Wallcovering Obsessions

 Wallcovering is a great way to make a big impact in a little or big space. It can be intimidating and quite costly if you need a professional installer so most people shy away. Don't do this, be bold. The apartment lifestyle has opened up a whole new market for self adhesive papers.
 
  It is no secret I love a project and getting my hands dirty. I was psyched to see these wallcoverings hit the market and couldn't wait to get my hands on some. It wasn't easy but I'd do it again. I am also getting brave and trying out the real thing - full paste and all. You'll see the adventure here come December. For now here are a few tips for installing self sticking wall covering and a couple of the best options I've found in the market.



CB2 Traditional Black & White Palm

  CB2 has great options from urban to updated takes on traditional patterns. We used a variety of the traditional palm in a navy and gold print in a Hollywood Glam bathroom. Install tutorial below.

Bloomies has your Boho to Traditional with a white Carrera option that will knock your socks off.


 One thing to note test cleaning your wall paper - most are either printed vinyl or fabric and cleaning with harsh chemicals can blur and ruin the image.

Bloomingdale's Grass cloth

 This grass cloth is a great neutral for any room. Any of your fabric peel and stick wall coverings are going to make for an easier install when it come to corners of a room. The vinyl coverings will bend and stretch which can distort the pattern.


Brewster via Houz

 Brewster has a large amount of options from Damasks to natural stone or brick.

Great options for the apartment dwellers looking to add architectural elements to a space exposed brick or concrete and create the studio loft atmosphere is spaces that maybe lacking character. Don't be fooled I know you don't have 14' ceilings and the expanse shown in the picture - but these can work just as good in you 8' ceiling heights in your 4th floor walk up.

For all the nursery creators out there Chasing Paper has amazing playful options. Like this jungle theme. it comes in multiple colors and animal options. 

Ok so here are the goods. Get your supplies ready.  If your not great with space relations don't go with a geometric pattern or anything with a repeat. Stick to a design that can be blended well from sheet to sheet. This is what you will need for an install:

1. Cutting mat or a large piece of cardboard

2. Utility or X-Acto knife

3. Measuring tape

4. Straight edge/ruler

5. 4' Level

6. Pencil

7. Shower Squeegee/ or other smoothing tool 

8. Step stool or ladder (depends on your ceiling height)

Step one: Pick as starting point. I like to start at door frame. It gives you a nice clean start for your first piece. Measure the width of the roll away from the frame or starting point and draw a straight line - checking it with the level a decent length - 4' to align your paper.

Step two: Measure the height floor to ceiling. Give yourself about a 1/2" play when you measure and cut the roll. The ceiling and floor might not be level (once you have placed the wall paper you may need to cut the excess off the top at crown molding or ceiling line and at the baseboard. If you hanging a striped wall paper you want to be sure that the install is plumb.

Step three: Measure and cut the wall paper. A few tips - always cut away from your body with the straight edge. Use your cutting mat so not to damage floors or counters. If you haven't done it before watch a tutorial. I won't be responsible for lost digits.

Step four: Hang the paper starting about a third up the wall. This will allow you to follow your pencil line. Smooth wall paper horizontally first - left to right and then vertically up to the ceiling and then down to the floor. Take each direction slowly and intentional pushing out any air bubbles. You can do this with your hand or a rubber squeegee.  

Step five: Repeat until complete

Cut Outs: Your bound to run into outlets or light switches, emergency devices etc. Take the width and height of these items and trace it onto the paper. If you don't want to mark the dimensions on the face of the paper you will need to reverse the image on the back. Make a simple square and draw a line from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Repeat from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. This will create the opening for the switch/outlet etc.

 Need help picking the right wall covering for your space? Let me know how I can help find the right product for you or tell me what you've ordered and how the install went.