not your mama’s wallpaper

Okay, I know, wallpaper is scary! On so many occasions, I have excitedly suggested to a client that we use wallpaper in a room, only to be immediately shot down. Their fear of wallpaper comes from peeling and scraping antiquated wallpaper of years gone by. The torturous (pain in the ass) labor of wallpaper removal has most of my client’s stuck in fear and dread of even considering wallpaper in their home. 

So, let’s talk wallpaper. 

PROS OF WALLPAPER 

Wallpaper adds drama, dimension, depth and texture. 

Wallpaper today is not your mama’s wallpaper. There are gorgeous, dramatic patterns that can completely transform a space. Some have bold colors, and some have texture that gives an added layer of dimension. 

Wallpaper can tie in your color palette. 

It’s pretty easy these days to find a wallpaper that can tie in all the colors you are using in your room. It’s a great way to make sense of the color combinations. 

Wallpaper adds visual interest. 

Some spaces need more than just a simple coat of paint. Wallpaper can take a boring wall and make it pop. 

You can wallpaper one feature wall. 

Sometimes it’s too scary or may just be too overwhelming to wallpaper an entire room. If so, just wallpaper one wall. Choose the wall that would make the most impact. It may be the wall behind the bed, or the wall that the fireplace is on. Choose the ‘impact wall’, and go for it. This eliminates the fear of ‘too much’, yet still gives you a powerful impact. 

CONS OF WALLPAPER 

Wallpaper is a big commitment. 

There is no doubt that wallpaper is not as simple as a coat of paint. You have to measure, order, prep the walls, and install. In addition, when you want to change it, it’s not as simple as just painting another color. However, times have changed. Most wallpaper is more advanced, and we know more about how to prep the walls. There are also tons of peel-and-stick wallpaper options and wallpaper tiles available now that make the ease of installing and removing that much greater.

Scale is everything. I mean, EVERYTHING. 

Knowing what scale of wallpaper to choose is very important to the overall impact of the wallpaper. For instance, you could inadvertently make the space you are designing appear smaller or larger than intended. Large patterns vs. small patterns will give you a completely different look. Keep this in mind when you select your pattern. You might even consider purchasing one roll of the paper and holding it up in the space to see if it gives the look you are going for in that room. 

Creating a Mood for your space .

Scale, color, pattern all make a difference on the mood they create in a space. Before you select your wallpaper, be sure to know how you want your room to “feel.” 

HIRING A PRO VS. DO IT YOURSELF 

Hanging Wallpaper 

Years ago, my mom and I wallpapered rooms together. Now, I hire a wallpaper professional. 

Professionals can be a true lifeline, because they are experienced in how to prep the walls for your wallpaper, which can make a huge difference for how the wallpaper goes on, and definitely on how it comes down. A professional will be meticulous with lining up the patterns, keeping the vertical lines straight, and knowing how to handle awkward corners and spaces. If you decide to ‘do it yourself’, be sure to read up on all the prep work that is recommended. It may be more work up front, but years from now, you will be grateful when you decide to change the look (or the new home owners will be grateful). 

Measuring, Calculating and Ordering Wallpaper 

Things to know if you are doing it yourself. Find the square footage of your space. Measure each wall vertically and horizontally. Multiply the height and width together to get the square footage. Add the square footage of each wall to get the total area. Remember, each wallpaper is unique. Some have a large pattern repeat and some do not. Some wallpapers come wider than others, as well. Also, most wallpapers come as a double roll, but will be priced as a single roll. I know, it’s crazy and sometimes confusing. So, be sure to pay attention to all those details when doing it yourself. Or.... Do like I do.... Call a pro, have them do the calculations, and know that you will be spot on every time. 

The most important takeaway from all of this. Live a little! Go for it! Wallpaper is a beautiful way to change a space for the better. I’d love to see your photos. Tag me at @katedagueinteriordesign on IG.