introduced to the technique in a class here in our San Diego Studio.  Using the Chippendale Molding stencil in vinyl form, he etches the design onto a Statuary Marble backsplash.  The Carrara Marble below has been acid etched with a custom Modello® vinyl stencil with the center area gilded.

Below you will see two bathroom vanities which have been transformed with a two-layer, two-color distressed custom finish.  The Spring Time in Paris Stencil Set is then stenciled in with our Royal Stencil Cremes. Beautiful and unexpected!

What are your favorite surfaces to work on and design for?
I know that this may sound crazy, but I love to work on ceilings! Clients often forget about adding a splash of color and design to the ceiling. It’s funny how we install huge chandeliers in rooms, but the light bezel is only 6” wide… it just looks out of place. When I can show a client how their room can look with a Modello Design on the ceiling that is proportional to the light fixture, they wondered why they waited as long as they did.  One of my favorite references for clients are Modello by Design Volume 1 and Volume 2 by Melanie Royals.

The dining room ceiling above has an Eastern Motif stencil (EasMot125) in gold and silver leaf while the walls have a modified Modello Eastern Panel Wall stencil (EasPan114).   Modello vinyl stencils are fantastic for areas with unusual architectural features, like the dining room below.  For the ceiling, a Hampton Corner stencil was used with a nice lined design joining the patterns while a custom Modello® stencil was created it to match it for the back wall.

Please share your top Stenciling tip with us.
The obvious answer is that I love Royal Stencil Cremes and Gardz.  They are a must-have for any mylar stencil or Modello® vinyl stencil project.  My real secret, however, is my MacBook Pro and Nikon D90 camera. I love to take before pictures of a wall and show the client how their room can look with a stencil pattern and finish. Sometimes clients just can’t envision the final result. This usually seals the deal or shows us that we need to tweak the scale and design a bit more before the job starts.

A gorgeous plaster finish in a powder room creates a great background for the two ornamental border stencils (Top: OrnBor157 and Bottom: OrnBor163) that were gilded in gold and silver.  The kitchen below has a beautiful ceiling which is set off nicely with a glaze finish and our Modello Ancient Worlds Center stencil (AncCen103) nicely capping off the beautiful light fixtures.

BIG thank you to Tom for sharing is stencil work and artistic inspiration with us. Seriously, we can’t wait to see more! If you can’t wait either, please be sure to see more of his projects on both his studio website and Facebook fan page!

This week’s installment of our Stencil Star™ series features the incredible works of Arizona-based husband and wife team, Anna & Scott Sadler of Surface Refinements.  They use Modello Designs vinyl wall stencils and patterns in ever-creative and ways for many unique surfaces, such as mirrors and ceilings and also within their decorative paint finishes.  Their love of design and patterns enable them to incorporate stencils in most all of their projects.

Anna & Scott Sadler

ABOUT SURFACE REFINEMENTS

Anna’s art business operated under different names for over 20 years, and had been based at times in Montreal, Naples (Florida) and Monte Carlo. She spent 5 years in the South of France and owned two art galleries in Monaco. She spent a summer in Tuscany studying fresco painting and took a watercolor and illustration class in St Paul de Vence, France with Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Bach. The former Beatle and his actress wife were clients, as was Prince Albert of Monaco and several Formula One race car drivers. Then, talk about opposites attracting!  Scott was a police officer  in Toronto and personal trainer in Montreal. Anna was an accomplished artist who gave little thought to fitness.  They met, fell in love and became successful business partners. Anna got interested in fitness and nutrition, and alternately, Scott in her growing business.

Now, the Scottsdale, AZ residents and native Canadians are a couple in every sense of the word. Surface Refinements specialize in hand applied finishes, encompassing every surface in a home, from walls, ceilings, mirrors and some furniture.  Each project they undertake is a team effort. Gypsies at heart, they have enjoyed living in many destinations, having a transportable business  that has afforded them many opportunities to explore the world.   Their vision is what drives them to undertake what might be considered the impossible, and it is that vision realized that is so rewarding to them — the magic is when tape is pulled and the vinyl, the plastic and the furniture gets placed back in the room. Today, they are two individuals successful as one in  a partnership that encompasses both their business and personal lives.

