How To: Stenciling Take 2

When I stenciled our master bedroom wall I swore I would never stencil again (so tedious!) but I saw this amazing stencil online and suddenly had to have it for our powder bathroom. I found the stencil online here.

At first, I tried using the same technique I had used in the master only to discover it did NOT work with this type of stencil. My new stencil was higher quality (thicker) and very detailed so the roller brush would not get paint into the crevices. Then, if I pushed really hard to get the paint in, it bled all around the letters and looked horrible. Here's a pic of my first attempts:

So, I learned how to stencil a new way. Here's what to do if you have a detailed stencil and need perfect results. This is also a great technique when you have a high contrast stencil which shows imperfections much more than the tone on tone stencil I did in my master bedroom. The letters turned out perfectly crisp:

Step One
Use spray adhesive to attach the stencil to the wall. I used a light coat each time I applied the stencil to a new part of the wall. Make sure you put the stencil on top of a drop cloth before you spray it because that adhesive will get everywhere!

Step Two

Use a small bristled brush to apply the paint. They sell special (expensive) stenciling brushes but I got perfect results using plastic brushes from my daughter's art drawer. I think we bought a pack of 20 at Walmart for a couple bucks.
First dip the brush in a bit of paint then get most of the paint off on a paper towel. Make small circular motions with the brush as you work the paint into the stencil. You may need to do more than one coat so wait for the paint to dry (just a couple minutes) before removing the stencil. That way you can see which areas need a bit more paint layered on.



Step Three
Remove the stencil, repsray lightly with adhesive and apply to the next area.


This process really is so easy that my 3 year old was able to help me apply the paint, but it is also time consuming! My tiny 9' by 9' wall took me about 4 hours to paint. Yikes! If you are willing to spend the time, I think that stenciling is an excellent way to personalize and add interest to your new home.

For me, it is totally work it each time I walk down the hallway and peek into the powder room. Have you done any stenciling projects? I'd love to hear about them and see the results! Post a link in the comments or email kristi@mcarthurhomes.com Thanks!

Movie in the Park at Herriman Towne Center

Come see Disney's "Up" movie across from a real life replica of the "Up" house. Your kids will love it! The home and the park are located in Herriman Towne Center, the best new neighborhood in Herriman!

Saturday, July 16th
7:30pm-10:00pm
Herriman Towne Center Park
12600 South 5300 West
Herriman, Utah

Herriman Towne Center is a brand new community across from the JL Sorensen Recreation Center and new Herriman City Library. The neighborhood will include beautiful new homes, parks, churches, restaurants and small shops, schools and the new Herriman City Hall. McArthur Homes is building new homes now starting in the low $200s. See our website for more information on these new homes in Herriman.

DIY (So Affordable) Drapery Rods

Here's a great trick for getting super affordable drapery hardware for your new home. Simply go to your local Home Depot/Lowes type store and ask for electrical conduit.

For the master bedroom in our new home, I needed a FIFTEEN FOOT drapery rod. Those can be SO expensive! I read online about someone who used 1/2" electrical conduit instead so I decided to try it out. The total cost for the rod was less than $5! The electrical conduit was sold in 10' segments so I bought two and had them cut down into 7' 6" pieces for me at the store. I also purchased a "Set Screw Coupling" which I used to secure the two pieces together.

If you need a rod that is 10' or less in length then you won't need the coupling piece. Just have your conduit cut to the exact size you need and you are done.

To hang my drapery rods I used some left over brackets from an Ikea set. However, you could even make your own brackets using a few other items from the hardware store. Check that out here.

Here are a few ways you could dress up these drapery rods:

• Attach cabinet hardware or door knobs to each end as finials
• Paint the conduit with Rustoleum Spray Paint to match your decor (white, black, navy etc.)
• Use copper plumbing pipe instead (more expensive but beautiful)
• Choose a wider size such as 2" conduit for a heavier look

I will use this technique again in my dining room, but I think I'll try adding finials and spray painting the whole thing a dark navy. (I am kind of obsessed with navy right now. Anyone else loving it too?)

DIY Upholstered Headboard Inspired by the Parade of Homes

I am so excited about how this project turned out! I have been wanting a headboard for my master bedroom ever since we moved into our new home in Lehi but I didn't want to spend $500-2,000 for a new headboard. There are tons of great tutorials online on how to make your own, so finally I decided to take a chance and try it. I am happy to say that I love my new headboard AND it only cost about $75.

Here's the inspiration headboard. 

(You may recognize it from the McArthur Homes house that I showcased from the 2011 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. I love the nailhead trim and the clean, simple lines.)


