Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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How To Paint A Closet

Nothing like a little weekend chaos. Guess what we did this weekend? Here’s a hint:

Claras Closet3

And another hint:

Claras Closet4

And another hint:

Claras Closet5

And one last hint:

Claras Closet 2.2

Um yeah, all that house insanity was for this:

Claras Closet Clara Inside

Specifically, to paint Clara’s closet.

Claras Closets6

See, whilst standing on a chair in there hanging the little ribbon chandelier that I made last week (you know, right before John asked me how it was hanging), I decided it was high time we painted that little future-reading nook for the bean (we envision a big cushy beanbag and a ton of books in there for her to dive into). Isn’t it funny how one small project can snowball? One minute you’re standing on a chair hanging a ring o’ ribbons and the next minute you’re tossing a ton of stuff into the guest room, stashing shelves in the guest bathroom, setting up a pack & play in your bedroom (to allow for painting while Clara naps in there), and rolling back the ol’ nursery rug to keep it paint-free.

As you can see in the picture above and below, there are already some pretty sweet adjustable shelves for books and toys and all that hoopla when we turn this closet into a closet slash reading nook (Clara’s nursery was the former owners’ office, so the shelves were used for all of their paper and file storage- but it definitely works for board books and blocks too):

Claras Closet7

But it could definitely use some freshening up. Check out the grody baseboards:

Claras Closet9

And the hanging bar that appears to be gnawed on:

Claras Closet10

So out came those already white shelves with the silver brackets (and into the guest bathroom they went)…

Claras Closet 11.2

Claras Closet 12.2

… so I could paint all the trim and that hanging bar with some slick semi-gloss white paint (Olympic No-VOC paint in off-the-shelf-white).

It was already a huuuge improvement. John and I went back and forth about what color we should paint the inside of the closet. In our first house’s nursery, the walls were soft pear and the closet was a fun light aqua color along with the ceiling. And we loved that. But since we went with a soft gray-pink in this room we didn’t want to do the same blue closet and ceiling thing all over again. So we decided that we should try something with texture instead of a new color. Like a pink tone-on-tone stencil. That way it’ll feel connected to the nursery while having a little somethin’ extra in the pattern department – maybe even something subtly metallic. But nothing too loud or crazy since there’s a bright floral curtain that hangs at the closet entry as well as on the windows across the room.

Clara%27s Chair Corner

You know that fine line you walk between fun & playful and crazy & chaotic? Yeah, we figure if we have plans to add crown molding along with paint and possibly a stencil to the nursery ceiling we shouldn’t go too nutso on the closet – especially if it’s for quiet book reading/baby chillaxing. So for zero dollars and zero cents we opted to paint the closet the same soft gray-pink tone as the nursery walls (Proposal by Benjamin Moore color matched to Olympic No-VOC paint). Thankfully we still had some left from painting those walls back in December (<– cutest Clara pic ever in that post, bee tee dubs). But back to the painted closet. It’s a nice clean start.

Clara Closet Empty After

Even before it was dry I got into one of those moods (you know, when $herdog comes out and she decides to fly by the seat of her saggy gangsta pants). So I dragged the whole family to Ben Franklin (weekend family time = clearing rooms to paint, painting while the bean sleeps in a pack and play in your bedroom, hitting up the craft store) where I grabbed some 99 cent water-based metallic craft paint in pearl white and champagne (all the metallic paint at the paint store is $20+ and not quite VOC free yet- but this stuff should hold/wear as well as latex paint unless Clara takes a pressure washer or some sandpaper to it – and it’s a lot less fumey). I also grabbed a cute little $1 rubber stamper with a girlie medallion on it.

Claras Wall Supplies On Pla

Do you see where this is going?

