Should I Use Wallpaper in My Renovation Project?
I will dive right in here and say YES! You should use wallpaper in your renovation project. In my personal opinion, wallpaper infuses your space with JOY through color, patterns, and texture. Why wouldn’t you want to add more joy to your home and your life?
Photography by: Emily Keeney
I incorporate wallpaper into most of my interior design projects. Depending on the pattern I select with my client, I see it as an artful component that adds beauty, charm, or fun. Wallpaper is the special something that makes the room feel amazing and uniquely yours.
Don’t get me wrong—not all of my clients are jumping at the idea of installing wallpaper in their freshly renovated spaces. In fact, 60-70% of my clients have hesitated to use wallpaper. However, all of those people, without exception, were happy that they installed the wallpaper once it was done.
So why the hesitation? In my experience, it comes from a variety of places. Will I feel like I am sucked back into the 70’s or 80’s? Will it be hard to remove if I hate it? Will it lock me into a particular design style?
The good news is that we now have a healthy selection of incredible temporary wallpaper solutions. So, if you are not quite ready to commit to a pasted variety, you could opt for an uncomplicated peel-and-stick option.
Photography by: Mary Hatch
Traditional pasted paper versus peel-and-stick
Traditional pasted wallpaper IS more of a commitment than a peel-and-stick variety. It can also be more costly to install. Installing wallpaper takes a great deal of skill and patience. I recommend hiring a professional installer. A professional will bring years of experience and a level of expertise to your project, leaving you with a flawless result.
The peel-and-stick solutions have really evolved in the last five years. Not only have the options for color, patterns, and textures soared past my wildest dreams, but the quality has also greatly improved. This type of paper is fairly easy to install. You can tackle a peel-and-stick installation over a weekend with patience, the right tools, and a buddy.
It is important to note that due to the nature of the peel-and-stick paper, it can be challenging to get a flawless installation. The paper tends to bubble in places, which leaves the appearance of small bumps in the wall. If you have a heavily textured wall, it makes the installation very challenging ( and potentially unachievable) depending on the level of texture. If you are a perfectionist, this might not be the right solution for you!
Where should I put the paper?
If you're in love with the idea of paper, you might want it front and center in your entry, dining room, or kitchen. If you are ready to commit but not in a big way, consider adding this artful delight to your powder or laundry room.
I had a client fall in love with a pattern that no one else in her home appreciated—no problem. We installed it in her closet! Adding wallpaper to an unexpected place like a closet adds a fun factor to your home.
Photography by: Emily Keeney
How do I choose the right type of paper for me?
First and foremost, consider your budget. Spoonflower has an awesome wallpaper calculator that will help you determine how much paper you need for your project. Next, call a professional. If you are sure—or mostly sure—that you need a professional installer, your next step is to get a quote.
The professional will most likely want to see the room where the paper will be installed or, at a minimum, photos and measurements of the room to provide you with a quote. If the wallpaper and labor cost is in your budget, I vote for a traditional pasted paper!
I recommend the stick-and-peel option if:
The cost of labor is out of your budget.
You have fairly smooth walls.
DIY doesn’t scare you!
Try before you buy
The final step before ordering the paper is ordering a sample (or several) of the paper. It is REALLY important to get a sample and make sure that you love the color, texture, and pattern in your home. When you receive the sample, look at it in different light conditions—morning, afternoon, and evening—in the room where it will be installed.
If you choose a peel-and-stick option, you can try the sample out on your wall. Check the coverage. Can you see the bumpy texture of your wall behind the paper? If so, you might want to consider a heavier textured or darker option to reduce the amount of wall texture showing through.
Unroll a one-of-a-kind look
We’ve covered the different types of paper and the installation process—but what about the fun part? Let’s get shopping! My team and I have curated a list of our absolute favorite papers from cherished vendors we love below. Now you’re ready to use wallpaper in your renovation project with confidence!
(1) Strawberry Thief (2) Brophy Trellis (3) Pure Fruit (4) Lemon Tree (5) Newill (6) Blackthorn (7) Morris Bellflowers (8) Willow Bough (9) Artichoke
(1) Folklore (2) Night Heron (3) Daydream (4) LondonTown (5) Conservatory (6) Butterflies Wallpaper (7) Secret Garden (8) Alpine Garden (9) Bloom
(1) Acanthus Stripe (2) Weeping Pine (3) Lotus Garden (4) Countryside Morning (5) Citrus Garden (6) Queen of Spain (7) Birds and Butterflies (8) Chenonceau (9) Chiang Mai Dragon
(1) Art Deco Swans (2) Aegean Stripe (3) Patchwork Dogs (4) Spring Dream (5) Octopus Oasis (6) Benji Chewing Gum (7) Gone Fifties (8) Henrietta Floral (9) Relax on Cloud
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