How to Achieve a Bespoke Wall

Wallpaper by Andrea Haase at Wallsauce.com

Everything old is new again, and that includes home DIY projects. The latest one to make a comeback - Wallpapering!

No longer just a daggy part-time wallpapering is enjoying a resurgence. It adds personality and quirkiness and is a quick way to liven up space. It’s also a great way to show off your taste and style, as today’s wallpaper comes in hundreds of patterns and colors.

Wallpapering often ends up wrongly in the too-hard basket, as homeowners believe it to be too-tricky to take on themselves. But armed with a bit of know-how, you can makeover your room with relative ease – and top it off with the pride of knowing you did it yourself!

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Watercolor Floral Rug wallpaper by Carol Robinson | wallsauce.com

CHOOSE YOUR PRINT

Before you get started, think about the look you are trying to create and have a look for the wallpaper that might make it happen. Pinterest is always a good place to start, and once you start looking you’ll find that many local homewares and hardware stores stock a good supply of wallpaper. Apart from color and pattern, many types of wallpaper are embossed, adding texture to your walls too. The material that the paper is made from is also important – in wet areas like kitchens, opt for vinyl – but for hallways and bedrooms, paper or fabric will work simply fine.

These days, when it comes to wallpaper the only limit is your imagination. For example, you don’t necessarily have to paper the entire wall – if that’s too much for you, why not try creating a focal point for the room with a framed section of wallpaper? Go for something bold and bright to draw the eye and use it as the feature of that particular space – it’s a guaranteed conversation starter!

Love to visit Paris after COVID? Wrap your wall with a Parisian-inspired wallpaper to keep your travel mojo on the move. (photo – wallsauce.com)

Or bring the jungle in your space! (Photo – innovateinteriors.com.au)

GET PAPERING

There are plenty of specific tutorials online; however, there are a few key things to keep in mind when you get stuck in. Firstly, the wallpaper you choose will provide instructions as to what adhesive to use. It’s important to use the right one so that your wallpaper sticks to the surface correctly. Measure the space to work out how much you’ll need, but always order an extra two or four rolls (in case an accident happens!). Additionally, it’s vital to start with a smooth wall, so break out the sandpaper and get scrubbing. And when you get to the end, don’t panic if you see bubbles – there are ways to fix them and get a nice smooth finish without having to tear the whole thing down.

NOT JUST FOR WALLS

It might sound strange given the name, but wallpaper isn’t just for walls anymore. Nowadays, designers are experimenting with papering all kinds of surfaces like kitchen appliances, to add interest or, conversely, to hide that bland metal cover and help it better blend with the aesthetic of the room. If you’re into restoration, or just trying to bring new life to that tired old desk or chest of drawers, the wallpaper just might be the answer. Many plain wooden furniture items have taken on new purpose after being decorated with strips of colors and patterns. This style of wallpapering often works well with the shabby chic style – but don’t be afraid to branch out and do it your way!