Here is my version.

And here's how I did it.

I mostly followed this fabulous tutorial from Isabella and Max Rooms but with a few changes. The biggest change was that I downsized the headboard quite a bit because I still wanted to show off all that stenciling work I did in the master! I also changed the way I mounted the headboard to the wall. (See Step Six.)

Materials:
1/4" sheet of plywood
3- 2x4s
LOTS (about 400 pieces) of nailhead trim that I bought online here.
3 yards batting
3 yards home decor or other wide width fabric
2 large pieces of 3" high density foam from JoAnns or Hobby Lobby (use coupons!)
scrap piece of mdf or other sturdy wood

Step One
Create the frame for your headborad by cutting down the length of the plywood sheet to fit the length of your bed. I made mine for my (future) king size bed so I needed 80" width. Then cut down the 2x4s and screw onto the plywood to create a border.

Step Two
Cut down your foam to fill the space between the 2x4s. I like to use an electric carving knife to cut foam. You can use spray adhesive to attach the foam if you'd like. Mine is held in place by the batting and fabric.

Step Three
Lay batting and fabric over the top of the frame. Have a friend/hubby help you make sure the fabric is straight. The fabric can be the biggest expense of this project, but I actually found mine for only $6/yard in the remnants section of JoAnns home decor fabric. It was the perfect gray color with a slight hounds tooth texture. LOVE it!

Step Four
Starting at the top center of the headboard, attach the nailhead trim by hammering it in along the edge of the 2x4. I would suggest using a nailhead trim spacer, which you can find online. I was impatient  and did mine freehand so there are some imperfections. This is the hardest and most tedious part of the process. Luckily, my husband helped some so things went a little faster. Make sure your fabric is pulled tight as you go and that it is straight.

Once the top of the headboard was done, I pulled my fabric tight and stapled it to the bottom. This helped keep things nice and tight as I continued down the sides.

Another thing I learned about nailhead trim is that it can be difficult to hammer into the wood where there are knots or other imperfections. I bent MANY nailheads trying to force them in. After awhile I figured out that I could get a nice hole started by hammering in a small nail first, then removing the nail and hammering in the nailhead trim piece. I only did this in difficult areas, but it really helped!




Step Five
After all the trim was installed I simply stapled the fabric and batting to the back of the headboard, pulling tightly. At the corners, I made a small fold, which is hardly noticeable at all.

Step Six
To install the headboard you could add legs and attach it to your bedframe, but I wanted mine mounted on the wall. The tutorial I followed suggested gluing the headboard to the wall, but I wanted mine to be removal so that if (when) I want to change up the decor I won't have to rip a hole in the drywall to remove the headboard. An EASY way to do this is by cutting a 45 degree angle into two pieces of wood. Screw one to the headboard and one to the studs in the wall, as shown. Then just lift your headboard up onto the wall so that the wood pieces fit into each other. It only took a few minutes and it is sturdy as can be! (Thanks to my friend, Roger for cutting the angles for me. I still don't have a table saw...)

That's it! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them in the notes and I'll respond as best I can. Good luck!

Playful Kids Room Decor Ideas

Don't you love visiting the Parade of Homes to find decorating inspiration? This year, McArthur Homes' Utah Valley Parade of Homes entry gave me SO many great ideas for decorating my home. I have already copied the upholstered headboard from the master bedroom (post coming next week) and I plan to recreate the fun flower pillow and french script drapes soon! Here are a few kids space ideas from the Utah Valley Parade of Homes. Which is your favorite look?

One of the most popular spots on our McArthur Homes "Cordova" home was this fun study loft. It is the perfect space for kids to do their homework and stay organized. That awesome world map is from Ikea!

Below are a few highlights of the girl's and boy's room in the home. The boys room was a fun bug/explorer theme. This was a great idea because there are so many things you can use to accessorize: toy bugs, magnifying glasses, binoculars, maps, books etc. The girls room had this awesome vignette that combined a tough-looking black leather chair and a super sweet pink pillow with an adorable pink, green and yellow lamp. I love those unexpected combinations!  

The boys room also had this Periodic Table of Elements and EVERYONE wanted to know where it came from. It is actually a vinyl sticker from Scribble on Everything, and you can buy it online here. 

The Utah Valley Parade of Homes offered plenty of other inspiration. Here are some of my favorite looks from this year's homes.

Inexpensive plastic pennants are perfect wall decor for this colorful sports-themed room.

 

I love the idea of hanging pendant lights on each side of a bed!

