Introduction

For centuries, civilizations have embraced fine linen for its natural texture, nubby fibers, and a striated weave that is open and breathable. Appearing naturally in cream to light tan tones, linen adds visual warmth to tablecloths, napkins, curtains, and clothing.

Project designer Wanda J. Ventling had the vision for the projects shown here. "Linen has a richness to it, yet enough depth to make a statement," she says. Inspired by the soft tones of antique linens, she imagined extending the look to painted surfaces. Furthermore, she believed delicate stenciled designs would add "embroidered" elegance. With simple lines and muted tones, the look she created is classic and so easy to accomplish that it's a seemingly foolproof decorating element.

With a simple linen weaver tool, textured linen glaze, and coordinating paint, you can use this technique to reinvent treasured textiles on walls, furniture, doors, and countless other decorative accessories. On walls, painted panels create the illusion of linen wallpaper -- with little expense and no mess. Applying the technique on doors and drawers softens the setting in a gracious guest room. Even on simple storage boxes, the linen look is reminiscent of a fine past, and rich and fitting for any gentlewoman.

Decorative painter and designer Patricia Mohr Kramer says, "It really does look just like linen." She attributes the look to a linen glaze that dries to a nubby, textured finish yet is as easy to apply as any other glaze. The technique is simple: Brush on and drag off to create horizontal and vertical "weaves." "There's a tactile quality you can feel and see," Kramer says.

In the spirit of its sophisticated fabric counterpart, "The linen look is meant to be quiet and reserved," Ventling says, and subtle stenciling gives it heirloom quality. With its understated yet stunning effect, it can work almost anywhere to add texture, pattern, and possibilities.

 

Paint flat surfaces, such as drawer fronts, built-in cabinets, long walls, benches, and boxes wide enough to accommodate the 7-inch-wide linen weaver brush. Painting on walls with door and window openings requires negotiating moldings, so extra planning will be necessary.

Cover large areas. A freestanding door, floorcloths, or painted desktop (covered with a glass protector) can add architectural detail, but small, curved, interrupted surfaces can distract from the woven feel.

Experiment with color. Paint a focal wall in faux linen in these natural colors: white, cream, ecru, tan, or khaki, as the fibers naturally appear in textiles. Paint other walls darker, contrasting colors. Or alternate painted-linen panels using light and dark shades of the same natural color.

Play with pattern. The linen technique is soft enough to work well with almost any decor. Over the painted-linen surface, try stenciling, stamping, or creating stripes to vary tones and textures.

Look for inspiration. Browse antiques shops, flea markets, and estate sales to find examples of linen in tablecloths, runners, napkins, and dresser scarves. Look for embroidered patterns to replicate and stencil.