Hire me and get my goat.

This is a composite photo showing a feature wall of these clients. When they moved, they wanted me to repeat my handiwork in their new place.  

This time, I did essentially the same technique and colours, only I thought to frame up the wall finish into a panelled layout.  I offered this idea to them conditionally, that if they didn't like it, they would get my goat.

So...  June gets to hold my goat for the time being (although I'm not sure she gets my humour). 

I divided this feature wall into three panels...

Measurements were taken of furniture height and placement.   
Plaster repairs and patching are underway (above). Previous painters had lazily painted around a wide wall mirror. The rectangle.  These unslightly ridges were skimmed out and sanded flush. (Sanding old paint is a health hazardous -- much easier and faster to skimout and prime. )

Wall has been primed and painted.  I measured and masked-off three distinct 'panels', having first determined where the furniture would sit. 

Masking with tape and paper is underway. A box fan speeds up drying time.   

Finished background is now masked off and protected from spattering. The bottom line of middle panel is stepped up (see below for reason). 

No need for covering the floor since new carpet will be going down. 

Plastic protects the heat register and lower wall from drips and spatters.

Here is the finished livingroom wall with fake panels.  The couch and end tables will go along here. 

If these trompe panels don't frame the furniture, June gets to keep my goat.

Just as I hoped, my custom panel design is in proportion with the furniture. The bottom of the middle panel fits the height of couch.

Not another room like it... plus: I get my goat back.

See also: installing crown mouldings.