I decided it might be cool to apply some sort of hand-stamped pattern to the wall with that rubber stamper instead of a traditional stencil so it looked kind of irregular and imperfect like handmade wallpaper. And I loved the idea of layering the soft champagne color over the light pink walls so it would be subtle enough not to take over the whole nursery or anything (I also grabbed the pearl white paint in case the champagne was a bust). I envisioned it being this little glittering magical world for Clara to duck into and get lost in a book.

So instead of focusing on how long hand stamping the entire closet would take I thought about how much Clara would love it. And crossed my fingers that it would work. Oh and it bears mentioning that John predicted that it would not work at all because rubber stampers are for paper & ink and not walls & craft paint. Who brought the killjoy to the craft store? I did. But I also had the inspiration with me (El Beano). So I walked out semi-confident in my spur-of-the-moment idea.

Clara Wall Painting Stamp

As for application, I learned by experimenting with some paper first that the best way to get the paint applied nice and evenly (and not too gloppily) was to lightly brush it onto the stamper with a paintbrush. I used a completely out-of-the-way corner that can’t be seen from the doorway of the closet for experimentation (it would also be covered in shelving and could be repainted with pink paint if all h-e-double-hockey-sticks broke loose and my little stamp method was a bust).

Claras Wall Empty Before

Behold, tiny champagne medallions:

Claras Wall Stamp On

I loved them but they were way too subtle and finely-detailed in person. It almost looked like someone with gold lipstick kissed the wall since you couldn’t quite make out the medallion shape (and from the side they looked kind of bumpy and odd). They actually photograph a lot better than they “read” in real life, which is a shame because I didn’t want John to be right. But alas, it wasn’t the right answer for the closet. So it was back to the drawing board. Literally.

Claras Wall Wiping Clean

That’s right, in a serendipitous turn of events I tried wiping down the still-wet paint with a wet paper towel and it lifted right out. Well, not right out. I had to put some muscle into it and really scrub, but it came out with a little elbow grease so I could start over. And I was mighty impressed with my painted-earlier-that-day wall for holding up to all the manhandling going on so soon after the paint went up.

And yes I did say “so I could start over” a few sentences back. That’s right. I wasn’t done with my crazy craft paint yet. This time I was wondering if I could freehand some sort of fun painted pattern with the same champagne paint (using a wider brush than the rubber stamp so it would hopefully be easier to make out and less detailed/muddled).

Claras Wall Paint On Plate

First I experimented with imperfect horizontal lines…

Claras Wall Stripes

… then I moved onto a bunch of x’s in a row (kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss)…

Claras Wall Xxxxs

… then I played around with some sweetly imperfect dots that I made by squishing the paint brush against the wall…

Claras Wall All Paint Tests

Before wiping anything away I called Killjoy John and Happy Happy Joy Joy Clara in for a consult. Clara wanted to kiss the x’s (I kid you not – I think the girl’s smarter than a fifth grader) and John and I both liked the horizontal stripes best. But we weren’t sold enough to slap them all over the walls quite yet. Sometimes holding back is hard for me, but it’s easier for John. He pointed out that we never regret thinking things through just a little bit before rushing in and doing something we might not love as much as something else in the long run. Especially when said project could potentially take five days and make you see stripes when you close your eyes for three more days after that. Bah, voice of reason = annoying, but right. Point taken.

So because I was incapable of getting off the stamped/painted/stenciled train, to the internet my fingers flew, where I found this cute stamp that I love. John is also (miraculously) down with it – maybe because I joked that it looked like wi-fi to him.

It reminds me of the scalloped fish-scale-like piñata that I made for the bean’s birthday. And since Royal Design Studio offers 10% off to YHLers (including us, haha) with the code YHL10, we’re definitely considering springing for this guy. Especially since we didn’t have to pay for wall paint since it was already on hand and we found metallic paint for $1 a tube at the craft store. I haven’t ordered the stencil just yet, but I’m definitely thinking about it. And now that the ribbon chandelier snowballed into a closet painting project, I guess I should mention that I’m also thinking about:

  • sewing a beanbag for the whole reading nook thing
  • papering or painting the shelves for a little more “happy surprise!” when Clara sneaks in there
  • maybe even finding a rug to soften up the floor?