 This simple Kid Zone was created in a basement stairway. It was decorated with only vinyl circles, a small rug and table but was still a huge hit with my kids. Definitely a project anyone could complete quickly and for hardly any cost.

 The white painted trees in this nursery are adorable and really highlight the tall ceilings, making this small room feel a lot bigger.

I LOVE these "By Order of the Management" signs to remind kids about the rules of the house! So cute and clever. Even better, I found out they are very reasonably priced. Check them out here on Etsy.

This bright turquoise and orange combo would be fun for a little kid or a preteen. It is so refreshing!

This may be a bit over the top for most of us, but I still love this playhouse built into an upstairs playroom. I love the funky style of the buildings and how it works in so well with the sloped ceiling.

The best part? The "Kidz 4 Sale" sign. Who doesn't feel like posting a sign on their door just like this every now and then? :)

I hope you enjoyed these kids space ideas. Did you see these homes at the Utah Valley Parade of Homes? Which one was your favorite? I'd love to hear what you think!

If you want more inspiration, come visit our Cordova home in Lehi near Thanksgiving Point, now open to the public!

Beautiful Homes, Beautiful Neighborhood! McArthur Homes Landscaping Competition

We've noticed some BEAUTIFUL landscaping in our McArthur Homes neighborhoods and we'd like to reward our homeowners for all your hard work! Enter our Beautiful Homes, Beautiful Neighborhood Competition today to show off your home and for a chance to win up to $550 in Home Depot Gift Cards. Check out the details below:

TO ENTER: Email us a photo or photos of the exterior of your home. Please include at least one shot showing the entire front of the home. Email photos to kristi@mcarthurhomes.com. Please include your contact information and address with your entry. All entries must be received by June 30, 2011.

FINALISTS: McArthur Homes will choose six or more finalists. Each finalist will receive a $50 Gift Card to Home Depot. McArthur Homes will professionally photograph each finalist's home exterior. These photos will be posted on Facebook for you to share with your friends and family. Facebook comments will be taken into consideration when choosing our Grand Prize Winner, but will not be the sole deciding factor.

WINNERS: One Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by McArthur Homes based on overall look of the landscaping and home, with some consideration given to comments received on Facebook and/or our blog. Grand Prize Winner will be announced July 15, 2011.

PRIZES: Grand Prize Winner will receive a $500 Gift Card to Home Depot.
All finalists will receive a $50 Gift Card to Home Depot.

Competition open to all current McArthur Homes homeowners.
McArthur Homes retains the rights to use all submitted video, images and written material for promotional purposes.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Why Forbes Magazine says NOW is the Time to Buy

Forbes Magazine recently published an article outlining 9 reasons that now may be the best time ever to buy a new home. We all see signs of the economy improving, but it's always great to hear good news from a reliable source like Forbes. Check out their reasons-to-buy which include:

• Interest Rates at a 50-Year Low
• Rates Expected to Increase
• Low Down Payment Mortgages Available
• Lowest Home Prices in Years

Read the full article by Forbes Magazine HERE.
Then check out a McArthur Homes new home community near you!

WINNER Best Exterior

McArthur Homes is pleased to announce that our new Cordova home was awarded Best Exterior by the 2011 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. This gorgeous new home is available in three exterior styles, Craftsman, French Rustic and New American. For more information, see this new home design on our website. 

Final Photos- Utah Valley Parade of Homes 2011

 The 2011 Utah Valley Parade of Homes is underway and we couldn't be more excited to show off our new Cordova home! Yesterday I spent opening day at the Parade home and the response was unbelievable. People LOVE the decor, the layout and all of the thoughtful details that went into this home. A big thanks to all of our trade partners who participated in building this home!

So here are some things that people couldn't stop commenting on yesterday... we'd love to hear what you think too!

The small "drop zone" cabinetry between the mudroom and the kitchen was very popular. The space is perfect for a laptop, cell phone charger and bill pay area. It's the simple details like this that can make your new home fit perfectly with your lifestyle. There's also a nearby powder room featuring a great spring green that people have really responded to.

The family room makes a huge impression with it's large size and open feeling. People have said that they could really see themselves entertaining or just relaxing with family in this comfortable space. (I personally L-O-V-E those blue and white upholstered chairs and the playful drapery fabric!)

The kitchen has also been very popular and people are surprised to hear that the cabinetry and flooring are both affordable options from our McArthur Homes Design Studio. The cabinetry is Beech with an Espresso stain (an included finish for McArthur Homes homeowners) and the flooring is a beautiful engineered Birch in a Driftwood finish. The countertops are also a huge hit in a White Ivory granite.