(above) A Modello Carpets & Panels vinyl stencil (Chateau CC118) is applied here over a chocolate and cream base along with several colors of leafing and tamise flakes.

How do Modello Designs vinyl stencils enhance your business?

Modello decorative stencil patterns enhance our creative business by giving us the ability to create old world craftsmanship with a modern application. We always approach every new project as an opportunity to enhance the spaces with the use of a Modello. Every surface from the walls to ceilings and mirrors are opportunities to create stunning visual and complex depths of pattern and color, with the use of leafing, plasters, glass beads, glitter and foils. The beauty of Modello masking adhesives is the ability to achieve these results without the need to spend months of time creating them.

Antique mirror and patterned surfaces are a specialty for Anne and Scott. (above) The mirror was aged and then patterned with a Modello Ancient Motifs stencil (AncMot312). It was the finishing touch to a Chicago penthouse foyer. The entire project had a Greek theme to it and the pattern set the tone perfectly upon exiting from the elevator entry.  (below) The first image is a bath mirror with a Modello Ornamental Pattern (OrnPan186) which customized for the niche shape. The second is a customized ornamental panel stencil from the Modello Hearst Collection (OrnPan 108). “Melanie Royals was instrumental in tweaking that pattern to work for the space. We used gold leafing and shellacs, and aged the mirrors to give a more antique and masculine feel,” Anna shares.  “The client was ecstatic!”

What are your favorite surfaces to work and design Stencils for?

Well, our necks may not agree, but our favorite surface has to be ceilings. We are fortunate to work in homes that have some pretty outstanding architectural surfaces just begging to be showcased and enhanced with pattern. Ceilings are definitely a  focal point and are ideal places to apply a design, setting the stage for spectacular dramatic effects that compliment the rest of the interior. If I can slide in our second favorite surface, it would be mirrors. We are so enjoying the creativity involved with applying pattern to mirrors. They have become our canvas of choice! It’s a fascinating process where we are able to take brand new mirror, and by using the antiquing solution to the reverse side of the mirror, we are able to create the look of old tarnished antique mirror. Further enhanced by pattern, every piece is truly unique in the creative partnership we have between Mother Nature and ourselves!

(above) The large dome was done with a designer foil in a copper green gloss, with the double borders done with a combination of celestial leafing for one of the borders and a three-color metallic finish for the other.  Both are Modello Ornamental Border vinyl stencil patterns (OrnBor101 and OrnBor154).  (below)  The dome ceiling was an Old World plaster technique using various Faux Effects products, and then the team at Modello designed a custom Modello Ornamental Motif pattern (OrnMot176) for the insets.

What is your top Stenciling tip?

Number one rule with us is measure, measure, measure! One can never be too accurate and we triple check ourselves to be absolutely certain we are bang on with our measurements that are submitted to the design team at Modello Designs. One tip that has been helpful in the numerous odd shaped ceilings and domes we do, is to use tape to measure around the perimeter for the border. We run the tape around the circular border, then remove the tape, lay it on the ground, and measure the tape. Works perfectly every time!

(above) The beautiful groin ceiling was done with a custom 4-color plaster treatment over a coppery-gold designer foil. The pattern was customized and based on a Modello Architectural Center stencil (AchCen206).

Another tip we use when working on groin ceilings or niches, is to make a template out of Kraft paper or lighter weight Rosin paper, in addition to all our measuring, and send that along to the Modello team. We also like to order a paper plot of the design on more complex groin ceilings, to get a good visual prior to finalizing the Modello order in vinyl. If there is any tweaking or adjustments to be done, it’s WELL worth taking the time to double check with that paper plot at a fraction of the cost of the Modello vinyl stencil.

(above) This dining room stunner was created with a Modello Carpets & Panels vinyl stencil (ChavallCC105) which is perfect for ceilings, too!

