Beyond Paint: Crafting Unique Interiors With Wallpaper
Welcome to the magical world of wallpaper, where creativity knows no bounds and walls transform into canvases of self-expression. As an interior designer, I understand the transformative power of design, and wallpaper is my secret weapon to elevate any space. In this blog, we'll explore the wonders of wallpaper, from its impact on room design to the myriad of options available in the market. Get ready to dive into a world of patterns, textures, and endless possibilities!
The Transformative Power of Wallpaper:
Wallpaper can work wonders in altering the perception of a room's size and shape. Use light colors and vertical stripes to make a space feel larger, or embrace bold patterns for a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Create focal points by choosing an accent wall or applying wallpaper to the ceiling. This adds depth and visual interest to the room.
Experiment with textures to evoke specific moods. Grasscloth for natural warmth, metallic finishes for a touch of glamour, or geometric patterns for a modern vibe.
My favorite spaces for wallpaper are powder rooms, bedrooms, laundry rooms, and dining rooms as it transforms these spaces into personalized havens. In powder rooms, it adds a touch of style and character, while bedrooms benefit from a cozy and personalized retreat. In laundry rooms, wallpaper brings vibrancy to the functional space, making chores more enjoyable. Dining rooms, as focal points for gatherings, come alive with wallpaper, adding elegance and warmth. The versatility of wallpaper allows for tailored designs that enhance the unique ambiance of each room.
Exploring Wallpaper Options:
Vinyl Wallpaper: Durable and easy to clean, vinyl wallpaper is ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It comes in a variety of patterns and textures.
Textured Wallpaper: Add depth and tactile appeal to your designs with textured options like grasscloth, silk, paper, or suede wallpaper.
Printed Wallpaper: From botanical prints to abstract designs, printed wallpaper allows for endless customization to suit any style.
Photo: Pinterest @chrislovesjulia
General Tips & Tricks With Wallpaper:
Always, always, always get a sample! Make sure you love the sheen, color, texture, etc before you commit to ordering. A lot of wallpaper is ‘final sale’ so there is no going back.
When selecting a mural-type wallpaper, ensure that the dimensions of the mural are appropriate for the wall where you plan to install it. If the standard size doesn't fit, consider choosing the customized size option and order the wallpaper according to the exact dimensions of your wall. Failing to cover the entire wall may result in inconsistencies such as uneven sheens, noticeable edges, and a potential mismatch with the wall paint color. These discrepancies can lead to a significant design faux pas, detracting from the overall aesthetic. Opting for the right size ensures a seamless and visually cohesive appearance, avoiding potential issues that may arise when the wallpaper doesn't span the entire surface.
A smooth drywall finish serves as the optimal canvas for wallpaper installation, ensuring maximum adhesion and longevity. The absence of imperfections allows the wallpaper to adhere seamlessly, preventing any bumps or uneven surfaces. This creates a flawless and cohesive finish, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the room.
Prime your wall(s). Priming the wall before installing wallpaper is crucial for ensuring a proper adhesive bond and enhancing the longevity of the application. The primer creates a smooth and stable surface, preventing issues like peeling or bubbling and providing an ideal foundation for a flawless wallpaper finish.
Make sure your blades are sharp for precise cutting. Dull blades will cause rips, tears, and uneven edges.
Opting for larger sheets of wallpaper is essential to minimize seams, creating a more seamless and visually appealing finish. Larger sheets not only reduce the number of visible seams but also simplify the installation process, ensuring a professional and polished result.
Removing baseboards, fan covers, electrical cover plates, and light fixtures before installing wallpaper is ideal for achieving a precise and professional-looking result. This preparation allows for seamless application up to the edges, ensuring a clean and uninterrupted appearance without the hindrance of obstacles, providing a polished and cohesive finish.
