Lulu Frost studio via Domino Magazine
I’m sure I’ve mentioned by now, but my home renovations went a little (read—WAY) over budget (insert all the emojis here, especially the crying one). I’m embracing it as a life lesson because what else can I do?
On the bright side, this budgetary meltdown has brought on a lot of DIY inspiration! I’m not sad about this at all.
Right now I’m working on our entryway. I originally planned to wallpaper it. And I’d still love to do that in the future. Wallpaper is my favorite trend that is coming back in a BIG way. I would honestly wallpaper every square inch of our home if I could. Haha! But wallpaper can be very pricy when you factor together all the rolls you need as well as the installation (and I haven’t even found a wallpaper person in Nashville yet).
For all these reasons, I am on the hunt for DIY alternatives that have a wallpaper look. I want to do something that can pass as wallpaper but doesn’t necessarily have that “DIY” look. I’m also open to options that don’t look like wallpaper, but still add some pattern or texture to the space.
Here are a few options I’m considering, as well as inspiration!
Love this graphic wallpaper via MyDomaine.
This image (as well as the opening image) inspire me because I think I could achieve this look with paint. I am leaning toward a busy, neutral pattern for the entryway. A lot of the wallpapers I love (like florals for example) are not something I could personally achieve with paint. These graphic patterns feel more do-able to me. So that’s one option I am considering.
Removable fabric as wallpaper via Apartment Therapy.
Did you know you can use starch to adhere fabric to a wall and it’s removable? We did something similar in some built-in shelves in my last home using rubber cement. After a year (or so—I’m not sure), it removed perfectly with zero residue when we were getting the house ready to move. This appeals to me because I could do hand dyed or watercolor-style fabric. I do think it would be a LOT of time to do our (fairly large) entryway though. So I might save that idea for a smaller space, like one of our bathrooms that’s mostly tile or a single statement wall somewhere.
Love this molding via Decor Pad.
Another option is adding molding and painting it one or two colors. I was really inspired by Laura’s closet doors. (They’re even better in person, you guys!!) Adding molding would be fun because it adds a lot of texture and can look really luxe, but it’s also simple and not super busy like some of my other ideas. Hmmm….
The downside here is that I think I do eventually want to wallpaper the entryway, and this option is WAY more of a commitment than some of the others. It’s not really something I’d want to do as a temporary or phase one solution. If we go this route, we’ll most likely keep it forever.
Shiplap paneling via Brandi Nell.
The last option we’re considering is shiplap paneling. We’ve already done some of this in Jeremy’s studio, which has a slightly more rustic vibe than the rest of our home. I was also considering this for our laundry room. The thing I LOVE about shiplap is that it adds a lot of texture and you can cover over things you don’t like (ugly paneling, heavy texture or in my case—unwanted, existing wallpaper) without having to “fix them” the legit way (removing wallpaper isn’t exactly on the top of my dream DIY project list, you guys).
The thing I’m not crazy about with shiplap is that it can look kind of country, which is awesome, but not what I’m going for in this space. But I’ve seen it styled really modern. So I’m not too afraid!
Well, those are my options for now: a painted pattern, fabric as wallpaper, adding molding or DIY shiplap paneling. So much to consider! What would you choose? If you want to know what my entryway looks like as of now, check out my empty house tour.
I’m really excited to get to work on this space! It’s the first thing you see when you come into the house, so I feel like it’s the perfect place to start. I’ll share more details as we move forward!
Thanks for reading, and I really would love to hear your advice or any ideas you have. xx- Elsie
I bought a whole lot of old patterns from my local thrift store, and used them to paper my craft room. Maybe something like that?
That top one could easily be achieved with some electrical tape too! I’m renting, and I’m addicted to using electrical tape! I even made some flowers 🙂
The pictures are amazing. It’d be a dream to live in a house as beautiful as that.
I am really inspired by your blog. It’d be great if you could give me some tips to improve.
Zabby from voidinyourthoughts.blogspot.com
Hi Elsie!
If you and trey rent some steamers to remove the wallpaper….it’s not really that hard..just time consuming and tiring for the arms..but you could do it in a day easy…there are also wallpapers sprays to somewhat dissolve the paper…but I think steaming and scraping is best and no chemicals involved. Then just paint it until you’re ready for something final? You may want to wait to wallpaper anyway, until you are settled in and happy with the rooms…
Can’t wait to see the reveal!!!
Vintage Revivals always does awesome walls with geometric patterns with sharpies!
If you don’t like it after a few years, or when you can get the wallpaper you want you can paint or cover it up in a snap!
http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2013/01/diy-sharpie-wallpaper-tutorial-this-is.html
Um hello what about stencils and sponges! Loved your statement wall in your previous kitchen, Elsie. So grab some gray or silver paint and a cute design and just go for it in the entry. <3
Love this idea Toni!
xx- Elsie
We’re definitely doing one (just maybe not in this room- not sure!) Stay tuned! xoxo- Elsie
How about vinyl stickers or wall decals? It could get the wallpaper effect way cheaper, and there are places where you can get your own design made, who knows, maybe you decide to keep it 😉
Such great ideas!!
♥Heather and Melissa
Also, I like how big and open and welcoming it feels. I think wainscoting would interfere with that. I can see you would want to set and open, creative tone from the moment a visitor steps through your door.
At very least, a coat of white paint over the hyper-cheerful yellow. Then maybe you could live with it a little while until you can resupply you budget.
I am currently using pages from an atlas I found for 25 cents to make a statement wall and it is really coming along!
So many neat options! I love all the decor ideas you’ve been sharing recently!
Would love to see a ship lap DIY!
Love these inspirations and ideas.. very creative!!!
Be Happy with Fashion
Have you ever thought about rendered concrete walls? You can add colour to the render……it might not be the look you are going for but it looks so beautiful with wood features.
We love wallpapers to decorate walls, the result is perfect!
http://www.inatrendytown.com
Augh! I totally understand. :))
xx- Elsie
Wallpaper and professional installation is actually pretty expensive. It definitely varies from pattern to pattern, but they can get pretty pricy (and all my top options are on that end). So yeah, I think these options would definitely cost less and make the space feel more “us” in the meantime.
I personally wouldn’t DIY a wallpaper install because I think experience really matters in getting it right! 🙂 -Elsie