5 Things I Learned Installing Removable Wallpaper
We moved into this house a little over a year and a half ago with no clear direction on what we were going to do with it. We debated whether to remodel, add on, or start from scratch next door. And in that state of limbo, we didn't do anything.
A few months ago, I kind of woke up to the fact that our home didn't really feel like a home because we'd merely existed here and I hadn't put much of myself into it. That was a sad realization to me, so I got started thinking and planning on a few projects that COULD be done regardless of what we ended up doing in our house.
Fixing up the main bathroom soon rose to the top. It's a place visitors might go into, and with its old honey oak vanity and door and newer gray plank tile that the previous owner installed without considering the vanity, it was a bit of an eyesore.
So while new cabinetry or tile were not possible changes right now, I wanted to give the room some sophistication and tie those two elements together by installing removable wallpaper.
After ordering some samples (ALWAYS ORDER SAMPLES), I had my Heath removable wallpaper printed, and a few days later was able to pick it up. I immediately noticed:
It was thick, heavy material (it's type 2 removable wallpaper, so it's appropriate for commercial OR home application)
The weave texture was amazing (although smooth is also an option)
I was IN LOVE with the pattern.
It took us a few days to get started, but installation of the two walls took just over an hour and half and was actually pretty smooth once we found our rhythm. You can watch us scurry around here:
What I love about it is that the removable wallpaper instantly adds interest and elegance to a space that was previously blank and disjointed. The colors in the Heath removable wallpaper do their jobs so well tying the two elements together and elevating them into a powerful room.
It's dramatic and wild, and it brings so much movement to the otherwise blank wall.
Here's the removable wallpaper next to the tile
And here it is with the vanity and door.
So what did I learn from this process?
Two people working together really helps keep everything aligned and makes it go so much faster, but I am also confident I could do it alone now that I've done it once.
Getting your first panel absolutely straight is KEY to having the whole project go well. Painter's tape is your friend (especially if you're doing it alone) for making sure everything stays right where it should be.
You'll find a rhythm and it becomes much easier once you get going, so even if you struggle on the first piece, take heart--you've already done the hard part.
Cut off any excess you have as soon as you're sure you don't need it. It makes working the corners so much easier if you don't have a lot of paper in the way.
Go slow, and have fun. It's really a simple process, and when you use high quality paper (and this is stunningly good quality) it's super forgiving, you can pull it off and try as many times as you need to get it right which is such a relief.
And while we will eventually replace the vanity and door, I don't mind them as much now. In fact, I smile when I walk past the bathroom because that pattern fills me with joy and makes me feel as though I've brought my heart into the room.
Now we're ready for guests. Who wants to come over?
Looking for the Heath removable wallpaper for your own home? You can find it here.
