Last Updated on December 25, 2015 by Kristi Linauer
I’ve searched…and searched…and searched for a stencil for my utility closet, and I simply cannot find one that just knocks my socks off.
There are plenty that I really like. For example, this Nagoya allover small scale design from Cutting Edge Stencils is one of my favorites:
And of course I love this Rabat allover small scale stencil, but I think the problem with this one is that it looks like a hundred other stencils I’ve seen used lately all over the blogosphere:
I have absolutely loved this stencil from Royal Design Studio ever since I saw it used at Peacock Pavilions. This pattern is called Skylar’s Lace. But I’m afraid it’s too busy for such a small space like the one I have.
Of course, these aren’t the only ones I’ve considered. I’ve looked again and again at these two websites, in addition to a couple of others, for the perfect stencil.
I think there are two things holding me back. First, stencils seem to be everywhere right now. I think I want something different. Second, I have such a tiny space to make a big visual impact. I’m just afraid that these stencils—even the “small scale” stencils—will be too big to make any kind of design statement in my utility closet.
Then I remembered a room that I pinned on Pinterest recently with a wall treatment that I absolutely LOVE. And since it doesn’t require a stencil, I could scale it to whatever size I need for my closet. It’s timeless. It’s classic. It’s…
ARGYLE!
I love this! I also like that I don’t have to purchase a stencil (which may or may not end up working for my tiny space), and that all I need is painters tape (which I already have plenty of), and that I could use any combination of colors.
Every time I thought I found a stencil that I really liked, I would come back to this picture, and I liked it so much more. So I think I’m gonna go for it!
Do you like argyle as much as I do? Or does it remind you of a sweater (or pair of socks) you owned in the 80s?
Edit: I just realized that my blog design even indicated how much I love argyle! My blog banner has an argyle background. The separator between posts is a strip of argyle. Yep, it’s meant to be.

Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
12 Comments
Ange
October 20, 2011 at 2:06 pmHow fun! Can't wait to see your wall!
Kristi's Mom
October 20, 2011 at 3:46 pmI think you should do it like you did your bedroom wall in Oregon, alternating between the glossy and flat paints in the same color. That would be pretty in a small area.
Susan
October 20, 2011 at 5:35 pmI love the argyle! It would be perfect. I love it in this bedroom as well.
kitchann
October 20, 2011 at 6:19 pmThat is a great picture – can't wait to see the closet.
Barb T
October 20, 2011 at 7:26 pmI just bookmarked a tutorial for an argyle felt pillow this morning! I might even try this paint treatment in my powder room. I had looked at stencil designs too and, like you, the ones I love, I see everywhere… You go first with the painting and let me know how it works out!
Meredith Resnick
October 20, 2011 at 11:04 pmI think argyle is a great idea for a wall. I can't wait to see how it comes out!
~ Meredith From A Mother Seeking Come find me on my blog, A Mother Seeking…
A Creative Spirit
October 20, 2011 at 11:13 pmI love argyle and I LOVED my argyle sweater… and aren't they in again???
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
October 20, 2011 at 11:19 pmI think so. I sure HOPE so!! 😀
Lori
October 21, 2011 at 3:05 amHi Kristi, I liked Skylar's lace the best, but I agree it may be to busy….what about free handing a large floral pattern similar to Skylars lace, but a little less busy…I know you could do (Kristi can do anything!:)
Melissa Birchfield
October 21, 2011 at 3:23 amI am with you. I love argyle!!!! Go for it! I am sure it will be great!
Melissa
October 21, 2011 at 3:28 amI am with you. I love argyle!!! Go for it. I know it will be great!
Erin @ How to Nest for Less
October 21, 2011 at 12:04 pmLOVE the argyle!!