Stenciling was a common form of wall decor in the early years of the 20th century.  It allowed the owners to apply some artistry themselves -- within the skill and talent range of the average person.  Accordingly, the owners applied the stencils to the upper walls of the dining room themselves using patterns derived from circa-1905 designs.  The ceiling is papered to resemble dark bronze gilded burlap -- another common ceiling treatment from 1905-1910.