Like wallpaper — only better

Stencilling is one of the oldest decorating techniques, dating back to paleolithic cave paintings as early as 30,000 BC.

Fiji Island natives cut their stencils from banana and bamboo leaves and forced vegetable dyes through the openings. Stencils have been found decorating ancient Egyptian tombs, the Greeks and Romans lettered their signage and applied stencils to their murals.

Today we still use distinctive roman numerals, either stencilled or carved on a clock face or sun dial. w

Paper was invented in China around 200 AD and soon paper stencils were being cut for embroidery. During the Middle Ages, the art spread throughout Europe. Individual rolls of fabric and later heavy paper were decorated by hand with intricate stencilled patterns and hung on walls.

These wallcoverings were expensive, affordable only by the wealthy elite.

Ever innovative, artisans took to stencilling directly onto plaster and wood walls. This inexpensive solution is one we still champion today.

Stencilling is ideal when working with uneven walls and for highlighting arches, beams, doorways and windows.

The trend is to stencil large repeated patterns all over a wall, imitating the look of the popular large motif wallpapers, but with a softer, more artistic look.

Stencils come in all sizes and patterns and can be cut from metal, paper, plastic or wood. The most versatile are made of Mylar, a thin strong plastic that bends easily around corners and edges. You need stencil brushes for each colour, and stencil paint or stencil cream.

Choose a motif that works with the theme of your room. For the walls shown, we photocopied a fern leaf pattern in three different sizes, then traced it onto Mylar and cut the pattern out with a sharp knife.

Mark on the wall where each stencil will go. For a repeat pattern, use a plumb line and ruler to keep the overall design positioned correctly and spaced evenly. Use painter’s tape or stencil adhesive to stick the stencil to the wall.

Dab or pounce over the stencil openings with your stencil brush. Start with a little colour and build it up to prevent leaking under the stencil.

Stencil paint dries quickly, so you can apply two or more colours at the same time to provide variation and shading.

To highlight the leaf pattern, I used paint with a glossy sheen for the stencil over a low-sheen satin base coat.

Other motifs from nature are equally successful. Simple flower shapes, bamboo stalks and branches with and without leaves produce a whimsical background randomly floating over a wall.

Experiment with the contrast between background and stencil.

For a subtle approach, try stencilling tone on tone, using high gloss for the stencil and matte finish for the background.

Or stencil with paint that has a metallic finish. The walls will change with natural and artificial light. The more pronounced the contrast, the bolder and more dramatic the effect.

There is no end to the combinations and decorative effects you can achieve.