5 Questions to Ask: When to wallpaper and when to paint
When planning a space, I spend hours, days, weeks, okay months and sometimes even years gathering inspiration, ordering samples, compiling variations of decor with a single wallpaper. I want to see it all and know it’ll work before placing any orders.
My biggest dilemma as of late has been to wallpaper or to paint. Some rooms scream — wallpaper me! While others, could be brightened, energized or structured by the perfect hue of paint color. While I don’t have the magic wand, I do have a few questions that have aided me in times of decision paralysis and hope they may bring some guidance to you as well.
Who will see the room? (if few people, ask yourself if the ones that will see it, really care — because let’s be honest, wallpaper is a commitment)
What are in the rooms adjacent to them? (too much wallpaper can actually be too much wallpaper)
Why do you want to wallpaper? (is it because your friend is doing it or because you can’t find the right paint color — neither, as you might suspect, are good reasons to invest and commit to something so permanent. if you think paint could work, carry on in your search for the perfect shade.)
What else needs to be done to the room? (decor like lighting, wall art, rug, trim paint, etc. — factor that in as you are determining ways to add character and design to the room)
Do you have a set budget and if so, are you including the price of not just the paper (calculated rolls (plus some) and shipping) but also priming the walls (usually done by a painter) and installation?
After answering all five of these questions for my foyer, I came to the conclusion that indeed, wallpaper was the better choice for this space. The entryway is flanked by two painted rooms with muted undertones. The front door is our main everyday door so I wanted the entry to have personality and character beyond what a paint color could bring. Despite my initial, and I think brilliant idea, to paint it peach, I was swayed away only because ultimately, it would not provide enough interest to the very tall, otherwise, blank walls.
That being said, I tried nearly 10 wallpaper samples and realized a paper with color would takeaway and distract from the two flanking rooms that I have so quickly grown to love — the conversation room and the living room. So when I came across a vertical, neutral pattern I knew it was the one.
I love the details in this room and think the paper will enhance and set them off even more. Installation day is in two weeks and I can’t wait to show you.
Update! It’s in and looks so good.
How to Design a Classic Boys Bedroom
When we moved into our home in late 2022, I was 38 weeks pregnant and had to press pause on decorating my oldest son’s room. A few years (and plenty of Pinterest saves) later, I finally created a space that feels both playful and timeless—with an Americana theme, smart mix of high and low pieces, and kid-friendly practicality. In the blog, I’m sharing my favorite tips for designing a child’s room that grows with them, stays stylish, and can handle the real-life messes. Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing a space, this post is full of inspiration and real-mom advice. Come take a peek inside Perry’s new big boy room!
When we moved into our home late 2022, I was 38 weeks pregnant with my third and eager to move in before the baby arrived. That meant, waiting on some projects I knew I wanted to do. Including decorating my oldest child's bedroom! A few years later and I finally gave my sweet oldest, Perry, a proper big boy room. Here's my advice when decorating a kid's bedroom to ensure it will grow with them for years to come!
1. Picking a color scheme / style
If you're anything like me, you have a Pinterest board or assortment of Instagram images saved to "Kids Bedroom." Maybe it's just me. But I used those images to settle on a style for his room.
For years, I have been saving down Americana themed boy rooms so I knew going with that color scheme would be a tried and true design for me. I wanted a tattersall style rug to give the room a playful, soft base, and I landed on this Tori Rug from Stanton Carpet. From there, I built the rest of the room.
2. Invest in some, save on others
I'm big on finding pieces that will last and stand the test of time that are worth investing in. Then layering in pieces that I already own or that I find at antique shops or off Facebook marketplace.
For this room, the rug and the headboard are investment pieces that anchor the room. The headboard, custom designed with Coley Home, was an important piece of the design puzzle for me. Since Perry's room already had plantation shutters, I didn't plan on doing other window treatments. I knew I wanted to bring color and warmth in with upholstered headboards.
3. Remember, they will be kids
I love good design but I'm also a realistic mom of 3 kids under 6. Things get messy.
I didn't go over the top with wallpaper or expensive bedding or even a new bedside table. Instead, I painted the walls in a flat Sherwin-Williams Nonchalant White making it easy to touchup, selected cute and affordable bedding and found an antique, distressed dresser to place in between the two twin beds since I knew it would be covered in Legos and Hot Wheels.
The lamp and lampshade are from Ballard and the white dresser is a Pottery Barn Kids classic that I've had for years. It's still available online. I get asked a lot of about the mirror, too! I have several mirrors from Winstons Collection, including this pretty navy one in Perry's room.
You can read more of my thoughts on designing a kids' bedroom on the Coley Home blog I was featured in this month!