Comments on: dear d*s: faux-wallpaper + reader advice needed!

By: Chelsey

Chelsey — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:06:51 +0000

I’ve tried the fabric with starch and it worked great. I used a bedspread from Urban Outfitters that I picked up on clearance and it was large enough to cover my whole wall.

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:15:52 +0000

After painting the walls… One quick fix would be to put a simple block-out or roller blind on the window behind the bed, then add a large sheer or light weight curtain, making it as wide & as long as you can to create the sense of space. You can still open the roller blind by day if you need to but I’d keep the sheer curtains down almost like a false wall. Also the tip about including metallic & silver will liven up the space, have fun.

By: daisy janie

daisy janie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:49:41 +0000

In a previous life, I painted funky designs in clients’ homes that looked like wallpaper. No stencils, no stamps. A lot of measuring, taping, and layering techniques. Repetition and symmetry are key.

By: Mel

Mel — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:17:04 +0000

Having lived in the attic of a former convent for 13 years, I say don’t fight the sloping walls, beams, and odd angles–don’t hide them, embrace them! Even with high ceilings, the sloping walls are impossible for tall furniture. I learned to ditch tall furniture and go low–and the view of the architectural interest from a low platform bed is amazing, especially with the morning light streaming in and bouncing off all the odd walls. Just 2 cents from someone who’s been there! Good luck…

By: MK

MK — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:58:55 +0000

Kate,

I think you should try out a nice, moody grey to really tie your antique vs. modern mood together. It really does make any room like stunningly Parisian.

Also, (and this is totally unsolicited advice) you may want to pull that gorgeous rug up closer to your bed, maybe have it about 1/3 under the bed? I think the eye is getting a little too inundated with dark wood and missing out on the beautiful shape of your headboard as the floor underneath it is the same color. That rug could really make your bed pop beautifully.

Happy decorating!

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:26:55 +0000

Kate,

Your bed reminds me of furniture I had growing up.

I like the idea of a blue wall that matches the blue of your bedspread. Blue is a nice contrast to all of the browns in your room. This would highlight the stained glass windows, which I think are interesting features of the room. Painting the ceiling a similar but slightly lighter color would give the place a cozy but modern feel.

As for accent colors, I think about brighter white (maybe even a cream) for pillows and shades (maybe roman shades?), and silver pieces for accessories.

Graham and Brown makes some lovely wallpaper in your color scheme.

If you have white or cream accents, this one might work:
http://www.grahambrown.com/us/product/57188/Elinor+%3A+White+Wallpaper/11?show=

It looks like they have other nice choices too!

By: Lydia, Clueless Crafter

Lydia, Clueless Crafter — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:40:48 +0000

Kanya and Sara have got it right. By using drapes and high curtain rods you’re masking the architectural deficits of the room without having to sacrifice the hugely important natural light.

Kanya’s picture also highlights another important aspect. Look how different patterns are combined. The added visual interest will take the spotlight off the window and onto the decor.

Building out from the window, carving the sense of a planned space for the bed will make the room feel so luxurious.

By: HOlly

HOlly — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:30:25 +0000

love sara’s idea. Drapey curtains headed back toward the wall a little and then down. lovely.

By: sara

sara — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:24:12 +0000

I agree with Kayna — a wide swath of fabric behind the bed in question 2 would look dramatic and help hide the awkwardness. How about hanging the rods at the ceiling (outside the alcove) and tucking the curtains behind the headboard, giving it a tentlike canopy feel?

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:52:32 +0000

Also if you are looking for a wallpaper effect, I have another good idea. You can put fabric up on your walls. I have heard of people even using staples or hot glue to attach strips of fabric to walls but I would recommend using a starch. This way you can turn any fabric into the wallpaper you want without the cost and a much easier removal process.

http://www.rentaldecorating.com/quick_fix_fabric_on_walls.htm