Washi on, Washi off

If you're yet to discover Washi Tape, then be prepared to gird your loins, this is a game changer. Originating from Japan, Washi Tape is similar to masking tape but is made from natural fibres and comes in a plethora of different colours and patterns. Although delicate, the material is still strong yet doesn't leave an adhesive trail behind it, winner.

Washi Tape has been plastered all over Pinterest as it's an incredibly versatile medium, so be sure to peruse their pages for inspiration.

Being a lover of all things sixties, I turned to Op Art pioneer Bridget Riley for a stripey styling on my wall.

'Ecclesia' 1985, Bridget Riley Flashback. Arts Council Collection.

The colour relationship in this piece is the key to forming such a pleasing aesthetic. With this is mind, a cup of tea, bountiful rolls of Washi Tape and a pair of scissors in hand, I got to work. 

The area I was covering was the breakfast bar, which measures 2m wide x 1m tall, a pack of 10 Washi rolls covered the area perfectly. With some sweet music on in the background, the whole process took about 40 minutes. 

Begin by choosing your colour and simply align it with the top of the surface you wish to cover and unroll until you reach the bottom, then snip, smoothing down as you go to avoid ripples and bumps. I rent my flat so Washi Tape  is ideal as it easily peels off without leaving a sticky residue, so mistakes and wonky stripes are easily rectified. 

I swapped tapes after each stripe as I enjoy the variety of shades and tones and wanted the breakfast bar to stand out as an accent wall, for the colour to really pop. If you're after a more neutral feel stick to two shades, which can look equally as effective. 

And there you have it, what do you think? I also used different coloured strips along the bottom, above the skirting to give a more resolved look. All in all a productive way to spend your tea break!