Oh and speaking of the ribbon chandelier, I still haven’t ironed that guy (girl?) yet. Maybe I should add that to my bulleted list so I’m inspired to get ‘er done (you know I love to cross things off). Or not. Oddly enough, the windblown look is still doing it for me. I know, I’m a strange and mysterious creature.

Speaking of which, we only have one True Blood Season 3 DVD left (with two episodes on it) and we’re sad and excited all at the same time. Since I had fun with the Sookie sidechat on Friday I thought we could discuss teams. I’m Team Eric. Is anyone on the Bill trolley? What about that Alcide guy? I’d get on that before the Bill boat for sure, but Eric is definitely mah man. Oh and I forgot about Jason Stackhouse. He might be above Alcide for me. Hmm. Anyone else painting or stenciling a room? A closet? Let’s chat about home stuff or tv or something else entirely. Anything. Does that sound desperate? Sorry. I’m just a chatty lady who has been stuck in a closet all weekend…

Comments

  1. Roshni says

    too bad! I actually like the flower design best! Could you not get a stencil pattern of that instead of the wi-fi motif!?!

    Reply

  2. Danielle says

    As far as ironing the ribbon chandelier, I recommend using a flat iron. Like the ones for straightening hair. Quick and easy. You could probably even straighten them while it’s hanging up in the closet.

    Reply

  3. Amber says

    I’m team Eric. Although, Bill did get a haircut and is looking better this season. And without spoiling too much – wait until you see Bill’s house this season!

    Reply

  4. Sara says

    Some thoughts on the closet, for the ribbon chandelier you could use a flat iron on a lowish setting to smooth out the ribbons and could you hand paint a modified scallop design in the closet (may save $ but not necessarily time)? Totally Team Eric all the way! Wish I had a nook like this to read in growing up.

    Reply

  10. Ashley @ Spite or Flight says

    Stencil schmencil — let’s focus on True Blood, for a second. If you guys love Season 3, just wait until Season 4 — ESPECIALLY if you’re Team Eric. I have to say, Bill never really did it for me either, but this season he’s growing on me. Also, I really have a soft spot for Hoyt.

    Reply

  11. Tanya Quinlan says

    Oh True Blood. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one completely addicted. Speaking of TV shows, I just started watching The Booth at the End. (I think it may only be on Hulu?) Very mysterious, slightly creepy…you know all the things that make us True Blood, The Walking Dead, and Dexter fans.

    As for the closet, I love both the freehand stripes and the stencil. I’m always impressed with your ability to wait and think things over. I can never contain my excitement and, for better or worse, jump right in. Can’t wait to see what you end up doing.

    Reply

  12. ruthie says

    I would have thought you would have lined the walls with small white animal figures!! Haha You could have DIY’d small tiny shelves to hold them all.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Alas they’d probably all meet an untimely death at the hands of Clara. Haha. Maybe when she’s a wee bit bigger slash less throw-obsessed. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  13. Megan says

    I’m definitely all Team Eric. Although if they put Alcide in every episode I might have to switch over :) I liked Bill in the beginning but now.. not so much.

    Reply

  14. Kim Schoenherr says

    I’m team Eric all the way, then Alcide. I can’t stand Bill! ARGH! Especially the way he keeps betraying Sookie in 3.

    I just finished 3, and watched the first episode of 4, and I have to say that Sam is also aggrivating me. I won’t say more about him because I don’t remember what episode he really makes me mad in. But for real, Bill, especially with some stuff that happens at the beginning of 4, can fudge off!

    Reply

  16. Lizzie says

    Instead of taking down your ribbon chandelier to iron it, try using a hair straightener. I used mine to iron things all the time. Works great! Love your site and your sweet family!

    Reply

  17. Polina says

    Team Eric all the way.

