The dining room has been a work in progress for a long while now. It’s still not complete but we’re one step further on the journey. I know what you’re thinking “Heather, you’re a paint girl. What on earth are you doing with wallpaper?” Well, I don’t know! I’ve never papered before and had no idea what it entailed. But looking at this before photo just shows that something was missing and paint wasn’t going to fix it.
I won’t lie, this was a pretty big education for me. Paint I understand. This wallpaper business was new territory completely. I wasted a lot of paper. I got angry. I walked away and then came back to it the next day and wrapped it up. Now that it’s complete and I learned what I needed to learn, the next attempt will go much smoother and yes, if I had it to do over again, I’d still jump at the chance because just look at the result!
It is so bright and cheery! It makes the whole lower floor feel open and happy and I’m thrilled with how it looks. This floral wallpaper has a vintage vibe to it and it just pulls everything together in the perfect way – it makes sense now.
The pattern is Foxglove from Graham and Brown. It’s lilac and lime (although, I’d argue it’s less lime and more yellow in person) and the colours feel so fresh and pretty. They set off the painted table and the background colour is a creamy white that works perfectly with our builder’s beige and dark wood floors. I couldn’t be happier!
Matching up the pattern was easier than I thought and that part went smoothly. Dealing with the glue went smoothly too and I didn’t have any trouble with bubbles or wrinkles. Cutting and measuring was the difficult part – the corners threw me for a loop and boy oh boy – two days later and my thighs are still burning from going up and down the ladder and squatting to work near the floor. It wasn’t a huge wall but it took some time while I figured everything out. Now that it’s all done, I can sit back and enjoy!
The very best part about this paper? It has bees on it. I mean….how could I not love it? I really love the pattern placement too. The eye isn’t drawn to any one area in particular which allows it to be beautiful, but not distracting. What do you think? Would you attempt to paper in your home?
Heather this looks fantastic! I am falling in love with wallpaper more and more!! What a gorgeous transformation!
I am now, and forever more, pro-wallpaper!
It looks so fresh! I know how much easier it is to paint, but wallpaper can really make a room. So happy with my decision to wallpaper our powder room recently. Now I just need to finish the rest of it!
Oh! I’m coming to find your photos…
Fabulous job, Heather! I really love the softness the floral brings to the space – and the colours are amazing. I also am having a bit of a love affair with your dining hutch 🙂
that hutch was handed down from my Grandma. It’s a favorite piece of mine!
You picked a great pattern! We are planning our first wallpaper adventure soon – wish me luck! Lol.
Good luck!!
It looks so great! I love when people are t afraid to go outside their comfort zone and end up with rooms this awesome.
Thanks Kim!
Woah, that looks beautiful!! I love that wallpaper you choose, it is so fresh and pretty. You’ve done a wonderful job coordinating everything (without it being matchy-matchy) – very well put together!!
Love – am I crazy for thinking I can do this???
I went in knowing nothing and I did it! Just make sure you buy an extra roll (or two) so you can make mistakes 😉
Would you do a wall with two windows or am I extra crazy for trying that 😉 ?
I watched these videos and they helped. There’s one for going around windows. I used a straight edge and exacto knife instead of scissors and felt that was easier. http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/blog/how-to/wallpapering-around
My gosh, what a difference it made. Love it so much I’m tempted to try wallpapering myself. Also your photos are fantastic.
Thank you so much!
I love the bees! The room really does perk up.
I love the bees too. And I didn’t even know there were bees until I started putting it on the wall. It was meant to be mine!
Wow! What a difference! I love how wallpaper can (not so) instantly change a room! I just finished wallpapering my front foyer and love it!
Ha. No, it’s not so instant. But it does serve a wonderful purpose and it was exactly what we needed.
This is so gorgeous, Heather! I love love love it! It’s so bright and fresh and really adds some drama to the room.
I would probably give up half way, and then hire someone – so I commend your stick-with-it-ness. 🙂
oh I did give up halfway LOL. But then I came back to it with a plan of attack and it was no problem. Sometimes walking away is a good idea 🙂
I love, love, love your dining room. When you posted a small pic of the wallpaper, I wasn’t sure. But in your house it looks amazing. I love wallpaper but it scares the hell out of me. You are tempting me to give it a try….or invite you over for a wallpapering party!
I bet you could find a fab pattern for the cottage!
Oh. My. Goodness. LOVE IT!!! Doesn’t even look like the same room!!! Seriously I had to look again at the original photo to make sure! Totally love it! My Mom has been looking for vintage looking wallpaper… I will definitely tell her about this beautiful wallpaper from Graham & Brown.
P.S. Did I say that I loved it?? 🙂
LOL! Tell me how you really feel Christine 😉
OMG I LOVE this paper!! It looks amazing, like a house in a magazine. Now I want wallpaper.
DO IT!
WOW, what a transformation a little wallpaper makes! Looks fabulous, and you’re right the bees are soo cute!
Thanks Virginia!