Some retro trends should stay in the past, but the 90s favourite that Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen revived for Chris and Hannah’s living room in this week’s Changing Rooms on Channel 4 definitely deserved its reboot! Stencilling, that design fixture of many a 90s home, is still a great way to add a touch of your own creativity to a space. Watch our video and see how Marianne Shillingford, our Creative Director, used the technique for a piece of artwork, and read on to find out how to make your own.

If you loved LLB’s stencilled cabinetry, but don’t want the commitment of stencils painted permanently to the wall, then we’ve got the answer: stencil art. It’s quick to do and offers the opportunity to try different styles and designs, whilst bringing your own personality and a splash of colour to a room.

In Chris and Hannah’s living room (above), the stencilled wall art was created with a striking combo of Pen Friend blue and Pure Brilliant White, though you can choose any shade that goes with your existing scheme. We went for the gorgeous grey-like Denim Drift blue.

You don’t have to spend a fortune, either! You just need a canvas board, which you can pick up in any good art or hobby shop, a stencil and some paint.

The sooner you read our easy step-by-step guide below, the sooner you can get stencilling. Enjoy! 

You'll need
 

• Blank canvas
• Stencil of your choosing
• Low-tack masking tape
• Small roller and tray
• Hook for hanging

First steps

1. Choose your paint stencil – there are plenty to find at good hobby, craft and DIY shops. 

2. Secure the stencil on top of the canvas using masking tape.

Start stencilling

3. Using a small roller, paint over the stencil, ensuring all the cut-outs are covered.

4. Move the stencil carefully around the canvas, aligning the edges as you go. 

5. Once the whole canvas has been painted, leave to dry. Hang in your desired position.

Marianne’s insider tip: Mini projects like this are great for using up testers and leftover paint!

Don’t miss the next episode of Changing Rooms on Wednesday at 8pm on Channel 4 – and stream this week's show here.