    Alcide is the close second, but Bill is just not my kind of guy. You will love the season 4, since its based on the book thats focused on Eric :-)

    Reply

  21. Sara says

    Someone may have already mentioned it, or you may already know, but a hair flat-iron can work great for ironing ribbon! Might simplify your ironing of the chandelier.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes- they’re awesome and we’re so excited for those seasons! As for the bean-bag fabric- we’d love to use some of our monthly/weekly ones (although some of them are cut up from the b-day pinney and quilt project- haha.

      xo,
      s

  26. Andrea says

    You had me at Eric Northman… he is my Viking God. I love the stencil you’re looking at! If you’re going to do something special to the shelves, perhaps little quotes from your favorite children’s books painted and hidden randomly under books on the shelves. My little ones love the little things I paint and hide in theirs.

    Reply

  27. Patricia says

    Love the closet, I want to paint our closet soon too! But I have to tell you guys, I’m super disappointed in the Olympic paint y’all always use. My husband and I have painted almost every room of our house using Behr paint, but we painted the future nursery this weekend and decided to use the no Voc paint. I used their primer and everything, and the same tools we usually use, but I did not like this paint. It was very thin and covered so unevenly, and it took the entire can just to do one coat. I’ve usually been able to get two coats from a can of Behr paint. Off to buy more paint, but definitely not Olympic again :(

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry to hear that! It’s definitely not the experience we’ve have with it! Maybe it was a harder color or something? So odd and annoying!

      xo,
      s

  29. Liz says

    Have you seen this stencil tutorial? http://pinterest.com/pin/52574378/

    I’m in the process if doing this in our entryway. (by process, I mean I started two months ago, ha). But the walls are dark gray and I’m using high gloss poly for a subtle textured look. Anyway, since you can print the template yourself it’s free and you get instant gratification! Anyway, can’t wait to see what you end up with!

    Reply

  31. Lexie says

    My heart belongs to Rene from Season 1 of True Blood – serial killer and all. I fell for him before I found out that he was a bad guy, but I’m a sucker for his accent.

    Have you guys watched any of the British show Misfits yet? Season 1 is on Hulu. If you’re in to everyone-has-a-super-power type shows, I think you’d like it. Plus, those Brits can swear like nobodies business.

    Reply

  33. EHS says

    We just finished season 3. When it was over, my husband pointed out that I talk about how hot Eric is—after every episode. So I guess that makes me a cheerleader for team Eric. I’m happy I’m married to a good sport!

    I love the wifi stencil. I’ve never stenciled anything, but I have a very small, boring powder room that might be the perfect canvas.

    Reply

  34. Andrea says

    I think the closet would look super cute with a larger medallion stamp :)

    Oh and True Blood – total Alcide and Jason fan…how can you not LUH those guys?? lol. Eric is nice to look at too. Too many good looking guys on this show! How does your husband like the show? Mine is 50/50 because of all the “butts they show.” LOL.

    -Andrea

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha- John loves it. But not the butts. But we both really get into the scary parts and squeeze pillows and then die when it’s over and we have to wait for the next installment!

      xo,
      s

  35. Ginna says

    Maybe you could even paint a little corner of the closet in chalkboard paint so that when Clara gets older she can create her own stencils and doodles!

    Reply

  36. michelle says

    no pictures since last week for me either. cleared the cache, checked 3 different computers/networks/phone connection :(

    I know you say it’s not on your end but just wanted to let others know I’m having the same issue.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks so much for your comment and so sorry you’re having issues. Did you see the person who listed all the steps to fix theirs? Apparently it was something with their antivirus software blocking them and they changed the settings and refreshed and all of our pics came back. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  37. Andreza says

    When I first started to watch true blood I was team Bill. I thought Eric was so damn evil and that’s not exactly the kind of man I like.
    By the end of the third season come, I was totally into Eric. You know, he’s still kind of mean, but, there’s something about him that just cracks me up. You know, he protects her, and he cares about her.
    By the season 4, the four first episodes just make me go like: ‘awwwwwwwwn, how could I possibly ever been team Bill? Bleh.’ So, team Eric foreva.

