I've had this wallpaper for months and now I'm wondering if I can get it up before the HGTV crew comes. I would jump in and do it but the problem is I don't know how to wallpaper! I didn't know how to rewire a chandelier and I taught myself that so I don't know why I'm letting this wallpaper thing intimidate me. Well, that's a lie, I do know why. Back in the 80s I tried to add a wallpaper border to my bathroom. Everything was going along fine and when I was about 3/4 of the way around the room the border starting falling off the wall and before I could get off the ladder it was all on the floor! Now, that I'm older and wiser I think the problem was that I was wallpapering it onto a glossy painted wall!
I saw this rug on sale and Bed, Bath and Beyond and bought it not knowing for sure if it was the right blue to match the wallpaper. I lucked out...it matches perfectly and it was 1/2 off!
See the little night light that looks like a crystal chandelier? I bought that at TJ Maxx for $5.99. When I got it home I remembered that whoever did the electrical in my apartment put ALL the plugs in upside down! It' won't plug in the way it's supposed to, I have to turn it upside down...it just doesn't look right upside down! I guess I need to learn how to change out electrical plugs next! Believe it or not that sounds easier than wallpapering to me!
It's so hot here. We are in the middle of a heat wave and it's supposed to be 100 degrees today! The carpet cleaner is coming Saturday which means I need to start cleaning all the tissues and papers and who knows what else Beau has taken under our beds and shredded. It looks like an explosion went off under there. Our upstairs bedrooms get so hot so the thought of cleaning out under the bed in 100 degree weather does not sound fun!
Don't forget to enter my giveaway if you haven't already!
UPDATE: Per Laura's request...click here to see where I purchased the wallpaper.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Bathroom Project
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44 comments:
How can you go wrong with toile &
a chandelier?????????! Can't wait to see the result!!
M ^..^
Cindy:
The plug is an easy fix.
Turn off the break FIRST. Then unscrew the coverplate, take it off, unscrew the plug. there will be two screws. Then simply turn it around and put all the screws back in place.
turn the breaker back on.
That little chandeliers is adorable.... everything looks like such a delightful shade of blue.... I love it.... do it... I know you can...you are such a star
Cindy:
Love the blue, so very you! I have wallpapered before, love the look afterwards, but oh the task of it all. A bathroom would not be too hard though, you really are one of the most determined and resourceful gals I know. I am sure it will turn out fantastic.
Love ya,
Debbie
JUST DO IT! We all know you can.. the wallpaper is just GORGEOUS!! Please post the name of the brand or where you got it. I LOVE IT!! And oh the darling chandelier so very "Romantic"
Can't wait to see the results!!
Laura
What pretty paper ~LOVE that tiny night light chandelier !!!! Can't wait to see the finished room:)
crystal
Actually, I'm more intimidated by paint than wallpaper. I guess it's just what you're accustomed to. I've wallpapered with success, but I'm too impatient, I think, to paint. I also love decoupage, and it's the same process, though. Good luck with everything!
Brenda
Your bathroom will be a dream place when that paper, night light and rug are all in place. You can wallpaper. Just be sure to prep your walls before papering. If you go to a paint and paper place they can tell you exactly what to do. And they may have classes. I'm anxious to see it when it's done. Be sure to take before pictures, too. ~Adrienne~
I haven't been by for awhile and I'm just now learning about hgtv. Wow, Cindy! You must be thrilled. Can't wait to hear what the experience is like!!
You will be fine hanging the wallpaper. I like to hang wallpaper better that painting.
Adrienne is right that you should go ask some questions first. My advice would be to double check your measurements and line up your pattern before you cut. Wallpaper has a lot more paste on it than it used to, that helps.
You do so many things on your own--you will be fine. And you will love seeing each piece after you hang it.
If I lived near you, I would come over and help.
BTW, I lvoe the little chandelier!!
Hi Cindy,
Wallpaper is easy. I always start in a corner. I over lap about 4 inches around the corner to start the other wall. It makes it easier to start the match up process, and leave about 2 inches at the top at the ceiling, you can cut that later.
The electrical out let. All you need to do is unscrew the two screws and just flip it around, all your doing is just twisting the wires. That happened to me in an apartment and that's what I did. If your scared turn the breaker off.
Good luck to you.
Glenda
P.S. I get my wallpaper from them as well. Great choice.
Glenda
Great choice on the wallpaper, Cindy. It really isn't that hard to hang wallpaper, which I'm sure you will discover once you get it started. In fact, I think it's kind of fun. Matching the pattern and cutting wisely to avoid a lot of waste is the hardest part. Just do a little reading on the internet first to get the basic tips. Or Home Depot or Lowes should have free "how to" pamphlets.
If you haven't got them already, there will be a few tools you will need to buy, like a brush to smooth out wrinkles & bubbles, a seam roller, and a tray to soak your paper in. All the items you need are generally sold in a kit.
I have no doubt in my mind that you can wallpaper successfully. If you are intimidated, perhaps you have a friend or co-worker who has done it before and would be glad to help you out, especially for this momentous occasion! It's actually easier if you have a helper anyway. Good luck!
