Pondering No More
Yesterday, I posted about two patterns I created on the library ceiling.
PATTERN #1: This is a repeat of the ‘cracked ice’ effect I did in the parlor. While I love it in the parlor, it did nothing for me in the library. This surprised me. So, I did the other corner…
PATTERN #2: This is something I thought of a few years ago, simultaneous to my imagining a ‘centipede’ open to the stars. Shooting out from the centipede would be long starbursts. Well, I did not like this. It seemed to be missing something. But what? But what?
I went to bed expecting to paint over PATTERN #2 and to just go ahead and finish the ceiling with PATTERN #1. Maybe, with it all finished, I would be pleased with the results.
This morning however something unexpected happened. I read your comments. And, to my great surprise, y’all liked #2 better.
Golly. What were YOU seeing that I was not?
This afternoon, walking into the library, I was still not excited about #2. But…dare I face the wrath of y’all?
I figured that I would paint some more and see if things improved.
After continuing the pattern over to the east, I came down from the scaffolding and looked above. Sigh. I just did not like it. The feeling of something missing was strong but I could think of nothing to ‘fix’ the pattern.
Sigh.
So, I played with my phone, looked at emails, and caught up on political news. Putting the phone away, I picked up my soda, took a swig, and while thinking about nothing glanced up to the ceiling…and was struck by a bolt of genius.
Yesterday.
Today.
Yes, I added more starbursts. But the masterstroke was adding short starbursts. These were incredibly easy to do (just two lengths of tape) and the overall pattern suddenly came alive. It was now dynamic.
I do love a dynamic ceiling.
Well, I am thrilled.
And it is all your fault.
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It’s perfect.
I love your ceiling
I never liked the cracked ice. But I like this. Not that it’s up to me.
I am a kind of a purist sent to you by OldHouse Dreams. I am your neighbor, in Garnett. I just so admire your house. I did a Queen Anne in KC Mo and I currently live in a rental Queen Anne cottage. I follow you daily.
Nice to meet you, Susan!!!!!!!!
You sleep on it. You live with it for a bit. And suddenly a solution presents itself.
Not my fault. I’ve been missing for a few days (with family stuff.) Well, more than a few days. Just catching up.
It was kinda inevitable that the pattern in the parlor might not work exactly the same. The ceiling is a different shape and proportion. But both are nods to each other and share style and feeling.
I really love the celestial caterpillar.
I’m doing something similar but completely different in my guest/sewing room. Egyptian inspired. Dark blue with gold stars but five thin arms, like the ceilings in Egyptian tombs. I’ve got Egyptian inspired borders around the doors and windows and I’ve stenciled a lotus motif on the walls to make my own wallpaper. Trying to do an Egyptian Revival borderline Art Deco inspired thing.
Now that I think of it, the only white ceilings I have in the house are the bathroom and kitchen, which are also white. Every other room has a treatment on the walls and a colored ceiling. This is the only ceiling with a painted decoration.
Since my house is 1922 the porch ceiling is light blue.
I loved reading about the Egyptian inspired ceiling.
All things Egyptian were the rage after the King Tut tomb discovery in 1922.
I once saw a beautiful 1920s bathroom entirely done in tile with Egyptian borders and a full mural etc. It wasn’t my magazine so couldn’t keep the photo and I don’t remember what magazine it was or any details for month and year. I’ve never been able to track it down. But oh, it was glorious.
That bathroom sounds stunning!
I kick myself when I see a magazine article about something amazing and forget where I read it!
I am so happy that it is partly my fault that you are thrilled. 🙂 That looks fabulous dahhhling!
Looks great!!
Genius!!
I love that the library ceiling is a celestial wonder! Libraries are such wonderful magical places that unfurl from the books full of wonder & a myriad of possibilities!
Is always fun to see what you come up with and it’s a magic carpet ride!0
That looks great!
I had no ideas. I’m delighted you did. It looks splendid.
Ooh. Fabulous! Now I want a portal to another dimension in my library! More than the books, I mean. Because books are portals, too.
Brilliant! Those “aha” moments are the best!
I. LOVE. THIS.