    And bee tee dubs, I think Sookie it’s the most irritating girl in the world. and don’t get how it seems like EVERY man in that show seems to have a crush on her.

    Reply

  41. javonne says

    My heart beats a flutter every time I watch the show! I love them all!!! well, most of them! Eric and Alcide and Jason are tied for first. Sam Merlotte is my second!! Bill, Lafayette, LaFayette’s new boyfriend take the third round. And my girl crush is all over Jessica! I need a True Blood calendar or something.

    Reply

  42. Kayla says

    What a great project for Clara’s closet – can’t wait to see how it all turns out :)

    In completely unrelated news, our Joovy Kooper stroller will be arriving this week – I hope we love it as much as you guys love yours!

    Reply

  43. Ashleigh says

    What will you use as her closet if you turn it into a reading nook? Or will it be a multi-tasking room? I am excited to see how the closet turns out! It would be neat to paint a mural of some sort one wall of the closet… subtle of course :0) She could have a secret garden of sorts back there! She is one lucky girl!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      See how there’s a lot of space under her hanging bar in the pic in this post since her clothes are so tiny? It’ll still be a closet with a beanbag on the floor for Clara to relax and read on. And we’ll add books to those shelves (but keep the clothes on the hanging bar). We just figure there’s all that space underneath the clothes that isn’t being used!

      xo,
      s

  44. cc says

    As a True Blood fan who also loves the Sookie Stackhouse books, I have been Team Eric for a long time, but really I wish she’d fall for Sam already– if she wants a normal life (well, more normal). But where’s the fun in reading– or watching– that? :D

    Reply

  46. Ginna says

    When you’re doing a small painting project like the closet, do you still use two coats of paint? We’re in the middle of painting the living room and have noticed it also looks good after just one (Sherwin Williams light yellow). Why do you recommend two coats instead of one?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We always stop when it looks good! But sadly it’s always after 2 coats (even in the closet) since our old plaster walls seem to suck up the paint more than drywall. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  47. Beth says

    Have you thought about using a faux bois stamper tool? I just picked one up from our local ACE Hardware store for $5.99. I’m thinking about using it to make wrapping paper and for ‘stenciling’ the back of some of our bookshelves with it. Just an idea! Good luck with the closet!

    Reply

  48. Ashley Jensen says

    Alcide all the way. Though in this new season Eric is working his way up there. No worries I won’t give away any spoilers. Also, I just finished patching holes (from the husband using the towel rod to keep him from slipping) in one of our bathrooms with a wall patch kit and using the Knockdown texture in a can to help blend it with the rest of the textured walls. Now I just need to prime and paint! Ooh and I just finished painting 95% of the baseboards and all of the window sills in our house. I walk around admiring them now!

    Reply

  49. alg says

    Yes, as a matter of fact, I have a stenciling project all lined up for my front porch makeover! (IF IT EVER STOPS STINKIN’ RAINING!!!)
    It’s weird how you guys seem to beat me to the post every time… guess great minds DO think alike ;->
    Also, I finally got that weed-blocking-fabric “progress update” post done. It’s up now, if you want to check it out. I think you’ll be pleased with what I’ve learned… as I know you used it for the first time recently, too :)
    http://www.rentalhouserules.wordpress.com

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Found this comment in spam so I rescued it! Hope that makes sense since I responded to your other one before this one (since it was hiding- haha).

      xo,
      s

  50. Lauren says

    I’m pretty sure Nate Berkus showed a picture from your old house on his show today (a rerun episode from April). He was trying to show a woman how to update her photo gallery wall, and he used a picture of the white frames above the sofa in your old den as an example! Yay!

    Reply

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