Wednesday, March 13, 2013

PROJECT CONDO: WALLPAPER, FRIEND OR FOE?

I'm SO excited that Jenny and her husband are starting on a couple of pieces for me for the living room. I've been pondering this space way too long and it's time to get started! One of the big "I'm not sure what to do" elements of this space is the gigantic wall to the left of our fireplace. I've thought about painting it to make it an accent wall...but I'm thinking that might be too plain, especially since most of the furniture and decorations in this space will most likely be neutral. I've thought about stenciling it with paint...but I think there's way too much room for error, especially for me! The thought I keep coming to over and over again is to use a bold wallpaper and make it into a statement piece. I'm leaning more and more towards this idea. I mean how hard can wallpapering one wall be? She said to herself as flashes of not matching up the pattern and running out before finishing cloud her mind. I think I might have to enlist a little help from someone who has experience in this area!

So, if we ARE indeed leaning towards wallpaper, my next trick is to find some awesome wallpaper that isn't blow-your-mind expensive, in a pattern that I actually like. I've been scooping out Pinterest and a few stores and have found some patterns I like but are a little on the pricey end for my budget. Here are some of my favorites:


The first two are from Anthropologie. I really LOVE the birch tree paper but it's nearly $200 per roll and I think I would need 2-3 to do the entire wall, which is ALOT. Overall, I think I'm really drawn to the metallic gold wallpaper choices. I love some glam in my decor and I think the dining/living room area could benefit from a little extra pizazz. The bottom three wallpapers are from Hygge & West which is less expensive but still a wee bit pricey.

And just for some context...here is a before picture of the wall I would like to put it on. It's pretty large...and most likely the TV will also be on this wall, possibly mounted. Also note: the couch is the only thing that will be staying, everything else won't be in the living room. If that helps you imagine it. ;)
So, I need something that goes beautifully with my beloved caramel leather couch and will essentially be the "superstar" of the room. I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. If you have any advice for putting up wallpaper successfully, I would also LOVE to know your tips. As well, If you have any shops you recommend I check out that have great/affordable wallpaper I would love to know! Have a lovely Wednesday, friends!




22 comments:

  1. This is a temporarily permanent home right? What about the idea of starching a fabric onto the wall - fabric will be less expensive and it won't damage the wall if you have to start again.

    I think Jordan Ferney at Oh Happy Day tried a stick on wall paper in her old apartment - maybe that is less expensive.

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  3. I agree with the above. Fabric might be easier. Or I have been thinking of a large map wall decal to add interest in my home. Wallpaper can be really hard to remove when you leave. Also, for a print THAT complicated, I'd hire someone professional... wallpaper actually CAN be really difficult to hang, especially detailed wallpaper... there can also be complications with bubbles... Lastly, I dont know about you, but staring at a TV thats mounted on a wall covered in busy paper might be a little distracting. Both from the lovely paper and the program. Maybe reconsider that placement...

    All that being said, I think ballsy wallpaper is super fun. Go for it!

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  4. I love the look of textural wallpaper-- still a statement, but less so? There are just some awesome things out there-- like seagrass, faux wood, etc that would make a HUGE amazing statement. Also, I think you need a big piece of art over there-- maybe paired over the wallpaper?

    I'm excited to see what you do. And in regards to wallpaper, I really want to try it as well-- I want to paper the inside of my closet. :)

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  5. LOVE the metallic! My sister in law did something similar in her dining room and it looks amazing! It was her first time wallpapering and she did an awesome job - just make sure to enlist someone to help! I'm sure once you get going, that pattern is going to become a blur when you're so close to it. But I love statement pieces like this! Looking forward to seeing the progression :)

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  6. ooo the yellow:) I like the yellow anthropologiepaper you showed above with your brown leather couch;)

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  7. Love this idea! I have personally not dealt with wallpaper and heard it was quite a pain, but ironically Emily from Jones Design Company just posted a DIY on using wrapping paper as wallpaper. It would seem that it is cheaper than real wallpaper. Check it out here.

    http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/wallpapering-with-gift-wrap-tutorial/

    Also, if you didn't want to go in the route of wallpaper you could always use paint and use different sheens to create a pattern on the wall. I did this in our bedroom. It adds a little change and a nice contrast but it isn't overwhelming.

    http://pinterest.com/pin/140596819588763155/

    Good Luck in whatever you decide!

