Stamp On a Custom Wall Pattern

To avoid rigid rows while creating an evenly spaced pattern on the wall, tie a pencil to a string and knot the end; the one used for this design was about 12 inches from the pencil. Place the knot at the center of your first medallion and mark the next center with the pencil, and so on. Let the medallions bump up against windows, corners, and doors.

The payoff? "Stamping gives a room a personal look," says Pearson. "And it's a whole lot quicker than putting up wallpaper."