Painting Project: Entry

I've been wanting to do something in our entryway for a bit, but haven't been quite sure what.

Plain painting just doesn't feel like it would be enough here... Nevermind that this area opens up to the living room just up the stairs, and I don't know what color I want there yet. Lately I've been loving graphic patterned wallpapers... but this being a rental, I don't know that I really want to mess with putting up and then tearing down wallpaper.

So I've decided to use a stencil & fake my own wallpaper. Now, if the word 'wallpaper' makes people cringe, I think 'stencil' is even worse- it makes me think of teddy bear borders. But I am inspired by the 'fauxpaper' Holly from decor8 featured here - a stencil will be the perfect way to get the repeating pattern I have in mind.

I couldn't find a stencil I liked, so just made my own (more info on how to do that later!). I started one corner & asked J what he thought- I knew it would be a lot of work, so wanted to make sure he wasn't completely opposed to the idea before I got too much done. Not that it would necessarily make me stop if he didn't like it...!

So J looked and reported back "It is so you"... I was thinking 'Perfect! That is just what I want people to think when they walk into my home!" And then he finishes: "Only you would pick something so tedious and time-consuming." Which I guess is also true- just not quite the response I was hoping for! I still think it will look cool when it's finished, so I'm soldiering on...

I'll post an update once I get it finished!
Nicole