Anna and Scott are so creative with patterns and designs on any surface — it’s no wonder their artistry is exemplary! We have profiled some of their more unique projects before as well. Do be sure to keep up with them on their Facebook page, Surface Refinements.  Many thanks to them both for their enthusiasm and design savvy with our Modello vinyl stencil patterns and innovative finishes!

This week’s installment of our Stencil Star™ series has us traveling virtually to Arizona to see the incredible works of Carmen Benoit of Carmen Illustrates.  She uses Royal Design Studio wall stencils and patterns in creative and unique ways for her murals, decorative paint finishes and her fine art pieces.  Her love of stencil patterns and rich colors stem from her experience as a textile designer, love of design and travels.

(above, below) A close-up and full shot of an entryway. A Modello Eastern Center design (EasCen135) was selected for the base of the lighting fixture and done first.  Then there was glazing followed by hand painting in highlights and shadowing on the stencil design. Carmen shares, “This was the first Modello vinyl stencil I ever used and I have been hooked ever since!  Its ease of application offered many more possibilities over the tracing paper method I was using before.”

ABOUT CARMEN ILLUSTRATES

Her first stop was to achieve a degree in Fine Arts from ASU. After graduating, she created textile art for the clothing industry, working for an Indian company and later for a resort wear line. Exciting as the textile industry proved to be, the direction was not fulfilling enough not where she ultimately wanted to apply her talents.

In 1998, she decided to create her own business, Carmen Illustrates, to apply her talents toward the home decor market and commercial properties. She has since painted murals and created artwork for clients all over the country.  “From the beginning, it has always been about establishing sound technique––drummed into my head every time I dipped the brush…perfect the circle, push the negative space, achieve greater balance. I still remember my art instructors barking orders as they circled my canvas, arms folded.  But in a unique way, it established the foundation of my work ethic.  Art was a discipline and I needed to understand that,” she explains.  “I love to travel and study wall finishing techniques all over the world.  I enjoy life with my “official fan club” – my husband Edwin, and our two cocker spaniels, Bianca and Enzo,” Carmen says.  “There is no greater reward then seeing people achieve a better quality of life through an enriched environment.  I have incorporated Modello Design stencils to help enhance my environments. These products have proven to be a time saver and add a new dimension to my service offering.”

(above, below) Close-up and full shot.  A plain particle board island was given a face lift in a kitchen as opposed to getting all new cabinetry.  Plasters were used to create the embossed look of leather with the help of the Allover Arabesque Moroccan stencil in the central panels. The corner quadrants were created with an Indian block print.  The raised seaming was done and copper tacks pounded in.  On a side note, have to say that the Modello weeding tool that is included in every order  came in quite handy for first creating the holes where the tacks would go!

(below) An elegant pattern in between the beams was desired so the Modello Marquetry vinyl stencil (MarqALL102) was made into a custom mylar stencil but slightly altered so that every other space was left open.  (The client was concerned it might get too busy.)  The ceiling inserts were done on canvas in the studio and then later installed.  To this day I love the pattern and my next vision for it involves an outside umbrella!

What draws you to Stenciling?

Stenciling has become another tool just like a new brush or specialty paint.  I love the ability to create dimensional effects as well as layering looks.  It also is a very cost effective way to transfer a design without using the traditional tracing paper method to create a template and then to elaborate on.  I am learning new applications everyday and love how I can pattern a wall, pillow, drapes or an outdoor umbrella in no time. I find the possibilities are endless…

The images above are all of custom canvases done with the Skylar’s Lace Floral stencil from the Allover Damask Collection.  I absolutely love this pattern and find it quite versatile!

What would be your dream Stenciling project?

Teaming up with an incredible group of talented artisans to work an exotic location like Morocco. The Peacock Pavilions Moroccan painting trips come to mind…or in a church in San Miguel del Allende (perhaps stenciling some beams with incredible patterns of color)…or being ask to collaborate on an Anthropologie retail space to enhance their environmental design. All would be perfectly fine with me!

A master bedroom had two niches that required a little bling and definition.  The solution?  Modello Designs Turkish Emblems stencils, a metallic foil treatment and French upholstery tacking to frame it off.