Photo: Pinterest @olexahome
The New-Age Wonder: Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper, the superhero of the wallpaper world, has revolutionized interior design with its hassle-free application and versatility. Imagine a giant, high-quality sticker for your walls, offering an easy and temporary solution to transform any space. The magic lies in its self-adhesive backing, eliminating the need for messy glues and professional installation. This user-friendly feature makes peel and stick wallpaper an ideal choice for those who love to embark on DIY projects or renters seeking a non-permanent design solution.
The application process is a breeze: simply peel off the backing, align the pattern or design as desired, and press it onto a clean, dry wall. The repositionable nature of peel and stick wallpaper allows for easy adjustments during application, ensuring a seamless finish. What sets it apart is its forgiving nature—mistakes are easily rectified by lifting and repositioning without damaging the wall or the wallpaper itself.
Peel and stick wallpaper is best suited for various applications. Its temporary nature makes it a game-changer for renters, providing an opportunity to personalize living spaces without the worry of damaging walls upon moving out. It's also perfect for those who love to refresh their decor frequently, allowing for a quick and cost-effective room makeover. Additionally, peel and stick wallpaper works wonders in spaces where traditional wallpaper may be impractical, such as in bathrooms or kitchens, thanks to its water-resistant and washable features. Whether you're looking to experiment with bold patterns, add an accent wall, or create a charming backdrop, peel and stick wallpaper is your go-to solution for a quick and stylish design transformation.
Tips and Tricks for installation:
Surface Preparation: Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth before application.
Read the installation instructions & tips from your manufacturer. Installation can vary pattern to pattern.
Alignment and Pattern Matching: Take your time aligning patterns for a professional finish. Measure twice, stick once!
Photo: Etsy
The Timeless Route: Traditionally Installed Wallpaper
Traditionally installed wallpaper, a timeless classic in the world of interior design, offers a level of sophistication and permanence that resonates with enthusiasts of traditional aesthetics. Unlike its peel and stick counterpart, traditional wallpaper requires a bit more finesse during installation, often involving a professional touch. The process typically begins with preparing the walls by cleaning, priming, and, in some cases, applying a wallpaper sizing solution to promote adhesion. Rolls of wallpaper are then carefully measured, cut, and matched for a seamless pattern continuity.
The application of traditional wallpaper involves applying a specific adhesive to the back of the paper, known as paste or wallpaper glue. Each strip is then affixed to the wall, ensuring precise alignment and pattern matching. This method requires patience, attention to detail, and a skilled hand to avoid air bubbles or misalignments. The result, however, is a refined and polished finish that exudes a sense of permanence and craftsmanship. *Unless you are extremely talented in the DIY department, I think this is best hired out.
Traditional wallpaper is best suited for spaces where a long-lasting, elegant aesthetic is desired. It thrives in formal living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms, adding a touch of luxury and character to the room. The variety of textures, patterns, and materials available in traditional wallpaper allows for a wide range of design possibilities, from intricate damasks to subtle textures and rich, solid colors. Embracing traditional wallpaper is an investment in creating a bespoke and enduring atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to establish a lasting, curated style in their living spaces. *If textured wallpaper is what you are after (grasscloth, suede, etc), I strongly recommend going with traditional wallpaper as the peel and stick versions don’t (typically) have the visual texture that you find with traditional wallpaper.
Tips and Tricks for installation:
Wall Preparation: Properly prime and size the walls to ensure smooth application and easy removal in the future.
Booking: Allow the wallpaper to "book" or relax after applying adhesive. This ensures uniform expansion and contraction for a seamless look.
Trimming and Edges: Use a sharp blade for precise trimming, and pay extra attention to corners and edges for a polished finish.
Photo & Design: Whitney Ford Design
My Favorite Sources For Wallpaper:
Love vs Design - this website features customizable wallpaper!
Wallpaper is more than just a decorative element; it's a design chameleon capable of transforming any space into a work of art. Whether you opt for peel and stick convenience or traditionally installed wallpaper, let your creativity flow. Have fun experimenting, and watch as your designs come to life, one wall at a time!
