May 8, 2012

wrap it up

A few weeks back I mentioned a brainstorming moment brought to you by the number 4 (aka my 4-year-old daughter Amelia).

To recap: my bedroom has a new coat of paint and is ready for some 'flair', Office Space style.


I had to start somewhere so I grabbed a mirror I was luke warm on. But when I stepped back to eye my trusty template, I decided some wrapping paper might be that little somethin' somethin' the space needs. Only less carnival-ish wrapping paper.


For those of you that can't see inside my head, I was thinking something more like this

via Pinterest

Or this. 

via Little Green Notebook
And yes, I know that those examples feature lovely and possibly pricey wallpaper. But I'm on a budget baby, so I'm going for the look for less option. 

I wanted to stick with the blue pallet I had (in my mind) and go for something soft, soothing, dreamy. Don't those words make you feel sleepy and relaxed? Your getting sleepy...

After a long conversation with myself at the art supply store (please tell me you talk to yourself while shopping) I found a winner.

Dogwood Wrapping Paper via Paper Source
Lovely Chinoiserie inspired dogwood. With great pops of black. A room is not complete with out a bit of black. (feel free to knit that on a pillow)

To hang the paper I used 3M Command Poster Strips. I bought the bulk pack and used 8 strips on each sheet.
Starting at the top of the wall I positioned the first paper exactly where I wanted it to sit between the window and the other wall. Then, I put the second piece below that, layering it over the first piece just slightly in order to have the pattern flow a bit better. I repeated this until I had covered the wall from ceiling to floor. 

The paper is 20" x 30" a sheet and I used 3 pieces for each wall@ $3.50 a sheet. So for just over $20 I had myself two budget friendly panels.

this picture is how I learned that I needed to overlap the pieces

A good start, but it needed to be framed to look 'finished'. I thought about getting some wood trim but then immediately thought about needing to prime and paint and cut said trim so that was quickly axed. Instead I went with the easier softer option of black grosgrain ribbon. (more black)

The command strips were wider than the ribbon so instead I just lightly glued it to the paper...not the wall. Glue + wall = hubs takes glue gun away.

the branches don't look black in this picture but I promise they are

I repeated the same process on the other side and with that, all done.


Both panels took about 45 minutes. It would have been even shorter if I lived in a newer house that had  plum walls. Nothing is level in this joint. 


I am pretty smitten with my little panels. And I don't think you would know it was wrapping paper if I hadn't told you. Damn, I shouldn't have told you. Look at my expensive wallpaper!

Can't show you a wider shot of the room yet as there are several more projects going on up in there. (how's that for a tease?!)


I am sooo happy with it. I love the look and it gives the room just what I needed to get my groove back. My design groove that is. My other groove is just fine thank you very much.

What are you grooving on in your house these days?

28 comments:

  1. Yeah, that is CRAZY cute. To my eye, the dogwood design and color palette has a hint of a Japanese slash Asian vibe, so when I saw the way you styled the tabletop, I was dying. Love the character on the vase and the bamboo frame on the clock and the pink flowers that speak "cherry blossoms" to my eyes. Fabulous!

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  2. Love this! It is so pretty. The table looks great with the paper in back and the interesting accessories on top!

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  3. Very clever! I love this idea it really gives the space dimension I can't wait to see the entire space.

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  4. ooo - LOVE IT - you did a great job - I love the way prints add so much to a space!

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  5. Love it! It does look like wallpaper. Can't wait to see the entire space!

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  6. That killer expensive wallpaper must have cost you a FORTUNE!!! Looks really pretty, looking forward to the full dramatic reveal...

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  7. I had my doubts when I first started reading but WOW...they look great and you don't have to feel bad when you get tired and want a change!

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  8. Loving the changes I'm seeing so far!! Can't wait for the pan out shot!

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  9. This is genius...adore the look and who would have thought about doing this - love the dogwood pattern!!

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  10. That sure is purty! I love the ribbon idea...if you don't get your glue gun back, the craft stores sell really thin double sided tape...I can't wait to see it all, from what I can see I'm awfully jealous!

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  11. Amazing! I'm going to include this in my post about inspirational ideas from blogging friends tomorrow, if that's cool with you?

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  12. Love it! It adds such a unique peice of art to the space. Mandy

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  13. LOVE! They look amazing and the black ribbon really accents the prints!

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  14. I love it! Can't wait to see the rest of the room, the chinoiserie touches are fabulous! And totally agree, every room needs a bit of black :) xxx

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  15. That looks seriously fantastic! I'm so impressed. And your styling is showing some serious skills. You go.

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  16. Elizabeth what a great idea! It looks so pretty and now I'm dying to see the rest of it!
    -Lane

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  17. You shouldn't have told;) I would have never known!! Great idea, great look and super money saving!!

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  18. AAAAHHHH it looks even better than I'd imagined!!! I LOVE it!!!! And I especially love that you framed it out in ribbon- what a great idea! This is so inspiring- I'm am pinning this to remember for later! You're a genius Elizabeth!!

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  19. I'm so glad that you commented on my blog. I popped over here and read your entire blog, I love it! The new "art" looks great.

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  20. That is seriously awesome - love it! I can't wait to see the whole room :)

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  21. I love it...I think it is perfect the way it is...but it also gave me an idea. What if you added a pop of color to it by dotting the center (or something like that) of random flowers with an alternative color. Like in your daughter's room? Just a thought of additional inspiration.

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  22. So clever. I love this, Elizabeth! I can't wait to see what you've got hiding in the wider screen shot of your room.

    Happy Mother's Day!

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  23. Elizabeth!!! FANTASTIC!!! I love it, and it's not a major commitment money wise. It is just the ticket for a smashing accent wall. Congratulations on a fantastic room and beautiful styling of your end tables!
    Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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  24. love it! I wish I had visions like this:)

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  25. Love this!!! And love your blog, thanks for coming over so I know about yours now!!

    Lauren

    http://www.threepinkdots.com

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  26. Okay, you are so clever! Hi, I'm Bee and found you over at Decor & Harmony feature post. This is a perfect example of thinking out of the box and making it happen within your budget. It really is lovely and I look forward to seeing the finished room. : ) Also a new follower.

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I love it when you sweet talk me! It makes my day!
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