One Room Challenge | Week 5: The Gold-Leaf Ceiling
- Katie Walker
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
It's week 5 of the One Room Challenge, and if you've been following along, then you know this is a big moment for my powder bath design. The moment has finally arrived for the gold-leaf ceiling! This is the statement feature that turns this little powder bath into the jewel-box I’ve been envisioning since Week 1. Every bit of prep (yes, even the tedious sanding and skim-coating) was worth it for this.
The Technique & Process
After lots of research, I followed the Barnabas Gold tutorial for gold-leafing a ceiling. You can find their step-by-step guide here. It walks you through everything from preparing the surface to applying adhesive size, laying the leaf, and sealing the final finish.
For reference, these are the exact products I used:
Gold Leaf Sheets – Barnabas Gold Imitation Gold Leaf
Adhesive Size – Mona Lisa Adhesive Size
Sealer – Mona Lisa Water-Based Sealer
Last week, I decided to paint the ceiling before applying the adhesive size, a prep step after skim coating. I felt the paint would help the adhesive stretch further (and lucky for me, Barnabas recommends the same approach, using a latex eggshell paint as a base).
When it came time to apply the adhesive size, it was… messy. Applying it overhead meant drips, sticky brushes, and a good dose of adhesive size on my clothes. I worked in small sections using a brush, making sure the surface stayed evenly coated. After letting it reach that perfect tacky stage (about 30 minutes), I began laying the gold leaf sheet by sheet.
This part is both magical and meticulous. Each wafer-thin sheet floats, tears, and clings to everything in its path. Separating the tissue paper sheets is also difficult with gloves on! I worked in a loose grid pattern, using the tissue paper backing to gently transfer each piece and slightly overlapping for even coverage. Some areas tore or left small gaps, so I went back to touch up where the ceiling paint peeked through.
Then came my favorite part, removing the excess leaf. This step is incredibly satisfying, like peeling off a sticker. At first, I tried brushing by hand, but using a soft brush created a smoother finish and released all those delicate flecks of gold drifting through the air like snowflakes.
Once the entire ceiling was covered, I sealed it with the water-based sealer to protect the finish and prevent tarnish. The result is stunning: a warm, subtle glow that perfectly complements the rich wall color and truly transforms the mood of the room.
The Impact
The ceiling completely changed the mood of the space. It's really magical, like stepping into a tiny gallery or an intimate bar at a boutique hotel. This is the jewel-box effect come to life.
After doing this myself, I have an even deeper appreciation for decorative finishers who specialize in gold leafing. It’s one of those niche trades that takes artistry, patience, and precision. Watching this ceiling shimmer reminded me why skilled craftsmen are worth every penny, they bring soul, texture, and life to a design in a way that can’t be replicated by shortcuts.
One Room Challenge: What's Next
With the ceiling complete, we’re heading into the finishing architectural details! The picture trim and crown molding. The ceiling has me so excited to keep making progress towards the big reveal!
I hope you will continue to follow along here, at One Room Challenge, and on Apartment Therapy for more behind-the-scenes updates from all the participants!
If your home could use a refresh or you’re dreaming of creating the perfect powder bath, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Let’s hop on a 30-minute Discovery Call—it could be the start of something life-changing for your space!
