How To

How to Decorate a Kitchen with Wallpaper

By eHow Home & Garden Editor
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Wallpaper is a great way to spice up a bland kitchen. From quirky graphics to textured solids, wallpaper comes in a variety of styles. Remember that strong colors and busy patterns will have a minimizing effect on the size of your space while light colors will open up the area.

From Quick Guide: Decorating with Wallpaper
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Wallpaper
  1. Step 1

    Consider the layout of the kitchen area and pay special attention to size and wall space. If you have an adjoining dining room that extends from your kitchen, decide if you want to include this area in your wallpaper plans.

  2. Step 2

    Develop your design scheme. This is determined through the color and materials found in floors, counter tops, cabinets and appliances. Also consider decorative accents like wall hangings, window treatments and decorative knick knacks.

  3. Step 3

    Determine if you want to create a bold statement, or just add a subtle change to your kitchen. Based on your kitchen's size and layout, decide if you want to cover all the walls or one accent wall. Also think about creating an interesting backsplash or subtle border.

  4. Step 4

    Prep the walls and the kitchen space. Kitchen walls are likely to be splattered with grease and covered in dirt and other residue. Thoroughly wipe them down with a mild cleaning solution and water. Smooth any wall imperfections, remove light switch covers and clear out the space where you plan to hang the wallpaper.

  5. Step 5

    Measure the space you intend to cover. If you're doing the full wall, measure the height from the top of the baseboard to the ceiling or moulding. Then measure the length of each wall and add the wall lengths together. Multiply this number by the wall height to determine how many square feet of wallpaper you'll need. If you're only doing a border or smaller sections, measure those areas carefully.

  6. Step 6

    Start in a inconspicuous corner to disguise a break in pattern. Hang your wallpaper based on the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings
  • Most wallpaper rolls are about 36 square feet and double rolls are 72 square feet. Metric or Euro rolls are 29 square feet and double rolls are 58 square feet.
  • A kitchen heavy on stainless steel suggests a clean and modern feel. In keeping with the theme, select graphically interesting prints or bold and fresh colors. Citrus shades further streamline the look. Cabinets with a white washed finish convey a cottage feel. Consider floral prints as a compliment to a rustically charming kitchen. Wallpaper should develop the overall feel of the kitchen space and not conflict with the existing aesthetic.
  • Select a type of wallpaper that is easy to clean. Kitchen walls are subject to spills of all kinds, so keep this in mind when choosing your paper. Consider leaving the wall behind the stove wallpaper free. This area is prone to the most splatters and spills.
  • If you're doing a backsplash or a smaller area, check the scraps section of a home improvement store. You won't be left with an excess or leftovers, and you'll save yourself some money.
  • Line kitchen cabinets and drawers with leftover wallpaper.
  • If you're hanging wallpaper around outlets, turn off the electricity before beginning your project.

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