Why you should wallpaper your apartment (and kitchen reveal)

If you told me that I would be applying wallpaper in my apartment even a few months ago, I would’ve laughed in your face. However, after using Spoonflower‘s water activated removable wallpaper – I’m a changed woman. As a Boston native, I’ve had my fair share of tiny city apartments. Now in my late twenties (yikes!) I am looking for a way to make my apartment feel more like my home, rather than a temporary space.

One way I usually nest is putting things on the walls. However, many leases prohibit painting unless it’s okay-ed by management. Also, let’s be honest, when I move next time I will have zero interest in painting it back. So, I’ve usually been stuck with the slightly yellow eggshell paint that every Boston landlord smears on the walls. Clean, but not personal.

I found the idea for wallpaper on Spoonflower‘s website. I am a big fan of the company, who allows artists to upload their graphic prints for others to use on textiles, gift wrap and wallpaper. I have used their prints to create a dress and a skirt, both using one of my favorite artist’s designs. see my other creations here:

Poppy Chiffon Skirt Tutorial

Nautical shift Dress Tutorial

I used two prints from Spoonflower to create a contrasting print in my kitchen. I wanted to use the patterns to compliment each other but also make a statement in the room. Our living room/kitchen/office are connected. It’s a gorgeous, small, open space. I wanted to create a place that is our own, but without spending so much money.

The wallpaper was so easy to match up. I’m serious. I had my doubts there. I was really nervous that it would end up misaligned, bubbly, and wrinkly. I had wallpaper nightmares. However, as I worked with the paper I realized it was so easy- even I could do it. This is a great solution for small spaces, offices, and bathrooms. Spoonflower has thousands of prints or you can upload your own.

I used two patterns a geometric and a botanical. both linked here.

Tips for Applying Spoonflower Wallpaper

I used a dedicated sponge. Meaning, I bought a sponge for this project. This way the adhesive doesn’t get on your food and the food doesn’t get on your wallpaper

Clean your walls with paper towel. remove dirt and patch holes if needed (only if it’s a large one – nail holes will be fine)

I wet the back of the paper as instructed, folding up the ends as pictured. the wallpaper comes with visual instructions that are very detailed. the key is to wait the FULL 3-5 minutes for the water to activate the adhesive on the back. if its too wet or too dry it wont stick to the all. ensure the paper is “tacky” or sticky to the touch before applying

Apply the wallpaper on your wall from left to right. this ensures that the paper will match up with the next piece

Do not cut wallpaper before it dries. the paper will rip and/or fall.

If you need to smooth the paper : work from the middle and push outward

Small wrinkles and bubbles will disappear with drying, but flatten as many large ones as you can

If bubbles remain after drying, use a small needle to “pop”.

Measure, measure, measure