Got a spare wall in your living room? Grab a can of gold satin paint, a peacock stencil, and let the iconic gilt cover from Jane Austen’s 1888 Peacock edition guide your DIY. It’s a quick way to add a sprinkle of literary luxury without the hefty price tag.
The story behind the design is as charming as the cover itself: a book that slipped through a Bath boot sale for only 50p and later sold for £570 at Auctioneum. That price jump proves how a single gilt motif can become a coveted treasure.
Start with a clean wall, prime with a matte base coat, then spray or brush on the gold satin. Wait 24 hours, then carefully lift the stencil to reveal a feathered pattern. The result feels like a vintage gallery piece, and the metallic sheen catches the light just like a real peacock’s plumage.
If you want a professional finish, pick Benjamin Moore’s Gold Satin 5510 for a buttery sheen, and grab a Sculp Studio peacock stencil from an online craft store. Finish with a clear topcoat for durability, and you’ll have a bespoke accent that’s sure to impress your friends at the next dinner party.