First, let’s dispel any myths about wallcovering—this ain’t your grandma’s wallpaper! Wallcovering comes in many forms these days. It can be the traditional printed paper, or it may be paper with a veneer of shell or wood, or it may be vinyl that you’d swear is silk. No matter what its form, wallcovering can add a finishing touch or be the focal point of a design for nearly any space, from large dining areas to powder rooms. For many clients, wallcovering seems like a scary word, but choosing the right high-quality design is well worth it. If you’re taking the plunge into wallpaper, there are a few things you should know. Let’s get started!
Expand on the cornerstone of your design.
Most designs should center around a building block or focal point. Is that focal point going to be the wallcovering? In many cases, it can be the ideal starting point from which to build the décor of your room. Wallcovering could also be a fabulous backdrop for a cherished piece that is your starting point. For example, you may be building your décor around a large piece of art or a favorite patterned sofa. In this case, the right wallcovering can enhance your décor rather than detract from it.
To choose the wallcovering that’s right for your space, think of what will unite the furniture and accents in your space. Is it going to be your wallcovering? If so, seek out a common color that is prevalent in your space and use a wallcovering that incorporates that color or a complimentary color. Or, perhaps you have a veritable gallery of art pieces that each shines on its own. If so, your wallcovering can compliment your artwork, acting as a neutral backdrop of texture that unifies the room and allows your artwork to shine.
Always see and feel a sample.
If you’re ordering wallcovering online, make sure you see a sample first. Colors and the scale of patterns can look very different in person. When you receive the sample, ensure that you like the scale of the pattern, the colors and even the texture of the paper. Swatches can also be useful when you’re attempting to mix patterns and need to see how they work together in person.
Invest in a professional installation.
High-quality wallcovering isn’t cheap. If you install the wallcovering yourself, many small mistakes can happen along the way. In the end, you won’t be happy with your revamped space if there are imperfections along those walls. Hire a professional! They will do things properly, such as prep your walls for the installation and even cover the light switches with your wallcovering to create a seamless look.
There are exceptions to this; in some cases you may want to install a wallcovering yourself. This would be appropriate in children’s rooms where you’re using temporary wallcovering or decal.
Order extra!
We all know the saying “measure twice, cut once,” but that doesn’t always work out for us. First, check and re-check your quantities. And don’t forget about pattern matching! A large-scale pattern will need to be exactly matched. Depending on the height of your walls, this may cause a good deal of waste on each roll. You’ll want to order an extra roll or two in case you underestimated how much you need. It’s also helpful to have a spare roll in case you need to replace a section of wallcovering in the future.
At Bon Brise Design, some of our favorite sources of wallcoverings are from Maya Romanoff and Innovations. If you’re looking to refresh your home or begin a renovation, give us a call and schedule a consultation today!
