Wallpaper is IN again

Have you ever watched a home improvement show, saw a great design idea, then wondered if it was something you could do yourself? We can all relate. On TV they make the project look easy, but we know concept and application are two different things. 

I was recently contemplating the same thing. I wanted to update a plain white wall to make it more appealing and add a custom feel. I thought about a square pattern batten board on a bedroom wall (top picture), but was concerned about the cost (estimate: $1000, including paint) and our ability to pull it off the way they do on TV.

While showing homes to a client, I ran across a bedroom that had a wallpapered accent wall that looked great. This prompted me to give it a try on my white wall. Now you may think that wallpaper is difficult, but it’s really not. It turned out that peel-and-stick wallpaper is an easy way of elevating the design of the room, without being permanent. And it’s much cheaper too.

The most important choice you must make if you’re a rookie at wallpaper is to choose a pattern that is forgiving. Don’t go with a pattern that must be lined up with the columns next to it. Then, take your time lining up the first row to ensure it is perfectly straight. The rest of the columns are fairly easy.

We found this to be a one-day project that significantly elevated the custom feel of the room. And the cost was one-third of the board and batten we originally considered.