Q: I love everything about this photograph from the current Real Simple, but most of all I'm wondering what kind of paint effect is used on this wall, and is it easy for a relative amateur to try at home? Also, this image made me rush out to buy linen sheets, only to realize how very expensive they can be. Is there a good source of affordable linen bedding out there?
Sent by Alex
Editor: Please share your advice (on the paint effect OR the linen sheets) with Alex in the comments below - thanks!
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Comments (13)
I believe ralph lauren does this, faded denim effect, go check at homne depot paint section, the little hand out flyers. There is a special brush/tool kit.
Overstock for linens or vintage linen at flea markets. Good luck darlin
Linen sheets are a pain to launder and iron!
It looks a lot like low-water immersion dyeing. I would start by wadding up the wall...wait.
Agree with AnastasiaBeaverhausen. Linen looks great, but is hard work.
I have had only linen sheets for 15 years now. I don't have an issue with washing them.... they get softer and softer with each wash and are so comfortable. I take them out of the dryer when they are a little damp still and have never ironed them. I just tug on the pillow cases a little bit...
Martha Stewart has a bunch of info on how to achieve different effects when painting. Maybe you can get a similar look using some of her techniques?
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/paint-finish-ideas
This is a question for Mark Chamberlain...
Thank you Alex for asking about the paint effect! I wanted to know too. And what does--begin with wadding mean? Wadding what? Wadding how?
Obviously, I iz a novice.
It's combed/dragged. paint your wall the lighter color, then mix your darker color about 50/50 with glaze. roll on only what you can quickly comb back off before it dries, and keep a wet edge. For your "comb", you can either use a stiff bristled brush or a squeegee with teeth cut into it. It also looks like the effect was slightly softened afterwards with a very soft feathering brush. Once you get the vertical direction done, repeat horizontally.
This isn't hard, but it IS time consuming, and I recommend practicing on something smaller first. You'll want to keep cheesecloth or rags handy to to dab your comb off with because it will get all goopy and stop making texture if you don't. =)
Here is a link to info on the Ralph Lauren denim treatment mentioned by mesosavvy, as well as a few others. I was checking 'em out last week, and lorigami's right -- they are time consuming!
I woud say it is cross-hatch dragged - can be done, but it's hard on your wrists.
Pottery Barn have fairly economical linen sheets, and so do Coyuchi. They are no trouble at all - who irons them?
Who would ever iron sheets? What's the matter with wrinkles on you bed sheets? That's how it's supposed to be, lived in.
I don't even properly fold my sheets to store them, I just flip them until i have a square small enough to fit in the cupboard.
Gosh some people are so anal with household stuff.
I love my linen sheets, but didn't for the first few months that I owned them. They get much much better with washings and wear. They started out a little scratchy.
The best is that they stay nice and cool in hot weather.