What is/are your top Stenciling tips?

If there were any helpful tips I could offer based on my experience it would be to keep the stencil moist while working. Also make certain to keep it clean.  I have noticed that especially when working with dimensional plasters that there is a build up of material as you work.  Wiping over it with a damp rag as you work helps keep your lines clean (no seepage) through the pattern and less clean up in the long run.

(above) “My latest ceiling was a rotunda in a dinette area.  Once again the Modello design team accommodated my request of taking an Eastern Border vinyl stencil pattern (EasBor314) and adapting it into a mylar stencil. The finish techniques involve metallic paints and foils as well as glazing and Venetian plaster,” Carmen explains.  For the center, she used a Modello Easter Center stencil (EasCen136) and after the Modello’s removal, hand painted details were applied. Tacks were added as a finishing touch.  You can spy the embossed leather island in the background.

It’s been such a pleasure sharing Carmen’s stencil and Modello pattern work with you! I am also really enjoying learning more about the backgrounds of our artists through this Stencil Star series! Her talent, education and textile design background really show through in her attention to detail  and quality of her work, don’t you think? To see more of Carmen’s talents do check out her website, Carmen Illustrates, and follow her projects on her Facebook fan page.

In this weeks installment of our weekly Stencil Star™ series, we feature the hottest restaurant designer in D.C., Maggie O’Neill of O’Neill Studios.  She and her team of artists create some of the most innovate decorative painting finishes incorporating Royal Design Studio wall stencils and patterns in her creative, contemporary projects.  She also weaves in fresh color combinations and stencil designs in her fine art pieces. I first met Maggie when she came on our 3rd Peacock Painting adventure to Marrakech: The Tent Trip! I can tell you that she is even more fun than she looks!!!

Maggie O'Neill

ABOUT O’NEILL STUDIOS

Maggie O’Neill is a Washington, DC based fine artist and the Creative Director of O’Neill Studios, the decorative painting company she founded in 2001. Maggie attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and pursued a Masters Degree of Fine Art at the University of Georgia, enrolling in their Cortona, Italy program. “In Italy, I was moved by the rich art history of the Renaissance and the integration of commissioned fine art during this period,” she says. Maggie focused on drawing and painting (concentrating on portraiture) and the decorative arts, with her studies also including Fresco painting.

After Italy, Maggie continued to travel, eventually living and working in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, where she completed her first commercial exterior mural. “It was at this point that I fell in love with the creation of utilitarian and public artwork that the surrounding community could enjoy.”

Returning to DC, she decided to continue working in the vein of commissioned artistry and opened O’Neill Studios in 2001. In the time since, Maggie has built O’Neill Studios into one of the most well-respected decorative finishing companies in the Washington area. The team’s productions can be seen in some of the city’s most notable private residences, embassies, churches, restaurants and commercial spaces.

A custom Modello vinyl stencil design on a restaurant ceiling.

How do you determine which pattern will work for your project?

There is never just one determining factor of why or what pattern I will propose to a client.  Sometimes we have an inspiration paper or fabric to work from and the project becomes  about replicating the same properties; scale, color, etc.  I typically think about  the following three features of the space to select patterns and stencils that will work: Style, Scale and Palette.  What is the style of the space? Does it require something stylized with a high level of impact or something more delicate and understated? What is the existing  palette working in the space? Do we need to introduce more color or keep it a neutral pattern to create a backdrop for other features or artwork?  What features in the room allow us to play with  the scale of the pattern?

I think to have a stencil custom-made to scale for your space is the smartest thing anyone can do when introducing allover pattern. You may love a pattern on a sample fabric or even an item of clothing but it’s not right for your ceiling or the back of your bookshelves. Any of these things can direct you to the right stencil and technique. I highly recommend doing some research into the style or look you are trying to achieve before purchasing. Also, cutting out shapes to the scale of what your thinking and understanding where they will repeat and run off, measuring the space to understand where it will start and stop is also helpful.

At the OYA Restaurant in DC, Maggie and her team add 3-D elements to the Allover Fabric Damask stencil for both furniture tabletops and walls.  So inventive!

