Creation of a New Space: Mudroom, Bathroom and Wallpaper

Next up the mudroom and pantry!

From the kitchen, a seamless transition led to the mudroom – a multifunctional space designed for both practicality and aesthetic appeal. Tired of coats and shoes piling up at our front door entrance, I envisioned a drop zone with extra storage space.

In the mudroom, we added extra cabinetry for storage and a panty. Big thanks to Andres’ friend, Arthur, who came to Richmond to give us a hand. In the pantry, we built floating shelves and added wallpaper. We stained the shelves with our favorite Special Walnut stain by Miniwax. Next to the pantry, we updated the powder room with a new custom vanity, designed for this small space, a compact vessel sink, and brass faucets. We added a new mirror and lighting. The wallpaper I found on Wayfair and l loved the Spanish tile vibe. A new toilet completed the room, rendering the space unrecognizable from its original state.

Wallpaper

I have always been drawn to the transformative power of wallpaper. To me, it's more than just a decorative element – it's a form of self-expression, just like artwork on your walls. With its ability to infuse character and personality into any room, it enhances the overall ambiance of a space.

When it comes to purchasing wallpaper, there are three main types: pre-pasted (requiring water for application), non-pasted (requiring paste), and peel-and-stick. Having used each type, I've experienced different results and developed preferences.

Typically, I opt for either pre-pasted or pasted wallpaper for its permanence and generally lower cost per square foot compared to peel-and-stick options. In one project, I used peel-and-stick wallpaper but found that the edges curled up over time, leading me to remove it after six months. Between pre-pasted and non-pasted varieties, I prefer pre-pasted for its ease of manipulation and mobility. Non-pasted wallpaper, once the paste is applied, becomes heavy and challenging to maneuver and align.

For this project in our pantry and powder room, I used pre-pasted. Here are the instructions I followed:

Prepare Your Walls: Clean, smooth, and free of any dust or debris. Repair any imperfections, such as cracks or holes, and sand the surface lightly to create a smooth canvas for the wallpaper.

Gather Your Tools: A spray bottle with water, a smoothing tool, a utility knife, a pencil, a measuring tape, and a wallpaper brush or roller.

Cut the Wallpaper: Measure and cut the wallpaper according to the dimensions of your walls, adding a few extra inches to allow for trimming. There tends to be a lot of waste when wallpapering as you have to match the patterns. The more patterns throughout the wallpaper the more waste there will be.

Activate the Paste: For pre-pasted wallpaper (what I installed here), you activate the adhesive by spraying each strip with water. I give a good spray before putting it on the wall but as I am aligning and installing, I keep the bottle handy to spay the back while it is on the wall to ensure it stays sticky and adheres.

Hang the Wallpaper: Starting from one corner of the room, carefully position the first strip of wallpaper, ensuring that it is straight and aligned with the edges of the wall. Use a smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles and smooth out the wallpaper as you go.

Trim Excess Wallpaper: Once all the strips are in place, use a sharp utility knife to trim any excess wallpaper from the top and bottom edges of the walls, as well as around windows, doors, and other obstacles.

Wallpaper is more than just a decorative element – it's a reflection of who you are and how you want to feel in your space. For me, I feel like I can create a home that is filled with character, personality, and charm with some simple wallpaper.

Before and After of Mudroom and Kitchen

Before and After of Powder Room