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  8. What about doing wallpaper panels. The link below has an example of what I'm talking about.
    http://pinterest.com/pin/47850814763028663/

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  9. I love the anthropologie tree wallpaper. It's gorgeous!

    ♥ Naomi {Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups}

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  10. I too love the idea of a bold wallpapered wall and love every single one of your choices! But, I actually think that stenciling a version of the Hygge and West would be really easy for a novice and way simpler then hanging wall paper yourself. Plus you could get the same effect for less than half the cost of four rolls of paper and still be able to splurge on high quality paint and a nice textured roller to really get the look and feel you are going for.

    Best of luck and I can't wait to see what you decide on and how it turns out, I just know it will be stunning!

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  11. Wallpaper is a great choice but make sure you prepare and size your walls properly otherwise down the line in the future if you change your mind you will have a huge mess on your hands and added expense. Can you tell my hubby hangs it for a living? Lol

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  12. I love the idea of wallpaper! I especially like the mustard colored one with the flowers from anthropologie.
    http://teapotsandbelles.blogspot.com/

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  13. While reading this I was reminded of this;
    http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-idea-printed-walls-the-painted-house-179662?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+apartmenttherapy%2Fmain+%28AT+Channel%3A+Main%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

    Just thought i'd share it with you :)

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  14. Oooohhh I hate to say it, but that birch tree wall paper is GORGEOUS. That would look amazing with your couch. I think it's timeless.

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  15. Those are all such beautiful options, I'm not sure how this option compares but have you looked into spoonflower.com as I know they have branched out into wallpaper as well. I am sure whatever you choose it will look fantastic, as do all your design ideas. :) I look forward to the end result!

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  16. You can always use cloth instead of wallpaper-- it's much cheaper that way! I knew someone who did this and she said it lasted forever, but was still so easy to take off. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-removable-fabric-w-74483

    You could also just paint an intricate design using a projector or stencil. It would probably take a long time, but you'd love it a lot more! Something like Elsie's handwriting wall http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/03/elsies-handwriting-statement-wall.html or even just making a stamp and painting in any mistakes as you go.

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  17. I do not even want to attempt to give you wallpaper advice. I'm terrible at envisioning what something will look like, wallpaper no exception : ) However, your couch! I love it! I have a leather couch and, as the mother of two little boys, I will tell you this: a leather couch is one of the best purchases one can ever make! But we want to buy a leather sectional instead of keeping our current leather 3-seater sofa, and I have to ask-- where is your's from? It's style and color are exactly what we've been looking for! Many thanks!

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  18. I think a statment wall just would be perfect for your living room,as you are right that it is too pale like that!
    Wallpapers are a great idea,although I`m more a fan of stamping walls at the moment!But as you said,if you mess it up,it will be bad!So I think you decided pretty well with wallpapers or even wall stickers,which aren`t that expensive like wallpapers!

    xoxo

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  19. Anonymous15.3.13

    wallpaper is making a comeback! especially with all the killer graphic designers out there, the digital world has changed the possibilities of wallpapering! go for it!! (just make sure it's something timeless, wallpaper is a pain to re-do)

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  20. FRIEND! i have never done it but I love the look! you can rock it! I just know it!

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  21. I know it doesn't really have anything to do with the post, but I have that pillow ;) And a nice alternative to wallpaper that isn't as expensive and isn't as permanent is this little baby I just discovered. I want to buy one of my own....

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/patternedpaintroller?ref=seller_info

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  22. AT just posted about this -BOOM!
    http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/removable-wallpapers-by-style-graphic-renters-solutions-186594

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