Learn what experts say to do instead for fabulous wallpaper.
Theres a reason whywallpaper never goes out of stylein the South.
When artfully done, wallpaper can completely transform a space.
Credit: PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREY W. GLENN; STYLING BY KENDRA SURFACE
Take caution to avoid inconvenient and expensive mistakes, but also dont let us scare you off.
If you are looking to create a moody aesthetic, consider dynamic papers with patterns to make a statement.
Unfortunately, too many Southerners get caught in these traps.
The mistake I see most often is people using wallpaper in the wrong context, says interior designerBryan Yates.
Being familiar with the architecture of the space is crucial for properly executing a wallpaper installation.
In that case, it must be thoughtfully laid out to ensure the pattern connects correctly.
This applies not only to the pattern but the wallpaper material, too.
For instance, you may invest in vinyl, not paper, in abathroom.
Discounting Scale
With a specific surface in mind, one necessary consideration is scale.
Like in any avenue of design, scale is important for wallpaper, Farrow says.
This can result in awkward cut-offs and incomplete patterns.
This mistake can prove especially dire if youve chosen a hand-painted or printed pattern.
This is a mistake waiting to happen, Yates reveals.
People dont consider what they want the focal point to be, he says from experience.
Keep your wallpaper installation to the very end of the job.
While were all for a creative, money-saving solution, wallpaper installation isnt a place to skimp.
An amateur wallpaper job leaves too much room for error, designers say.
Even inexpensive, short-term, and DIY-favoritepeel-and-stick wallpaperisnt as foolproof as it seems, according to the pros.
During installation, take care to arrange straight, even seams to avoid an eyesore, Farrow advises.
With experience, a professional can sidestep this potential catastrophe.
