Bedroom Refresh Wallpapered Accent Wall

My bedroom makeover is finally complete, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results! Today, I’m excited to reveal the dramatic impact of a single accent wall that I believe truly brings all the elements of this room together. This transformation also gives me the perfect opportunity to share my top tips for achieving impeccably clean and smooth wallpaper cuts – a secret to professional-looking DIY results.

I’ve always been captivated by the understated elegance of grasscloth wallpaper. Its classic texture and subtle pattern create an inviting atmosphere, free from the fleeting trends or overwhelming designs often found in other wall coverings. However, the price tag associated with genuine grasscloth can be a significant deterrent for many DIY enthusiasts, myself included. Thankfully, there are incredible budget-friendly alternatives that capture its timeless appeal without breaking the bank.

My journey with textured walls began long before this bedroom project. When we first moved into our lake house, I utilized textured Anaglypta wallpaper to cleverly conceal a damaged wall in the dining area, seamlessly blending it with the kitchen. I’ve even experimented with painting faux grasscloth in a once-dark hallway, demonstrating the versatility of achieving a similar look through different mediums.

You might recall from my previous bedroom makeover update how the room appeared before this pivotal change. The expansive wall behind the bed, flanked by windows, was a blank canvas. This very wall has now been transformed into a stunning focal point, thanks to the application of beautiful, high-quality faux grasscloth wallpaper. The change is truly remarkable, elevating the entire room’s aesthetic. You can find resources for all the items used in this bedroom at the end of this post.

While I typically favor crisp white walls for a clean and airy feel, this particular bedroom presented a unique challenge: a perpetually dark corner, regardless of how brightly the sun shone. This observation inspired my vision for a classic grasscloth wallpaper in a soothing blue hue, aiming to introduce warmth and depth. The moment the first piece was hung, my doubts vanished; I instantly knew this decision was the right one.

With each subsequent strip of wallpaper applied, I found myself stepping back, taking in the evolving view. The transformation was captivating, especially from the vantage point of my home’s foyer. This particular angle, offering the first glimpse into the refreshed bedroom, instantly became my favorite, truly affirming the aesthetic power of the accent wall.

The existing wall paint, Bastille BluefromGlidden, perfectly complements the new wallpaper, creating a cohesive and inviting color palette. If you’re looking for more details on my color choices, you can read my previous post here: Bedroom Color Inspiration. Upon hanging the final piece of wallpaper and stepping back to admire the complete picture, I was convinced: my decision to incorporate this accent wall was undeniably correct. Counterintuitively, the room now feels not only brighter but also perceptibly larger, a testament to the strategic use of color and texture.

I genuinely couldn’t be more delighted with this vinyl interpretation of faux grasscloth. From a distance, it remarkably mimics the appearance of authentic texture, yet to the touch, it’s completely smooth and easy to clean. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking the aesthetic appeal of grasscloth without the associated maintenance. For those eager to replicate this look, you can find details on where to purchase this specific wallpaper at the end of this article.

Transforming just one wall with wallpaper proved to be neither difficult nor time-consuming. The simplicity of using pre-pasted wallpaper, combined with the absence of a complex pattern to align, streamlined the entire process significantly. This made for a genuinely enjoyable and quick DIY project.

Crucially, the day before hanging the wallpaper, I applied a wall primer and sizing. This often-overlooked step is vital for several reasons: it ensures optimal adhesion of the wallpaper, resulting in a smooth, long-lasting finish. Furthermore, when the time comes for a future redecoration, this primer will make the wallpaper removal process considerably easier, preventing damage to your walls. A little preparation goes a long way!

Here’s a closer look at the partial wall that thoughtfully delineates the bed area from what was once an outdoor porch, now transformed into a cozy painted brick walled space. The combined effect of the newly painted brick and updated flooring has successfully merged these two distinct areas, creating a harmonious and unified flow within the room – precisely one of my primary goals when embarking on this makeover.