Please share your top Stenciling tip with us.

My favorite technique is a bit messier then the average application. I enjoy seeing the interruption of one color and the introduction of another. I also prefer to see a bit of depth in the application. For this reason my favorite technique is a drop shadow or a “pulled silk” effect.  This is at least a two layer stencil technique. The first layer of glaze or paint is a bit slippery so that it has a longer open time and transparency. Immediately after you stencil, you use your brush like a strie brush and  pull through the pattern lightly. Pulling one direction is important. I prefer to use gravity and pull down. The second layer is the same stencil (cleaned off of course) and place the stencil about 1/8- 1/4 of inch above where you originally set the first layer. Using a lighter more opaque color is helpful to achieve a raised appearance. This creates the look of hand worked fabric or pulled silk or ikat look.

Maggie also enjoys creating fine art pieces and incorporating stencils within.  Here, the Intricate Zelij wall stencil from the Allover Moroccan Stencil Collection supports the supports and enhances the beautiful central figure.

How does stenciling enhance your creative business?

My business is ALL about how creative I can be for my client and how can I work with what they already have. Turning something totally ordinary to something extraordinary has been the cornerstone to my business. Initially, stencils gave me the ability to offer high impact results with relatively quick turnaround and affordable prices. However, stencils have pushed open new creative doors for me as an artist and designer. I experiment with more techniques and applications that include 3D elements and unconventional methods .  I am constantly looking to wallpaper and textiles for inspiration and take note of the techniques used to create nuances in each design.

Maggie working with our one of our Modello Ornamental Center patterns (OrnCen162) in a more traditional space.

Stencils are tools this are just as important as the paint itself, allowing me to explore new methods. I now examine every space and surface  with a different perspective  and understanding of how to embellish or apply pattern.  I realize that you don’t need to stencil everything BUT YOU CAN!  The creative options stencils have introduced have overflowed in to my own fine artwork and now end up in most of my paintings. Stencils have been a juggernaut for my creative business and have opened the doors  of my portfolio to include fabric for window treatments and table runners,  wrapping paper, furniture makeovers, and even clothing.

At the Irish Whiskey Lounge, Maggie mixes both Modello vinyl stencils and traditional mylar stencils to incorporate multiple patterns, textures and typography to create an unforgettable stairway. Pictured is our Endless Circles Lattice, the  Moroccan Arches and Chez Ali stencils — all from the Moroccan Stencil Collection.

Maggie is a creative visionary who designs incredible, contemporary spaces.  Do yourself a favor (and be prepared to spend some time!) by browsing both her sites, O’Neill Studios and Maggie O’Neill Fine Art. For a more personal look, follow Maggie and her painting team via her two Facebook pages, O’Neill Studios and Maggie O’Neill Fine Art as well.

In this weeks installment of our weekly Stencil Star™ series we feature designer and artist Rachael Goddard of Paint/Design/Décor.  Based in Los Angeles, she frequently designs her client’s homes from the ground up and easily incorporates her love of pattern and color, using our wall stencils and patterns in many of her design and decorative painting projects.

Rachael Goddard and son

ABOUT RACHAEL GODDARD

Rachael Goddard is a California-based interior designer and artist who specializes in all aspects of design from space planning, color consulting, wall stenciling and exterior design to residential remodels and new construction.   After studying design at the prestigious Parsons design school and Cal State Northridge, Rachael landed her first design job at the age of 24 acting as the project manager for a multi-million dollar commercial development.  She fell in love with all aspects of the design, especially working with architects, creating furniture plans and office layouts, and overseeing the construction of the build.  This was the beginning of a love affair with the design process.   Years later, her first new construction residential project was nominated for a design award.

Although Rachael is anchored in design, it is her love for fine art that, for several years, had Rachael spending nights and weekends working as a fine artist and faux finisher. She was commissioned to do large-scale restaurant chains and luxury real estate development sample homes in addition to her beloved residential projects.  In 2002, all of these elements came together when her company Paint/Design/Décor was born.  Now Rachael provides a full service design firm addressing every element of home design from start to finish.

