Decorator Leslie Curtis joins Bob in the project house's parlor to discuss the room's wall treatments. In lieu of wallpaper, stencils are used to add a decorative touch to the interior walls�a decorating solution borrowed directly from early 19th century America. Artist Ken Forcier is on location to demonstrate the stenciling process, showing how the stencil patterns are laid out and applied to the wall before paint is brushed on. Bob takes a turn at the brush, applying paint to one of the laser-cut Mylar stencils supplied by MB Historic D�cor.

Bob talks with artist Margo Datz about decorative striping and stenciling in the Victorian Cottage master bedroom. She uses a template to insure the lines are the same distance from the ceiling along the wall. Margo provides a tip when using painter�s tape. She seals the tape to the wall with adhesive matt medium to prevent the paint from bleeding under the tape. She shows Bob how to add a stencil pattern to the painted wall trim.

Work continues on the parlor's wall stencils. Bob and Ken Forcier are applying the second "layer" of the stencil�an ochre hue to complement the first shade of blue. To aid in the vertical alignment of the stencil patterns, Vila crafts a makeshift plumb bob using a washer tied to the end of a thread and secures it to the wall with painter's tape. Another tip: Adding a small dog ear to a corner of the stencil makes it easier to peel the stencil from the wall after the paint has been applied.

Bob checks in with artist Polly Forcier from MB Historic Decor to get an update on some of the home's decorative painting. Forcier is working on a Colonial-style mural inspired by the work of Rufus Porter, an itinerant painter from the 19th century. Forcier has chosen the dining area just outside the sunroom as the location for her mural. The natural sunlight pouring through the windows serves as a reference point for the highlights in her mural. She uses charcoal to outline the mural's design and then begins painting. For the details, such as the scene's houses and trees, Forcier uses a series of nine stencil overlays. To apply the paint, Polly uses a special stenciling brush employing a rotating stroke rather than stippling the paint on.

Bob and Ryley install a plate rail in the kitchen on Martha's Vineyard, and a paint expert gives us some hints on hand-stenciling a Victorian design in the master bedroom. Outside, a professional landscape designer explains the plantings in the completed formal courtyard.

…the need for a formal dining room. Photo courtesy of David…
…the need for a formal dining room. Photo courtesy of David…
…Serra, who uses a raised sofa for banquette-style…
…for a banquette like a sofa comfortable, cushy…

…four plus Warburg s two). A large kitchen will open up to an everyday dining room complete with large tables where the kids can do homework and art projects. The dining room will also double as a library, with bookshelves lining all of the walls…