Wallpaper is back in a big way.
You don’t have to spend big bucks or make a big commitment to get the look.
“I think it’s the color and the pattern that just makes wallpaper so inviting,” said Kate Dreyer of Northern Virginia.
Dreyer’s popular Instagram account, @Kate_Decorates, shows how she uses temporary wallpaper or peel-and-stick wallpaper to get the desired look at a fraction of the cost.
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“In our house, wallpaper is definitely not just for walls,” Dreyer said. “I’ve used it in a lot of different projects.”
Media cabinets in her family room are covered with a blue, textured wallpaper that makes the room pop. A neutral grass cloth peeks out from behind her bookshelves. Dreyer even used temporary wallpaper on her bed, in an Ikea hack.
Why peel-and-stick over traditional wallpaper? For starters, Dreyer says temporary wallpaper is less expensive and doesn’t require the same adhesive and professional installation. Temporary wallpaper is also a lot less messy and forgivable with mistakes.
“I did my foyer in peel-and-stick wallpaper for less than a hundred dollars,” Dreyer said. “It was two rolls. I think they were $30 to $40 a roll, [with] really easy installation.”
If you’re thinking of trying it in your home, remember to start small. Pick something like a cabinet or a serving tray to practice on. Dreyer said first-timers should avoid florals and geometric patterns. Instead, opt for solid or abstract prints.
Use a sharp blade, not scissors, to make your cuts.
Some of Dreyer’s favorite companies for temporary wallpaper include Chasing Paper, Tempaper, Spoonflower and WallPops.
