Create a Feature Wall with Framed Wallpaper (and Wall Liner)

Got a big wall and aren't sure what to do with it? How about considering (don't hurt me)...wallpaper?

{I'm just gonna let that sink in for a moment. Yes, I just said "wallpaper."}

I know some of you just went into a panic...Grab a paper bag, and breath deeply while I explain. If you need a bathroom break, do it now.

If you've ever had to take down wallpaper, you know what an absolute nightmare that can be: paper that refuses to be un-stuck, sprays that don't work, the nails-on-a-chalkboard sound of "scoring" the wall, that moment of realizing the paper finally did come off but the glue still has your wall in a death grip...and that's all before you take a step back, six hours later, and realize you have three more walls to go. All the while, thinking "What did I get myself into??" and wishing you could sit your home's previous owner down, put a dunce cap on their head and interrogate them for their selfish choice of decor.

{Some of you just panicked again. Did I say stop breathing into your paper bag? Didn't think so.}

The good news is wallpaper has come a long way since the 1970s. It's easy to put up, and supposedly easy to take down (ask me about that again in 5-10 years).

When you walk into my home, one of the first "features" you'll notice is my framed wallpaper. I get quite a few questions about this in Blog Land, so I wanted to do a quick feature on how this all came to be.

It all started with me staring at the really BIG wall behind my dining table...and I stared at that wall for a LONG time. It took three months of me making my sales pitch to Brian before I finally launched the project. I headed over to my FAVORITE moulding store, Moulding Direct, in San Leandro (seriously, they are the best). Their slogan is "you can't get it cheaper unless you steal it!"...and it's so true! I was blown away by their prices and by how helpful Chris was every time I showed up at his store with a crazy idea.

Using painter's tape, I taped off the approximate scale I wanted for my wallpaper feature. Friends, I cannot begin to tell you the crazy looks I got from people when they saw my blue tape on the walls. Or when I tried to explain the idea. A lot of people tried to talk me out of it. A lot of people just smiled and nodded, and backed away slowly. 

I described the project to Chris, at Moulding Direct, and he helped me pick out a door case moulding that was perfect for the project. I measured and cut the moulding, and affixed it to the wall with a little construction adhesive and my finish nailer.

Next, it was on to wallpapering...

If your home has prominently textured walls, like mine (we have "orange peel" textured walls), you absolutely need to to use a product called "wall liner" underneath your wallpaper. Wall liner is like spanx for walls -- it smooths out the lumps and bumps. Wall liner is installed horizontally, so make sure you have a buddy helping you out. Gravity is not on your side when installing paper horizontally.

I used this product on my walls and would definitely recommend it! You can also purchase wall liner at Lowe's for about $15 per roll. 

Once the wall liner is up, wait 48 hours and then you can install your wallpaper. Voila!! 

Are you thinking about using wallpaper in your home? I'd love to hear about it! 
Cheers!


PS. I'm linking up here: