How to make a feature of lace

By Annette Klinger, Photography Micky Hoyle, Production Liezel Norval-Kruger

In this modern study, pieces of delicate, feminine crochet lace are reincarnated into graphic, masculine designs.

You need

• Plascon Metallic Copper (DRM 2)
• Plascon Cashmere Plaster (E16-2)
• Photocopier
• Transparency
• Transparency pen
• Polycell Sugar Soap
• Polyfilla Interior
• Sandpaper
• Drop sheet
• Masking tape
• Hamilton’s polypile roller
• Hamilton’s paintbrush
• Overhead projector
• Water-based pencil or chalk
• Hamilton’s artist brush

Get the décor effect

• Source two different lengths of crochet lace. Photocopy them, then trace the design on to a transparency with a transparency pen, simplifying the lines.
• Ensure that your wall is clean and dry, washing away stains with sugar soap. Fill any holes with Polyfilla and allow to dry before sanding smooth.
• Lay a drop sheet and mask off the skirting board. Next, use the Hamilton’s paintbrush and roller to apply two coats of Plascon Metallic Copper, allowing enough drying time between coats.
• Project the image of the pieces of lace onto the wall in the required size. Trace the outlines of the design with a water-based pencil or chalk.
• Use the Hamilton’s artist brush to carefully paint the lace in Plascon Cashmere Plaster. Wait for the paint to dry before applying a second coat.

Style tips

• Mix it up: Stylist Liezel Norval-Kruger suggests combining a selection of different crochet designs to add visual interest to your wall.
• Go big: Delicate, feminine lace designs are given a distinctly masculine feel by severely exaggerating the scale, letting the designs run from floor to ceiling.
• Simplify: Liezel’s designs were inspired by actual pieces of lace, but after photocopying them, she simplified the lines considerably before tracing them onto the transparency.
• Contrast: The colour palette is entirely up to you, but choose a combination of dark and light shades so that the pattern really stands out against its background.
• Accessorize: The tactile effect of the lace designs are complemented by the incorporation of mounted three-dimensional objects and robust textures such as worn wood. The bronze colour of the wall is complemented by clean-lined accessories in black, white and copper.