...sigh....Cindy, you just always come up with the prettiest things.... I just LOVE that blue!! It looks so calming & peaceful! I hope it doesn't get too awfully hot for you!!
If you don't turn the breaker off when switching the light(just twisting the wires) then be careful not to touch the bare(no plastic covering) wires or the screws they are attached to!
That is the cutest nightlight. And I love the wallpaper! Toile is my favorite!
Pretty pretty!
Becky
Hi Cindy,
I love the toile. We have confidence in you! You go girl :). Here is a great How-to site, for hanging wallpaper, by Waverly.
http://www.waverly.com/Project/wpdirect.asp
Easy to understand instructions with photos.
I think it is easier to hang paper with two people ~ as long as you agree which person is the leader, and which one is the helper LOL (very important).
Looking forward to seeing the results.
Karen at Ciderantiques
Cindy,
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you CAN hang wallpaper...I've done it...so I know you can! A lot of gals have given you great advice...I especially agree with Adrienne and Glenda...and the tools Shari recommended are essential along with a friend that knows YOU are the BOSS!
In the bathrooms I have wallpapered...I did add wallpaper glue (even if the paper was pre-pasted) because bathrooms are high humidity areas I have found that adding that extra paste is a good thing (if you use paste you won't need the roller pan to dip the paper in)...the paste keeps it from peeling back later down the road. Also, wall prep is essential...very easy to do...but important. If your wall has light texturing on it...you may want to hit it with some sand paper (to elliviate the texture from showing through the wallpaper)...then wipe down and paint on a wall paper prep (this REALLY helps the wallpaper adhere...but not stick so much if you decide to change it out later that it would pull the paper off the sheetrock) you don't know how many times I have had to deal with that nightmare...and that is NOT fun.
Again, go for it...nothing like a "deadline" to get you motivated...I can't wait to see your fininshed product...OH...and PLEASE turn the breaker "off" when you are flipping your outlet...PLEASE!!
Blessings...and good luck.
Teresa
I love the wall paper and rug! I am sure you will do just fine wallpapering.
Stay cool,
ginger
So cute & I'm with you on the wallpaper thing. Back in the 90's I decided to also do a border but mine was a quilt pattern with hunter green, navy & burgundy. Can you only imagine??? The outlet switch does sound so much simpler - unscrew, twist, rescrew! ta-da! Good luck - can't wait to see it all in place.
Cindy:
This is the first time that I leave you a comment, but I have to tell you what a darling home you have. I like every thing you do,I am sure your bathroom is going to turn beautiful. You inspired me to put some picture of my home in RTS.Good Luck
You can do the wallpapering. Be sure to let the glue on the back of the paper cure (by booking it) and it should stay up just fine.
Just one mention on the plug...the builders deliberately put the plugs that are on the circuit breaker line upside down. There is a name, but I don't know what it is. Make sure your plug isn't that. They usually have at least one of those in a bathroom. I can't wait to see the finished bathroom. And you KNOW you want it done for HGTV!
Hiya...putting up wallpaper is so darn easy-peasy. No lie. The paper comes pre-glued. All I do is measure the paper (leaving an inch or so for cutting one edge to match the top or bottom of the wall using a sharp blade & ruler) Most walls are not straight, so make sure you make a plum line. Anywho, just take that long piece you've cut and unroll it into the tub of water, then you just fold it onto itself placing the glue sides together/paper sides together making a bundle about 30 inches long.(do not crease the paper obviously lol) I then take it out of the water and let the extra water drip off. Next I place the paper next to the plum line drawn on the wall. I like to use a soft face cloth to help me smooth the paper onto the wall, socks work well too. Just work from the middle to the edge so you'll work out all the bubbles. I think the hardest part is matching up the pattern... but you could manage that I'm sure. Also... something else I think is important. Your going to have to overlap the paper a smidge because it does tend to shrink. (not as much as the vintage papers though) anywho.... from the entry into the room, make sure your paper is overlapping away from your entry. If not you will see nothing but the "joins" in the paper. Hopefully that makes sense! You should use a brayer over the seams to get a good grip, if it pulls from the wall, just use some elmers glue to stick it back on. Lastly, if it doesn't look good. Just use a squirt bottle with hot water to get it off.
Also, next time you try a border-- use thumb tacks to hold it up while you hang the rest of the roll. ~Cheryl
Cindy,
I bought the same night lite, the plug on the nite lite twists all the way around. I don't know if it will work but I thought I would tell you anyways. Let me know if it works.
Kelly
Oh how I would love to see the bathroom done! That little chandelier is sooo romantic, and the wallpaper is gorgeous!Thanks Lauren for letting us know where to get it.
Can't wait to see the bathroom when you get it finished! The wallpaper is beautiful! Congrats on being chosen for HGTV! It will be so neat to see everyone's home, and put names with faces!
~Rhonda :)
That's the wall paper I got to do my bathroom with too! We are going to put up beadboard and wall paper the top. But I'm to chicken and to lazy to do it myself so I will hire someone.
