The Entryway Wallpaper by Tempaper

With the room reveals for the One Room Challenge right around the corner, I’ve been finishing the design of the entryway by installing a batik stripe Peel and Stick Wallpaper by Tempaper.

Say Hello to Batik Stripe Wallpaper

I fell in love with this wallpaper by Tempaper. The subtle patterning really got me. It’s unique in its color way–with almost purple undertones. When you stand back, the sophisticated design steals the show. But, upon closer inspection, it’s whimsical and charming. And don’t get me started on the texture. You can’t help but run your hand over the wall…and it doesn’t disappoint.

Get Started with Your Wallpaper Project

When you start a wallpaper project, the best thing you can do is collect all the tools you’ll need. Find a large enough work area close by that’s relatively clean, so you can roll out the paper and cut it. Decide whether you need s step stool or ladder for the project.

Pictured Here:

• Wallpaper
• L-shaped Square
• Squeegee Tool
• Razor Cutter (with a NEW razor)
• Smoothing Tool
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Tape Measure
• Different Sized Levels

Decide Where to Begin

Depending on your project, the starting point can be one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Why? If you’re wallpapering around the entire room, your beginning spot determines your ending spot. Based on the pattern of your paper, you might need to choose to end in an area that’s inconspicuous and won’t catch everyone’s eye. With subtle patterning, such as this batik stripe I’m using, it would be much easier. Be aware of this as you begin.

Because I am wallpapering an entryway which doesn’t wrap around, and even includes an almost “free-standing” wall, I did not have these concerns. My concerns were based on future projects. For instance, one edge of the wallpaper butts up against a corner of the entry–over a door frame. That small section of wall that meets the wallpaper is painted. I wanted to end the wallpapering at that joining spot, so in the future, if I decided to repaint the color, I could easily replace the last piece of wallpaper if necessary to achieve a clean slate.

On the other end of the hallway, we have soffit in the kitchen. Knowing that we are going to be doing a major kitchen renovation in the coming months, I also wanted to end the wallpaper there. This led me to start wallpapering in the corner that joins the two walls, go to the right to end the wallpaper against the painted wall, then come back to the starting corner, and wallpaper left to end that wall at the kitchen soffit.

Take Measurements + Mark Guide Lines

You’ll want to make sure you know the width of your wallpaper. Start by marking off a guide line of where you’ll begin to install it.

Cut the Wallpaper

I always start off by marking a “T” for top of the new piece I’m about to cut. This can be a time saver along the way, so you aren’t having to figure out which direction it goes, or which end is which.

It’s helpful to have tools nearby to hold one end of the wallpaper down while you roll it out to measure it. It’s best to cut about 2-3 extra inches of wallpaper. This allows you to have enough as you make adjustments at the top and bottom areas.

Use the L square to find the straight edge, and draw a cut line across with your pencil.

Slide the square over slightly so it keeps the paper from rolling up as you are cutting.

Begin the Install

Don’t forget what you’ll need when you’re up on your step stool. I find that it’s best to wear pants with pockets, so you can quickly access tools. I try to always have a small smoothing tool and my razor blade. As you start planning for each additional piece, you might want to also have scissors and a small level close by as you’re working. I typically have the squeegee at my feet for larger pieces.

I find myself checking that the pattern matches on one side, double checking the guide line looks level, and then also using a small level when needed to check accuracy of the install.

I like to use my small smoothing tool for the top of the paper, as well as in areas where there’s not a lot of space. Larger areas, I tend to use the squeegee for smoothing.

Wallpaper Obstacles

No matter which room you’re wallpapering, you’re bound to run into obstacles. Doors, windows, light switches, outlets. Let’s take a look at what you can do to make these wall elements easier to get around.

Wall Objects (Outlets, Switches, Doorbell)

In my case, I’m showing you how I worked around the doorbell that’s placed in the middle of the wall. You’ll want to wallpaper the area as normally as possible prior to reaching the obstacle. Once the top of the wallpaper was stuck in place, right above the doorbell, I pulled out my scissors. I cut into the wallpaper over the center of the object, just to start the cutting process.

Once the initial cut is made, I started cutting small sections out until I had cut a shape that could be pressed down against the wall, one that matched the shape of the doorbell.

Large Wall Frames (Door Frames, Window Frames)

I try to reduce waste as I wallpaper. So, as I’m wallpapering around framing, when I get close to the edge, I will cut a small piece that ends at the edge of the door or window frame. That way, when you do the next portion of wallpaper, it’s like starting over with a fresh piece. This isn’t always easy, based on your pattern, but it’s always worth a try.

You can have a small amount of wallpaper that overlaps the door frame, but keep in mind that the less you have, the easier it is. Be careful as you use your razor to cut along the frame that you don’t cut into the door casing or window trim.

Wall Edges

The other wall obstacle you’ll have is when it ends, and the wallpaper is not going to continue. This will require you to press the wallpaper firmly against the wall so it is completely installed. Then, you’ll take your razor and just gently use the wall edge as a guide, as you lower it down the wall. You’ll want to be aware that the razor is not angled in towards the wall at all–you’ll run the risk of slicing into the wall.

Mistakes Will Be Made

No matter how easy your wallpaper is, there’s a good chance you’ll make a mistake. There are very few things that can’t be fixed. The best thing you can do is to take a deep breath, try not to rush, and just work through it.