There's no need to start with a blank canvas. Metallic dots stenciled onto a botanical wallpaper result in a striking union of abstract and figurative aesthetics. The bold frieze guarantees the setting will be anything but staid -- perfect, one might say, for tea with the Bloomsbury group.

We mixed equal amounts of metallic ivory paint and matte medium for additional transparency. Depending on the wallpaper, you may want to use a different proportion. When stenciling, pat the sponge in a dab of paint, and blot excess on the palette.

Tools and Materials
Wallpapered wall
Small sheet of glass (palette)
Palette knife
5 to 7 ounces acrylic paint in metallic ivory
Matte medium
Dot stencil
Drafting tape
Natural sea sponge

1. Prepare palette: Mix paint and matte medium to desired transparency. Position dot stencil in a corner of wall or along a strip of molding; secure with drafting tape if desired.

2. Use sponge to apply paint to stencil. Let dry 2 minutes.

3. Shift stencil so 1 row (or column) of painted dots registers in stencil. Paint remaining dots. Let dry 2 minutes.

4. Repeat until wall is complete.

Sources
11-by-17-inch Joseph Hoffmann-designed dot portfolio, $150 for three-piece set, neuegallerie.org