I love the chandelier! My TJ Max has never had any cute lamps. I keep searching though.
Can't wait to see your room done.
My vote is YES do it before HGTV comes. You will so happy you did.
Joanne
I'm with you on the wallpapering. I've never had the desire to try to tackle that job.
Would you have to take it down before you moved?
~elaine!
love love love the night light chandy.... got to go get one of those !!! Good luck on wallpapering... I am still going thru wallpaper removal stress syndrome... good luck girl... you love a challenge dont ya ????
Hi Cindy,
Oh my gosh, you are having a heatwave down there too. We have an upstairs bedroom too and it's no fun when it's 100 outside - hey, tomorrow's going to be hotter they say.
I've got to make it to my TJMaxx tomorrow during lunch or first thing Saturday - I love that little chandelier. You can change the electrical plugs. Cindy, you really should have your own show. I would tune in every week happily. That wallpaper is gorgeous and you made me laugh - I did the borders thing in the late 80s - ick! You can do the amazing toile.
Now please, let's have a breeze ;)
~Tracie
Oh my gosh, I see someone's left directions at left for the plug. I'm going to take notes.
Cindy,
Your bathroom is going to look fabulous!! I actually have the same blue in my bathroom. Do you have a Home Goods? I bought some Hotel Quality towels in that color blue that were discounted! 2 towels,2 hand towels and 2 washclothes for $15.00 I'm going to be eagerly anticipating pictures of your bathroom. Good
Good luck wallpapering
The plug is easy. . . just turn off the power, remove the plate, then the two screws on the top and bottom of the plug, turn it around and replace the scews. Turn back on power and hang your dang fancy night light!! Easy-Peezy. Done it myself many, many times.
Blessings,
Sher
P.S. One thing about the wallpaper, I do see now that someone has already told you how to put it up. . . but I would add AFTER removing it from the water, BOOK IT. Yes, that's the term, BOOK IT. Put the paper together - both ends touch in the middle. Think. . . like a letter "C", but closed opening. . . and let the glue activate. If you don't the glue will be too runny and go everywhere. Again, experience in this department too - - runny glue - - makes a mess on the floor, walls, YOU.
Blessings and Good Luck. . . YOU, if anyone, CAN DO IT!!!!
Sher
Hi Cindy! I have been visiting your blog for about a year now and have enjoyed every minute. You are an inspiration to me. We are in the process of finishing up remodeling on our 1938 cottage style home (949sq ft on the main floor and 949 sq ft in the basement). It is small but we love it and you have inspired me so much.
I have been purging and actually have a book on "basic home wiring" in the "to go" pile, and I would like to send it to you. Send me a mailing address and I will get it off to you. I'm sure you can tackle any outlet in your home!
Take care,
Debbie
You can email me at dbroberts5649@msn.com
Your wallpaper is absolutely beautiful and I am sure you will master it in no time. I read your blog everyday and it's just very inspiring. Thanks
Thanks Cindy for entering me in your giveaway. I do not have a blog of my own, but read yours everyday, I'm hooked! By the way, great price on the nightlite, at our TJ Maxx it is 12.99, can you believe?! Someone is pricing wrong. Have a great day. jimdaphne1@juno.com
My only advice regarding wallpaper is to not drink margaritas while you are hanging it.
My friend and I spent a hilarious, hot afternoon hanging wallpaper in her kitchen and drinking margaritas and when we were done we noticed we hung the border upside down.
I used to hang wallpaper for a living - it's easy. I can email you tips if you like.
Cindy, I know you can do it, I papered my bath in very similiar paper. Just be sure you have a very, very sharp blade to cut the trim. I waited for some of it to dry thinking it would be easier, it was not.
Also, it's very important that the first peice goes up perfectly straight. Be sure you use a plumb line. And it's much easier if you have two doing it. Volunteer your daughter for the job.
I bought my paper from thewallpaperlady and she had better prices than your source.
What kind of shower curtain are you planning on? I'm looking forward to seeing this done! Mary
OMG!!!!
your not going to believe this but I am considering buying that exact toile wallpaper for my bathroom.
its between that one and a pink toile have decided yet!!!
how funny!
we will have to exchange our bath redo pictures,
Wallpapering is really not that hard and since you have a very forgiving pattern youll be fine.
sometimes its good to use a busy pattern because it hides the mistakes if you dont match up correctly.
smiles,
Sandy
Love the toile wallpaper. I too am intimidated by wallpapering. My mom had to wallpaper two of my rooms for me - and even though I watched her entire process, I'm not sure I could complete it by myself. With that being said - good luck. Although with your craftiness, I'm sure it won't be a big undertaking for you. Can't wait to see the finished project! :-)
Love your wallpaper. I bought mine at the same place except mine is the yellow and blue. Although it is prepasted, I always paste and of course, make sure you size the wall. I must check out Marshall's for the dishes. Simply beautiful. I have lots of white porcelaine by Godinger from TJMaxx and Home Goods. Love those shops. Will be checking out HGTV. Lilly
I love your blog! Please enter me in your contest. Thanks! renee9558@yahoo.com
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