The area that has received the MOST comments in the home is this clever reading nook tucked into the stairwell. Designed by our very own, Roger Bess, this window seat and open shelving turns a previously "wasted space" into a highlight of the home.

 At the top of the stairs is another clever nook designed as a homework area for the kids. I love the idea of giving the kids an area to do their homework while still being open to the rest of the home.

The master suite is especially impressive with its large size, vaulted ceilings and adjacent nook (see next pic). People have loved the open feeling and details such as the fresh fabric choice for the drapes and accents.

As part of the master suite, this is the PERFECT place to get some peace and quiet, a little sanctuary all your own. To me, those chairs seem to be begging for someone to curl up on them and enjoy a good book!

The master bath also turned out beautifully! It has a clean, refreshing look with white tile and that same spring green in the accents and drapery. The white octagon tile from DAL tile has a lot of people talking. They either LOVE it or they don't, but I'm definitely a fan.

The front living room (which can also be converted to an office) has a slightly more formal look than the rest of the home. It stays fresh and playful with white paneling and fun details like the furry white pillow on the sofa. The paneling look shown here and in the mudroom has been a huge hit. For directions, see our "how to" post here.

To see the rest of the home, visit us at the Parade of Homes through June 18th. You can buy tickets online here, or purchase them at the Cordova home in Thanksgiving Meadows, Lehi. 

Here's one last photo that I think sums up the style of the home. The chair is tailored and elegant, the pillow adds a pop of color while the numbered boxes and gumball machine add a touch of whimsy. I think Emily from HGTV would call this Tailored Whimsical Elegance... or something like that. :)

Here are some links if you'd like more information on this home design or the home builder, McArthur Homes. Enjoy!

How To: Stenciled Wall Treatment

Stenciling is an inexpensive and easy (although not necessarily quick) way to add a fun design element to your new home. With stencils you can create a custom "wallpaper" look using any colors of your choice and for a fraction of the cost of real designer wallpaper. Here are some easy tips I learned while trying out this project over Memorial Day Weekend.

• Choose a matte or eggshell finish for your base coat. These finishes absorb the second layer of paint better, reducing smears and making the project move along faster. My base coast is Piper by KWAL Paint in an eggshell finish.
•  You can be more creative with your top coat (the one you use when stenciling). I chose a Metallic Masters paint called Smoke. I love that the sheen looks different when viewed from different angles and in different light. It looks especially AMAZING in the evening and morning. It also dried surprisingly quickly.
  
• If you want a "wallpaper" look, make sure you choose a stencil that is designed for that type of use. They come with registration marks: little triangle holes in the corners so that you can make marks and line up each subsequent stencil. I picked mine up at the local craft store but you can find hundreds of options online too. I chose a damask-look for my stencil. I tried to find one that wasn't too girly since this room is for my husband too. (I think the dark grey colors also made it appear a little more masculine.)

• The instructions say to start in the top left corner of your room. However, this was my very first time stenciling so I started somewhere less visible (the area of the room that is covered up by my bed and future headboard). 
• Make sure that your first stencil is perfectly level. All your other stencils will be based on this, so go for perfectly level. When I was starting I checked the level on each subsequent stencil, but realized that as long as I line up my registration marks, this was really unnecessary. 
• In order to avoid smudging the design, I worked in a random pattern, not a straight line. I didn't want to tape right over the area that I had just painted, but I also didn't want to wait several minutes between each stencil. This worked fine as long as I remember to mark the registration points and line them up with each new stencil.

And my two biggest tips for stenciling a wall...

1. Accept that your stenciling will NOT BE PERFECT but that it will still look AMAZING. There were plenty of times when my stencils didn't line up exactly or I had to fudge around the edges. However, the overall wall still looks perfectly amazing. With all that's going on, you really can't tell where the mistakes are, so don't sweat it!
2. Expect to spend A LOT OF TIME on this project. I did a fairly large, vaulted wall and I planned on spending several hours on this project. Unfortunately I was way off base. My small pattern and large wall added up to a total of about 8 hours just doing the stencil (not counting the base coat, clean up etc). About 3/4 of the way through I really did just want to quit and leave it half done. Luckily I stuck with it and now LOVE the results (and you will too if you try it for yourself!)

Here's my completed wall. My total cost was under $40! The overall design of the room is still only about half way done. My next big project is a large upholstered headboard. If that goes well I'll post it here in a few weeks! Then I'll be searching for new nightstands and wall sconces.

So happy stenciling. And to any of you stenciling pros out there... I'd love to hear your tips and tricks or see your work! Email me at kristi@mcarthurhomes.com