Rachael’s work has been featured on several design shows. Though she has been asked to be on-camera, she has chosen to stay out of the limelight, preferring to enjoy her quiet life with her two children and husband at home in Los Angeles.

Rachael often uses Royal Design Studio wall stencils to enhance a client’s home in classic patterns and colors.  In the above hallway, the Moorish Trellis allover wall stencil is striking and incredibly elegant in metallic over black. Below, a more muted palette creates a warm and luxury-rustic feel with the Large Fabric Damask.  For this project, she did the wall stencil first and built the room around it while adding the panel molding and custom-made chairs later.

How do you determine which pattern will work for your project?

I determine which pattern to use by imagining every stencil pattern in that space and selecting the one that works the best in my mind.  I can only liken it to the movie “Inception”- Some people like myself have this gift where we can visualize everything in our minds.  I picture exactly what that room will look like and thus, through process of elimination determine what would be too large of a print, too small, too busy, too intricate.  I realize that many people can’t visualize, so I often use Photoshop as a tool to communicate how the wall stencil will work in the room. I find that doing a virtual mock up of the room for my clients is just invaluable.

After the project is done, everyone is always so relieved, surprised and excited. I’m always like, “Yep, it’s exactly how I pictured it to be…”.  My enthusiasm comes earlier in the project when I see it for the first time in my mind, which is probably how I convince them to do it in the first place.  I’m like that with all of the elements of design: designing floor plans, bookshelves, kitchens, closets, sofas…  In the beginning I am super pumped up during the creative process when everyone else is nervous and scared.  For me, it’s like you are all dressed up and alone at a party, excited, dressed up waiting for someone to show up…then by the time everyone gets there, you are bloated from eating too many appetizers, the buzz from the champagne has worn off, the spanx are feeling a little snug and you are thinking about comfy pj’s and what you want to watch when you get into bed!

Above, the Feathered Damask stencil from the Allover Damask Stencil Collection looks amazing, crisp and perfectly nestled within the design of the room.  “I designed the whole bathroom around this wall stencil, from the plank of wood to the bowl and faucet. It was an amazing transformation form the dingy, horrible and depressing little space to the cool, modern and bright space it is now,” Rachael explains.

What draws you to Wall Stenciling?

I am drawn to stenciling because I get the look of a hand-painted wallpaper without the excessive price tag and commitment.  With my stencils I can achieve the look of wallpaper but I have the freedom to use the paint colors I have implemented throughout the rest of the house, so that everything culminates in that one space and joins together in the stencil pattern. I also love the freedom that comes with using wall stencils versus a wallpaper…like the option to change a room on a whim.

Children’s rooms are a particular joy for Rachael.  In the images above, she used various wall pattern stencils to create a collage of color and patterns within panels in her son’s room.  Below, she brings wonderful stencil patterns to a “pretty-in-pink” girl’s room.

It’s good to keep in mind that an allover stencil doesn’t have to be used in the traditional way. For instance, Rachael used individual elements of the Florentine Damask pattern to create a wonderful accent focal wall for the girl’s room above.  In the alternate, she used the Fortuny Damask design in an allover wall pattern in the nursery below, stopping just below the crown molding. Wall stencils are incredible versatile because you can stencil as much or a little as you want!

What would be your “dream” stencil project?

My dream stencil project is anything inside my own house.  I don’t have to worry about anyone else liking it- I don’t have anyone worried it isn’t going to work and having to convince them it’s going to be amazing. I can pick a concept that is totally outside the box. I get to sit up at night after the kids go to bed and put on some music, get out the roller and some artist brushes and just do it.  I often get caught up in doing the main part of my design business, which is more interior design and architectural planning, but when I go to a client’s house with my small brushes to do the technical work and I’m on that ladder with my painting clothes on, it just feels like home to me.  It’s like a two hour massage, I’m so relaxed afterwards.  Except when I do ceilings, then I need a two hour massage!!  Ha!

The Pro Delicate Floral Stencil adds a bit of romance to an office (above).  The Pro size is very useful when a large space will receive an allover wall stencil treatment — it is sized with more stencil repeats to allow for a faster painting process.

