HOW TO GIVE YOUR HOME A DESIGN BOOST

WITH WALLPAPEREugene Chrinian

HOW TO GIVE YOUR HOME A DESIGN BOOST WITH WALLPAPER

• Many homeowners don’t immediately think of wallpaper when they want to add color or texture to their homes. Whereas some find it old fashioned, others may simply be intimidated by the application process. You can use wallpaper for a wide array of interior design projects that do not require you to cover an entire wall. Here are a few of the best ways to boost the design elements of your home with wallpaper.

DECK OUT THE STAIRS

• Whatever your desired texture or color scheme, your stairs provide the perfect canvas for a design upgrade. Stair risers are inherently plain and have enough surface area to apply wallpaper. You can create countless effects by using vibrant pieces of wallpaper. For example, using the same pattern will help your stairs to look more traditional. Alternatively, you can place wallpaper on every other step for a more minimal color boost. Application is easy. Cut pieces of wallpaper to fit the stair risers, attach them using glue or wallpaper paste, and secure them with a clear coat of polyurethane.

Image courtesy Jeremy Brooks | Flickr

LINE YOUR DRAWERS

• You can easily and stylishly create dual-purpose drawers by lining them with wallpaper. Not only does the addition of wallpaper make for a colorful surprise when you open your drawers, but it also helps to protect the inside surface from scratches and spills. As such, wallpaper can make an excellent drawer liner for everything from the kitchen to the bathroom. While there are numerous types of wallpaper that you can choose from, pre-pasted vinyl is perhaps the easiest to apply. Simply brush a wet sponge across the surface to ensure that it adheres it to the inside of the drawer.

RENEW A TABLE

• From completely resurfacing to adding a simple pop of color, there are a number of ways that you can use wallpaper to enhance the design of a table and an entire room. All you need to do is take a sheet of wallpaper and cut it to fit the surface of a table. By adding a sheet of cut glass, you can create a more finished look. The decorating technique provides another benefit. You can easily swap out different colors and patterns whenever you wish. Using wallpaper as a table runner also allows you to bring vibrancy to your dining space during dinner parties or other events.

Image courtesy H is for Home | Flickr

CREATE A COLORFUL CANVAS

• If you are looking to revamp a room’s design without committing to an entire wall of wallpaper, you can find the solution in the form of framed canvases. Installing a series of side-by-side wallpaper panels will allow you to incorporate all the features of the wallpaper design with greater versatility. You can easily swap out wallpaper designs or move the panels to a different room of the house if your aesthetic changes.

SIMULATE A HEADBOARD

• If you are looking to create an easy DIY headboard, you can use wallpaper in multiple ways. For one project, you can use two complementary wallpaper patterns to line three tall panels. By either hanging or setting these boards beside one another, you will create an interesting focal point in your bedroom. For a more subtle design upgrade, you can line the wall behind your bed with your choice of wallpaper and “frame” it with a wooden shelf. Not only will this resemble a traditional headboard, but it will also create extra storage space.

Image courtesy Kayte Terry | Flickr

LIVEN UP A LAMPSHADE

• With a simple sheet of wallpaper, you can instill new energy into an otherwise old or plain lampshade. Use a ruler to measure a straight piece of wallpaper and cut it with an X-Acto knife before adhering it to the outside of your lampshade. You can also place the wallpaper on the inside of the lampshade to alter the design in a more subtle way. Depending on the design you choose, you can either introduce an exciting new look to a room or complement other elements of the decor. You should, however, choose a style that does not prevent light from radiating properly throughout the room.

DECORATE A DRESSER

• Wallpaper is an excellent addition to any dresser that needs an updated and stylish look. One way that you can bring new interest to these furnishings is to line the outside of your drawers. For a more cohesive look, you should line up the pattern of the wallpaper on each drawer before adhering the paper. If you would rather keep the outside of the dresser plain, you can add a dash of surprise by covering the sides of the drawers.Image courtesy Meredith Nutting | Flickr

BRING COLOR TO YOUR KITCHEN

• A kitchen provides ample opportunity for you to add a bit of colorful wallpaper, but none so much as your cabinets. In an otherwise all-white kitchen, patterned paper can subtly add new interest to your cabinets when used as a liner.

Additionally, the right wallpaper design can highlight your dinnerware and help the space to appear more refined. You can apply the same concept to the open shelving units in your kitchen. The careful use of wallpaper can revive an otherwise empty area and visually separate the wall from the cabinet.