Tackling Wallpaper Overwhelm
One day at a time, one step at a time. We’ve heard these mantras. Tackling wallpaper when you have SO many ideas for different spaces is done the same way - one room at a time. I’m going to share my tips and thoughts on how to knock down the overwhelm and simply get the dream job done when it comes to wallpaper goals.
RAISE YOUR HAND IF ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE:
1) Ohhh I can put wallpaper in our downstairs powder room!
2) …or the entryway!
3) I wonder if I should put wainscoting in my bedroom and wallpaper the top half?
4) Let’s do an accent wall in the kids’ bedrooms!
5) I WANT IT ALL!
It’s simple really, I promise. Take it room by room.
….and I’ll show you how.
STEP ONE:
Pick your room. This doesn’t have to be the one you plan on wallpapering first either. Just pick ONE room to “map out.”
STEP TWO:
Let’s make some notes about this room. You really just need to consider three components:
Level of Attention
Texture and Pattern
Story Telling
(more on this below)
STEP THREE:
Repeat Step One and Step Two for remaining rooms.
. . .
Below, I’ve got more detail on considering attention, texture and pattern, and story telling throughout your spaces without feeling overwhelmed.
LEVEL OF ATTENTION
The first question I like to ask a client is “what level of attention do you want this room to have?” …and remember, no one said your powder room can’t have a wow-factor. The level of attention you want your room to have will really guide you in some of your foundational steps.
How do you want your room to feel?
bold, comfortable, artist-like, show-stopper, bohemian, formal, traditional, casual… Consider jotting down some key words or vision words that best describe your goal with your space. Knowing the “why” to what level of attention you want to give your space will help the next two steps.
SHOWCASED: Brush Strokes in Oatmeal
This showcased example feels comfortable, a bit bohemian even. This would be great in a casual setting that is going for a more low-key casual vibe.
TEXTURE AND PATTERN
After defining those “vision words,” you’ll be able to better search for that certain pattern or look. You’ll want to consider, based on your vision words, what patterns and textures might support that vision.
For a more traditional feel, you might look for a more traditional repetitions in your patterns. For a more playful feel, you may want to look at fun florals or novelty patterns. For a more textural feel, look for plaids and stripes.
. . .
SHOWCASED: Painterly Gingham in Hunter
Textures and patterns come in many ways. I like to think of plaids like you see here or stripes as “complimentary” or “coordinating” patterns to either your batch of solids or your contrasting patterns.
i.e. Plaids and stripes pair well with solids and florals (and just about anything).
STORY TELLING
Story telling is all about stepping back and looking at the big picture. Think about the things that surround the space you are wallpapering. Think about the furniture, the rooms near, the hallways, the lighting. Thinking about the way you travel and live in your space is a way of thinking about the big picture.
If you’re thinking about a big bold pattern for your bedroom, pair your master bath with something more textural. If you’re looking for maybe just a half wall above some wainscoting, pull some of the colors out of the design to pair with bedding selections or accents.
. . .
SHOWCASED: Roadside Picks in Mustard
This showcased example feels bold in the way such a feminine pattern contrasts the heavy weight of the furniture and architectural surroundings. This is all based on those vision words, your goals, and your own personal style.
. . .
KEEP IN MIND:
Sure, there are steps and things to consider, but at the end of the day, it’s your room. It’s your decision. …and it’s perfectly okay to know what those rules are and toss them out the window.
LIKE WHAT YA SEE? Share it with your nearest and dearest.
by Hope Johnson | inspired my nostalgia and comfort
A Quick Note:
I love to share. …words and products and home stories. This post may contain some of my favorite things - some of those things my contain affiliate links. This just means that if you end up purchasing anything through me, I might receive a little kick-back.
What I share is very intentional and only items I’ve allowed to enter my own home - tried and true.
Six Vintage Rugs
preserving old world artistry & charm for sustainable, modern living