The Paint DIY That’s 10x More Charming Than Any Wallpaper

Delaney Lundquist imagines it in a powder room.

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You’re previewing Home Front‘s Enthusiasts-only edition, where we dig into the ideas, products, and projects currently captivating the coolest creatives we know. For the full experience—including perks like exclusive discounts and access to the Home Front archive—subscribe now.

I’ve started a new travel tradition: Anywhere I go, I have to stop at least one antiques store. This past weekend, I scored two butter knives with mother-of-pearl handles while visiting family in New Hampshire. Do I need more cutlery? No. I bought them just because. 

Delaney Lundquist (aka @tremont_home), our guest editor this week, is the queen of unearthing seriously unique secondhand pieces for her Charlotte, North Carolina, home. (I mean, she once found a footstool with actual feet!) I had to know what she’s been excited about lately—keep reading to find out.


Also, did you have a chance to dig into Julie’s book lover recs earlier this week? I’m in need of my own cute clip-on light so I can power through the latest Liane Moriarty novel. Okay, now onto Delaney’s takeover!

 —Lydia Geisel, home editor

Current Mood

Portrait of Guest Editor Delaney Lundquist

What I’m loving right now: Decorative painting directly onto walls (as opposed to wallpaper!). I love when details in a home are visibly done by hand. The little imperfections make me giddy. It makes a home feel personal and loved—and those are the best kinds of homes to be in.

I’d recommend it to someone who also likes…DIY, folk art, and the Bloomsbury Group.

Where I’ve spotted it in the wild: 

  • Artist Frances MacLeod has done this in quite a few places in her home, but the first project of hers that left an impression on me was her painted nook
  • My friend Abby Miller did a striped pattern that I find 10 times more charming than any wallpaper. 
  • Scott Csoke painted most of their apartment!
Bedroop with blue and white stripe painted walls and checked bedding
Photography by Alicia Waite

Portrait Photography by Emily Lyons-Wood

Three real-life ways I’d try it:

  1. In a powder room, closet, pantry, etc. A small-scale space makes the project manageable, and I feel like it ups the surprise and delight factor when it’s not in a super-obvious place.
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