How to Use Fleur De Lis Accessories and Accents in Home Decor

The fleur de lis, a symbol once reserved for French royalty, has long been a favorite design for use in home decorating. There is something about the simple, clean, yet elegant design that captures both the mind and soul. With French blood as a part of my heritage, I am partial to the design myself and love to use it a myriad of different ways. I have a stunning 18K gold clad fleur di lis pendant with diamond accents in my jewelry collection. It never fails to bring me a lot compliments whenever I wear it. Because of its simplicity, the fleur de lis pattern lends itself well to screen printing as well as stenciling. I have used it both ways for several design jobs. Fleur de lis accessories, incorporated into candleholders, decorative balls, and other items also lend themselves well to a lot of different types of room design.

I used a screen printing process to add the lovely pattern to curtain valances, furniture throws, and toss pillows. Done in a metallic gold fabric paint, the simple touch of the fleur de lis brings European elegance into the mix.

I love using a stencil of the fleur de lis to make a wall border around the top and/or bottom of a wall or to accent a beautiful chair railing. I have also used the stencil to make decorative storage trunks, hatboxes, and jewelry armoire accessory items. I've even used to decorate or to cover up flaws on pieces of furniture.

A stenciled fleur de lis can be added in a plain colored paint appropriate for the type of piece being decorated or to add texture. I like to use the stencil to add a dimensional texture by using faux granite paint for the patterned area.

It is also possible to offset layers of the design to create a beautiful shadowed dimensional effect on almost anything you wish to decorate - - walls, accessories, furniture pieces and more. Years ago, I redid my grandmother's kitchen cabinets in a beautiful black lacquer.

Next, I added a touch of elegance by stenciling small fleur de lis designs from the cabinet handle to the end width of the cabinet. My grandmother fell in love with the results and had me use the pattern in redecorating her entire house.