The entire wallpaper installation for this accent wall took approximately three hours, making it an ideal weekend project. I simply set up a folding table in my foyer to serve as a convenient surface for cutting and moistening the wallpaper before hanging it. While wallpapering might seem daunting, it’s genuinely manageable for most DIYers. I won’t provide a comprehensive hanging tutorial here, as countless excellent guides are readily available online that offer far more detailed instructions than I could. However, I am eager to share two crucial wallpaper trimming tips that will significantly help you achieve seamless, professional-level results every time.

How To Create an Accent Wall in a Room With Wallpaper

Selecting the right wall for your accent treatment is key to maximizing its visual impact. Begin by identifying the most prominent wall in the room. In my bedroom, this was clearly the wall where the bed is positioned, naturally drawing the eye. However, an accent wall could also be a unique architectural feature, a cozy niche, or a wall that anchors a significant piece of furniture like a fireplace or a bookshelf.

If you’re uncertain about which wall to choose or want to visualize the effect before committing to wallpaper, a smart strategy is to first paint your chosen wall in a contrasting or complementary color. This allows you to observe how a single-colored wall impacts the room’s overall aesthetic and focal point. If the result isn’t what you envisioned, you can easily repaint it, minimizing risk before moving on to wallpaper.

What is the Best Tool To Cut Excess Wallpaper Once It is Hung

When it comes to trimming excess wallpaper after it’s hung, there’s an array of specialized tools available on the market. However, I advocate for simplicity and efficiency. My preferred method involves using a sturdy straight-edge combined with a reliable utility knife. Specifically, I highly recommend this Multi-Purpose Straight Edge Tool Paint Guide. Paired with a snap-off blade utility knife, this duo provides unparalleled precision and ease for crisp cuts.

How to Trim Excess Wallpaper Using the Straight Edge Tool and Knife

• Always use a fresh, sharp blade: This is arguably the most critical tip for achieving clean, professional-looking cuts without tearing or snagging the wallpaper. A dull blade will only frustrate you and result in ragged edges. The beauty of a snap-off blade utility knife is its convenience; you can simply snap off a used segment to expose a razor-sharp edge after just a few cuts. Since these knives are often inexpensive, you won’t hesitate to use a fresh blade as frequently as needed, ensuring consistently smooth results.
• After carefully positioning your straight edge against the molding, ceiling, or corner, always guide your utility knife along the *outside* edge of the straight edge. This technique ensures that the knife is not pressing directly against the finished wallpaper, thereby preventing any accidental damage, dents, or tears to the newly applied surface as you trim.

• As illustrated in the photo above, ensure you cut the wallpaper precisely along the outside edge of your straight edge tool. This consistent approach guarantees a clean, precise trim every single time.

• Never attempt to cut excess wallpaper freehand with just a knife. Always, without exception, use a straight edge of some description. This could be a specialized wallpaper guide, a thin ruler, a yardstick, or even another sturdy straight object. The key is to provide a firm, consistent guide for your blade to ensure a perfectly straight line, especially around windows, doors, and corners.

• It’s easy to make a mistake when trimming. I constantly have to remind myself: cut on the *outside* edge of the straight-edge. Cutting on the inside, as depicted in the ‘Don’t’ example image, risks nicking or tearing the wallpaper you’ve just dedicated time and effort to hang, compromising your otherwise perfect finish.

Should Wallpaper Be Wet or Dry When Trimming Around Moldings, Corners or Ceilings

Timing is crucial when trimming wallpaper for a flawless finish. Avoid cutting wallpaper when it is still wet; attempting to do so will almost certainly result in a ragged, uneven edge and potential tearing. Instead, allow the paper to dry slightly, but don’t wait until it is completely dry and firmly adhered, as this can make trimming more difficult and risk pulling the paper. I find the optimal window is about 15 minutes after hanging. At this point, the paper has had a chance to set a bit, allowing for a smooth, clean cut when using your metal paint edging tool and a fresh snap-off blade utility knife.

With the accent wall complete, all the decorative elements have fallen into place, creating a cohesive and inviting sanctuary. Even my husband’s desk, beautifully refinished with Liberty Blue Fusion Mineral Paint, now harmonizes perfectly within the room, completing the transformation.