Today I am happy to share a great project completed by Dana at Make Them Wonder. There is something to be said for wiping a slate clean and starting from scratch but I absolutely love it when people look at the space they have and figure out smart solutions to fit their lifestyle. That’s what Dana did with the cut out nook beside her fireplace. Using this as the media area not only kept the focal points (the fireplace and TV) on the same wall, but then Dana totally pimped out the media area using every square inch. It looks great! Take a look!
and drum role please. . .
I love that the floating shelves allow Dana to use the whole height of the cut out for display or storage. And I love that the bottom part is used as a landing pad for the pups of the house!
Yes, the utilization of the space is fantastic, but let’s be honest my favorite part is the awesome painted pattern on the wall behind the shelves! It is an Ikat pattern and Dana was kind enough to tell us how she did it.
First she cut strips of paper all at the same measurements.
Second, she started to create the zigzag pattern.
Once she had the pattern just right she used tape to keep the pieces together and she then taped it on the wall.
Once on the wall, Dana traced the shape a number of times and then filled the new pattern in with paint. There are more details on this process in this post on Dana’s blog.
Now if your like me, you had an idea of how to achieve the zigzag/chevron pattern but what your really interested in is how Dana got that ikat look.
Sidenote: For those of you who don’t know what Ikat means, the definition is:
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A craft in which one tie-dyes and weaves yarn to create an intricately designed fabric.
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You’ve seen Ikat patterns from the run ways to hallways (painted or on wall paper). And now with Dana’s help, you can see it in your home too!
Here Dana’s description of how she achieved the look.
“While it’s (the paint) still wet, hold the brush straight up and down then bring it just outside the edge of the painted area. Make a tiny little stroke back towards the solid painted area. Then repeat this action a gazillion more times as you make your way down the entire edge. I found by holding the brush handle as close to the foam as possible, it gave me more control over the movements. Quick movements and
not thinking too much about it, once again, is key!”
And eventually you end up with this!
For more info on Dana’s process click here!
Thanks so much for sharing your skills and secrets with us Dana! And with that I will say to everyone. . . Have a very Merry Christmas and we’ll see you back here on Monday!
Humbled that you featured our project today, Kara. Thanks so much!
i love that project! dana did an amazing job and shared a great tutorial!
i love that project! dana did an amazing job and shared a great tutorial!
Love this! She is a talented girl and wonderful person at that!
Functional, stylish and unique!! Love her inspring blog, too!
Congrats on your Tulsa World article!
cathyv
I love the ikat look! I also think it’s great on the beadboard with the lines through it…. gives the whole pattern lots of interest.