An inexpensive way to decorate one's home was to paint interior surfaces with designs, patterns, faux surfaces and stencils. Wooden walls, doors, and mouldings were all candidates for Victorian-style decoration - and the patterns used then could be applied to a host of art projects today.

Spray Work, or Spatter Work, by Mrs. C.S. Jones & Henry Williams (Household Elegancies, 1875)

This is an interesting technique using a fine spatter of ink or paint over a layer of leaves, after which the leaves are removed to leave the paint design around them. It can be applied to nearly any surface.

Some Practical Hints on Painted Wood Decoration (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1881)

Some Hints on Lustra Painting, by A.H. Malan (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1882)

Tips on using lustra painting for doors, wall panels, household stencils, etc.

Stencil Decoration, by Fred Miller (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

How to Paint Door Panels (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1884)

Star-Drift Work, by Pamela Bullock (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

"A simple and effective way to decorate shabby furniture, old boxes and picture frames."

Art in the House [Stenciling], by Fred Miller (Girl's Own Paper, 1899)

Beautiful household stencil designs from Fred Miller.