We are super thrilled to share Rachel’s stencil work with you today!To see more of Rachael’s incredible work, please visit her unique website for her company, Paint/Design/Décor where she has created a lovely, inspiring flipbook for you to easily view her inspiring design skills. Her skill, creativity and professionalism serve to elevate the art of stenciling. We are SO appreciative of her sharing her innovate and creative ways to use stencils to design contemporary, modern spaces!

Our weekly Stencil Star™ series showcases our customer’s use of our Royal Design Studio mylar wall stencils and Modello™ masking stencils on walls, ceilings, floors, and more.  This week, we travel to Dallas, Texas to see the beautiful work of Amy Christensen and her studio, Faux Get About It.  Amy wields her considerable creative skills with stencil patterns in many of her decorative painting projects.

Amy Christensen

ABOUT FAUX GET ABOUT IT

Amy Christensen has always had creative pursuits: sewing, cooking, painting, stained glass and remodeling, to name a few.  However, after working in the advertising and marketing fields for many years, she yearned to do something more creative, in the physical sense, with both her hands and mind.  In 2000, she took this to heart and launched her professional faux finishing studio.  Today, her favorite aspect is helping client’s re-imagine their spaces through stencils and finishes with great colors, patterns and textures on furniture, ceilings, and accessories.

Above, a peeled paint and ceruse treatment by Amy incorporates our classic Ornate Italian Panel stencil. This is such an incredible finish for either furniture or cabinetry!  Range and vent hoods are also a wonderful surface to transform with a stencil! Below, Amy created a faux hammered copper for the top, wood-grained the frieze. She then created a faux marquetry look with our Napoleon Panel stencil from our Modern Masters Designer Stencils Collection.

What draws you to Stenciling?

Stenciling enables me to incorporate a design element or pattern into my finish that is crisp, concise and consistent in a way that hand-painting alone doesn’t provide.  The beauty of a stencil is that I can use it with just paint, or I can give it dimension with plaster, glass beads or even joint compound. I can further embellish it with gold leaf or foil as well as crystals and hand-painted details.  It’s an excellent tool for anyone to give an otherwise run-of-the-mill finish that extra pizazz that makes it come alive.

Using individual elements from the Allover Corsini Damask wall stencil, Amy created a metallic drop-shadow technique. She then used glass beads through the stencil to add a wonderful shimmer.  The walls received a beautiful pearl color wash prior to the stenciling for an allover shimmer.

How do you determine which pattern will work for your project?

I look at the space as a whole and envision how color, pattern and texture can enhance it as well as be combined in the same space.  When I’m allowed to do pattern building and use more than one stencil and finish in a space I  get really excited about the possibilities.

Plaster, gold leaf and bead accents are a beautiful touch with our Modello Ornamental Center OrnCen162, one of our most popular ceiling designs. Modello vinyl stencils are one-time use patterns that can be very helpful when working on ceilings or when larger size options are needed.  Below, the bedroom walls and ceiling are two-color pearlized plaster. A Modello was used for both the ceiling fan medallion and the frieze design.

What would be your “dream” stencil project?

One of my favorite chateaus is Chenonceau in the Loire valley of France.  It is filled with pattern and design on everything from elaborately handcarved wood work, to bas relief in stone, as well as  beautifully stenciled and hand-painted walls and ceilings.  No detail was left out in this castle! Even the windows are beautiful examples of pattern in both stained and leaded glass.  It would be amazing to work on reproducing many of these beautiful designs and share them with the rest of the world in the form of a mylar stencil or Modello vinyl pattern.

The barrel vault ceiling above has a custom vinyl stencil from our Modello Ornamental Panels collection with an aged gold leaf treatment.  Below:  The Large Italian Medallion Border stencil helps a cabinet panel end piece (far right) pull in the overall design along while adding decided interest.

Beautiful work, Amy and thank you for sharing!  You can see more of Amy’s artistry and projects on her website, Faux Get About It.  Keep up with her decorative projects via Facebook and Twitter.