A bedroom with painted walls that mimic the look of wallpaper
I love wallpaper. I especially love hand printed wallpapers. I have admired the work of Marthe Armitage for years. Her papers are hand drawn and then printed using a linocut press. The papers are mostly two-tone and the create the most wonderful scenes. I was instantly attracted to her print, Jungle Birds. See below in a bedroom posted on her Instagram. All her colors are hand mixed and the handmade quality is undeniable. It’s exquisite. Find out more about her and her work at marthearmitage.co.uk.
In many places in my house investing in wallpaper just doesn’t make sense right now. I have areas that eventually will be rearranged or the hallways are so narrow that through the process of renovating the walls will inevitable get scraped. The rooms are fine as is but they do need to be refreshed.
The Painted House designs printed rollers to mimic the look of wallpaper. A technique that involves a two-part roller that paints and prints a design onto a wall. She offers 18 different designs and are for sale through her Etsy shop. To watch the technique in action check out her how-to video below.
There are two parts to the roller system: firstly, there are the 6 inch wide, embossed patterned rollers in 18 different designs; then there is a choice of two applicators, one for use on fabric and the other for paper, wood & walls. The rollers are reusable and interchangeable. The fabrics have the look of traditional handmade block-printed fabric, and are not for heavy use. Like any other hand-printed fabric, they need very delicate hand washing with a mild detergent. The paper and walls roller gives a sponged, gently handmade look, like old, forgotten, sun bleached wallpaper. It particularly suits old walls.
The Painted House
I can confidently say, this technique is totally doable if you are not a perfectionist. You have to accept a certain level of variation. The designs will be hand made so you need to accept the mistakes. There are ways to clean up large “mess ups” but overall it’s impossible to make perfect. I don’t mind this process but I have read reviews that it drives other bonkers. Accept who you are and don’t choose to attempt if it will make you crazy.
I would suggest testing on your walls before actually painting with your final base color. In this room I did just that…I painted over the white walls that were there. This is the only good wall. They have been this way for a few years and I have yet to go back and clean everything up. I hung up some art to cover the mistakes but this Spring I would love to get them a refresh. I am thinking a brighter white and slightly different blue for the birds.
In the kids’ room I used the #4 roller by The Painted House which is not currently for sale on her website. I would suggest if you do see a pattern you like on her Etsy shop pick-up ASAP because they do sell out and they take awhile to get back in stock. I also own the tulip pattern which is quite lovely.
The walls here are painted blue with a dark kelly green motif. The two color tone in a matte finish makes the wall feel and look like wallpaper. And I noticed when there is less contrast between the wall color and motif you see fewer mistakes.
Once you master the wall technique you will mind will wander to all the other things you might decorate with the rollers. The options are endless. But I have made wrapping paper which is quite easy. I would also love to try printing fabric for curtains or even rolling onto a light shade.
What will you make?
Katy Elliott 