Luminous Branches

I just wrapped up another wallpapering project for a new client. My friend Katie reached out to me for some help with her powder room. Katie described the space as very dated in need of a refresh. It felt very 1980s.

Here is a look at what Katie’s powder room looked like before the remodel with everything taken out:

Katie bests describes her style as pretty traditional but likes colors that are bright and cheery. She loves shades of blue the most! Katie and her husband made a fantastic wallpaper choice. She found this beautiful blue and gold wallpaper from York Wallcoverings. The name of the wallpaper is Luminous Branches. She enlisted my help for the installation. Before we could install the new wallpaper, the old wallpaper had to go first. I also gave the ceiling a paint touch up with Behr Whisper White. Sometimes you can wallpaper on top of wallpaper, but in this case the wallpaper was starting to peel off in certain sections.

Supplies for wallpaper removal

• Wagner Wallpaper Remover Steamer(highly recommend!!!)
• Large trash bags
• WP Chomp Wallpaper Stripper
• Putty Knife Scrappers
• Krud Klutter spray
• sponge and water-for cleaning wall

Steps to remove wallpaper

1. Pour water into water compartment and plug in steamer. Wait 10-12 minutes before using.
2. Place the steamer at the bottom of the wall and hold for 10 seconds. Then start scrapping the wallpaper off as you move up the wall repeating this to the top.
3. Use the WP Chomp Wallpaper stripper to spray any difficult areas near switches or outlets. Use a scrapper after the correct amount of wait time.
4. Dispose of all wallpaper in garbage bags.
5. Wipe down walls with Krud Klutter spray and paper towels.

Supplies for installing wallpaper

• Rolls of wallpaper (I used 3 double rolls and had a little extra to spare)
• heavy duty adhesive-check your wallpaper info sheet for what type of adhesive is recommended
• wallpaper primer and sizer
• priming and adhesive brush supplies and tray
• wallpaper tool kit (smoother tool, seam roller, etc)
• Sharp utility knife with multiple blades
• measuring tape
• level and (laser level) optional
• pencil
• painters tape (optional) I love to mark the pattern drop and repeats
• bucket, water and clean sponge

How to install wallpaper (specially non pre pasted)

1. Using a roller brush and hand brush, paint the wallpaper primer on the walls and wait the recommended time before installing the wallpaper.
2. I have a hunch you already measured the room if you ordered the wallpaper, but I always like to map out where my first panel will start and stop on the wall. I use my tape measure to estimate the width of my panels all around the room. Mine were 27″ wide and I always find starting by a door or in an inconspicuous place is best. It’s unlikely that your full panel width will fill the entire space seamlessly as you install it around the room.
3. After you have decided on a start and stop point, you can measure and cut your first panel. Remember to always leave 2-4 inches at the top and bottom of your panel so you have enough wiggle room. The Luminous Branches I was installing had a drop match repeat. This means the pattern slightly drops on each matching panel in a diagonal. I laid out the first panel and cut a second panel to match it up. I used painters tape on both panels where the pattern matched up. My print was very fluid so this really helped when I was installing it on the wall.
4. Prior to installing your first panel, mark a plumb line(straight line down your wall) with a pencil and level or use a laser level on the wall. This will be your guide when installing the first panel of wallpaper. It is crucial to get this perfectly straight.
5. Next, apply adhesive only to the space where you are installing the panel. The adhesive will dry if you add it to the whole wall before hand. I found a roller brush for the large area worked well and a smaller angled brush worked great for any angled areas especially near the ceiling.
6. After your first panel is installed, continue measuring, cutting, and installing the wallpaper around the room.

After Pictures

Katie describes her new powder room as truly gorgeous and whimsical! Her favorite new gold accent piece is the mirror. When I asked if she would add wallpaper to another area in the house, she said “Definitely”

This is a powder room for the books. It is truly beautiful! I always enjoy coming home to you! I can’t wait to see what’s next!