A subtle wall of pattern.

9 times out of 10 people's version of decorating is hanging up pictures. Could be photos of friends. Could be artwork you like. Either way, it's something in a frame... on a wall... by itself or in threes. While that continues to be my go-to way to dress up a wall, I was growing a little bored of the look and wanted something a little different.

The wall that I'm talking about is one that contains a window that houses my air conditioning unit that sits in between the arms of my couch and chair. With my living room being rectangular, the wall seemed awkward being bare yet not large enough to be a statement wall. I needed something subtle. However, typical Kate fashion, I ran into issues.

First, as mentioned in previous posts, I am not allowed to paint/wallpaper/change anything about my walls except for putting tiny holes in them. Second, I already had shelves on the opposite wall so and adding any more seemed like overkill. Finally, with my couch and furniture being relatively plain, my living room was in desperate need of some visual interest but the wall could not compete with other primary focal points.

What did I end up doing? Instead of going back to my college roots and hanging a tapestry across the wall, I opted for hanging twelve 18"x20" canvases in a grid-like pattern with the same stencil. The composition ended up filling up the awkward wall and framing in the random window without being overbearing or shifting too much focus away from the other areas in the space.

To get this look, all you need are:
- 18"x20" canvases (I already had 6 hanging around but packages of 3 can be found at Michaels for $9.99)
- Primer (I use Kilz)
- Large paintbrush to prime
- Two-part stencil (I got mine at Michaels)
- Sponge applier for the stencil
- Silver and bronze acrylic paint tubes
- Clear acrylic spray paint in high gloss (optional)

Prime your canvases to ensure they are all the same color and to prep for painting. Then, lay your first step in stenciling and apply two coats of either silver or bronze paint. Repeat for the second step with the opposite color paint. For a more finished look, spray 2-3 coats of the clear acrylic finish. Then, hang canvases equal distance apart in opposite directions.

Plaid, argyle or any geometric pattern are other interesting takes on this composition. Just remember, the busier and/or colorful the pattern, the more of a focal point the wall will end up being.

Part One: Serenity Now

Well, it's been one of those weeks so if you're just reading for the design inspiration, be sure to skip to the last paragraph. Trust me.

I now officially have way too much time on my hands to think. About everything. And anything. And it's is driving me crazy. To the point where I feel like running around like Frank Costanza screaming "Serenity Now, Serenity Now!" I am trying to put that energy toward something a little more constructive like this blog, a crossword, a walk, a book, etc. but somehow keep coming up short. I am actually in the process of reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (great read by the way) and am at the part where she begins her stint at an Ashram in India. I have to say, I could not be reading this at a better time because she just flipped out about not being able to meditate like everyone else because she can't stop thinking. Then she gets in a fight with herself about thinking when she shouldn't be thinking... and the frustration is at an all-time high. 

I thought to myself, "You go, girl. I am totally in that same boat (minus the meditation)." For some reason, it is so easy to feel helpless, get distracted, become lazy or lack motivation to do something (just look at my craft nook). And, without fail, all of those factors end up leading you toward frustration - oh, sweet mother of frustration - the hardest feeling to turn around into something positive. This, in case you haven't noticed, is currently where I'm at.

Never one to "get in touch with my true inner being", "solve problems through meditation" or "follow the light to find the meaning of life", I've decided to take a more surface level approach and give myself a new mantra to live by. And no, I haven't a clue what I was living by before this but I'm pretty sure it was closer to Frank Constanza's way of dealing with things. Inspired by the serenity prayer and a little bit of how not to act like Frank, I've decided on the simple five word one "it is what it is". 

To kick off this newfound way of thinking, I've decided to ask myself a question about my personal style:

If you were to choose three things you feel encapsulates the current style of your home what would they be? Mine: earth tones/patterns, vintage/retro and... cluttered.

photos from my home

What are yours? I would say that this point would be the realization of what you have to work with and the starting point for determining your personal style.