On Monday I got to try my hand at wallpapering for the first time. Two important things I learned: have a helper, and don’t wallpaper with kiddies around. Heed my warnings and your sanity will be preserved.
My adventures in wallpapering
Two weeks ago two lovely rolls of this paper arrived for my daughters room – I was so excited!
I got to work, painting three of Carys’ bedroom walls (the paper was only going on one wall) a nice crisp white which I felt would look great against the pink, especially with the fresh white of the magnolia blossoms. My pick? Simply White by Benjamin Moore, a new favorite.
This was the result once I was done painting {yes, it looks terrible in there, but remember it’s the BEFORE pictures so be kind!}
Then my mom came over and we got cracking installing that pretty paper ! Carys was game to get involved too….and took to playing with the tub of paste while we planned things out.
We developed a system of stretching each length of paper out on the kids bathroom floor and into the hallway to prep before applying to the wall. {Question – do real wallpaper installers use packages of baby wipes and kids blocks to weigh down the roll prior to trimming? We’ll put that in the “resourceful” category, shall we?}
After an hour and half, here was our progress:
Two measly lengths were up! At this rate we’d be at it all day! Do you think this slow progress had anything to do with our two “helpers”?
Hmmm, maybe it was time to call in reinforcements. A quick phone call and we were saved! Uncle Conor (my youngest brother) and his girlfriend arrived to babysit the monkey’s while Mom and I finished the job.
And, funny enough, it only took 45 {child-free} minutes to finish the remaining 4 lengths. Yet another example of the greatest truth of Motherhood. CHILDREN = INEFFICIENCY.
Here’s a peek at the completed wall:
I just adore how the paper turned out, and I am even more excited now to finish the rest of the room! What’s up next? Making a simple upholstered headboard {using House and Home’s online tutorial} in white which will really pop against the paper. Finishing painting Carys’ tea party table, hunting down bedlinens, switching out the venetian blinds for roman blinds, and adding some art. Given how busy I am with projects for my real clients {not that you don’t count Carys dear!} these won’t be getting done super fast, but I’ll be steadily chipping away at them as time allows – and will show you the progress!
PS I think once this room is done I’m gonna want to move in! Retro is in, maybe Jeff and I will be totally 1950′s and have his and her bedrooms?
karla,
great choice – looks awesome
h
That turned out AMAZING!! Great story and really lovely room!
The wallpaper looks fantastic!!
Great job!
~Edyta
http://edytaandco.blogspot.com/
Oh my goodness…it looks amazing!!!! What beautiful paper! wowww! You are inspiring to me get my own bedroom wall papered…I’ve been contemplating it for some time now.
I SO agree about the children=inefficiency thing…..I honestly can never get anything done while they’re awake…..I’ve just been trying to get some artsy stuff done outside, while the boys were “playing”, but alas, I’ve given up. haha…..It only frustrates me!
Hope you’re enjoying this amazing weather we’re having
Beautiful!! I can’t wait to see the final outcome.
Hi Karla,
The wallpaper looks absolutely stunning! Can’t wait to see the rest.
I love the wallpaper and what a great job you did. I think I may tackle my daughter’s room myself – thanks for the inspiration. Love those photos of your adorable kids!
Karla,
Beautiful! Look how her dark antique dresser stands out now. Great job ladies.
Karla,
The paper is fantastic. I can’t wait to see it all finished. Wish I could wall paper a room, but since I am renting I can only dream……
I have older kids and I still find I can’t get anything done either!
I wish I’d had a daughter of my own to decorate for!! I’m a wee bit jealous of you , Chickie!!
As for the paper… scrumptious! Love it!! You and Mom did a fantastic job installing it, too… after the munchkins were out from under foot!
Victoria
Thank you everyone for your kind comments! And Victoria, I am enjoying having the fun of decorating a room for a little girl…PINK PINK PINK! We are painting Carys tea party table/chairs today and you are totally invited over for tea when it’s done
I totally agree, I am praying that one day I too will have a little girl to decorate for!! Your little ones are so cute, I want to squish them!
The wallpaper looks so fabulous, and I too can’t wait to see the rest of the room. I bet that headboard you have planned is going to be gorgeous too. I have some wallpapers in mind for 1 wall in my bedroom, I should post about them so I can get your opinion!
Nancy
I just stumbled on your lovely blog. That wallpaper is dreamy! I have one of those “helpers” myself… its a wonder any projects get done around here
This looks amazing – fantastic job Karla!
Your ‘helpers’ are just too adorable!
I like the idea of a tea party with sweetie Carys at her little pink table!! Waiting for my invite…
In the mean time, just wanted to say that I’m loving the new look of things here! Very sophisticated and appealing!!
Victoria
Hi Karla,
What was the paint color you used in Carys’ room before the wallpaper went up. It looks like a gray which I am trying to find for one of my rooms.
Thanks,
margaret