How to Create a Memorable Space with Wallpaper

Make a statement in your home with ornate wallpaper selections. From elegant designs to cozy textures, wallpaper creates a welcoming and inviting home environment.

The history of wallpaper can be traced back to the 16^th century, lining the interior of cabinets and shopkeeper stores. Today, we see the wallpaper installation trend on the rise again. As technology has advanced, so has wallpaper. Its more readily available and the consumer has so many options when it comes to the installation of the wallpaper. No more scrapping layers of old wallpaper from walls, easy to remove or peel-and-stick wallpaper has put homeowners at ease when it comes to making bold pattern choices. With the advancement of wallpaper products, the installation of wallpaper can also be a renter friendly design choice too.

There are many elements to consider when selecting the perfect wallpaper pattern. In this article you will learn the five steps to creating a memorable space in your home with wallpaper.

Step 1: Location, Location, Location

Start by deciding which wall in your home to enhance and elevate with a wallpaper design. Small spaces, such as a powder room or laundry room make excellent locations to add a little color and character with wallpaper.

Step 2: The Perfect Match

Selecting the perfect wallpaper takes time and there are a few elements to consider when choosing the right pattern. Most interior design stores, whether you are browsing online or in the store, offer wallpaper samples for a small fee. Purchase a few wallpaper samples and take them home and use painters tape to stick to your chosen accent wall. This process will help you to see visually what the pattern will look like in the space. Keep in mind that the time of day, lighting, and position of the room could change the way the wallpaper looks. Next, think about how the room will be used and if a large pattern will enhance the space or take away from the overall room design.

Step 3: Preparation is Key

Before ordering wallpaper, be prepared with the measurements of your wall. Start by measuring the width and length of your wall in feet. Next, multiply the width and length to get the total square feet. If your wall has a doorway, subtract twenty-one square feet and twelve square feet for every window. Don’t forget to include any outlet covers in the dimensions if your intent is to cover them with wallpaper as well.

To prepare the walls for the installation of wallpaper, a smooth surface is preferred. “Taping and floating” drywall is common before installing wallpaper. This process takes time to dry, and you will want to include this either in your overall budgeting and also the timeline for wallpaper installation.   

Step 4: Understanding Wallpaper Lingo

While selecting your wallpaper there are a few terms to fully understand to ensure you are ordering the right amount of wallpaper. There are three types of wallpaper pattern matches: random, straight, and drop.

• Random Match simply means that each strip of wallpaper may be installed without the worry of matching the pattern up at each seam exactly. Examples of a random match are a vertical stripe, grass cloth, or textured wallpaper.
• Straight Match is another simple installation process, and you will easily be able to see how the strips need to be hung creating a seamless pattern across the entire wall.
• Drop Match wallpaper has a design that matches up across strips both vertically and horizontally. There are two types of drop matches, half-drop, or a quarter drop. The pattern will match up with a different spot in the design for each strip.

Step 5: Wallpaper Installation and Styling

Featured in this article, is the elegant Belvedere Midnight wallpaper by Laura Ashely. Adorned with beautiful peacocks, hummingbirds, and butterflies, the wallpaper creates a statement but also draws the eye up, elevating the ceilings in a small space. Since 1953, Laura Ashley has created a heritage brand that is beloved by so many and offers coveted British fabrics that are found in homes across America today in addition to wallpapers, cushions, and accessories. The wallpaper selection in this article can be found by visiting LauraAshleyUSA.com

My favorite part of wallpaper installation is the moment you can take a step back and admire the entire wall. After installing our Laura Ashely Belvedere Midnight wallpaper, it was a joy to create and style a quiet reading nook and display a few of my favorite collectables. A family heirloom dresser is complete with the blue and white floral pattern teapot by Laura Ashley, filled with a curated floral arrangement by Tricia Barksdale Designs. Adding additional layers and height, I used vintage Laura Ashely design books to display the elegant floral arrangement. A beautiful Chelsea House lamp from Ambrose Furniture Works and a Pendulux Tyler table clock from Old Bryan Marketplace provides a touch of English charm to the dresser. Nestled next to the dresser is the perfect armchair and cozy Pendleton blanket.