Jenn Todryk's Tip Will Save You Money When Using Wallpaper In Your Home

As many of us say goodbye to plain white walls and enter our colorful era, some may be wondering about wallpaper. Wallpaper often goes in and out of style, causing designers to sometimes get caught in heated debates over whether or not this item is the right choice in our homes. But if you are looking to make a statement that is better than using paint, wallpaper is the way to go. Jenn Todryk of HGTV's "No Demo Reno" agrees, as long as you follow one important tip that will save you money: always purchase samples first.

Todryk has made her stance on the wallpaper debate clear, saying on her blog, The Rambling Redhead, that "wallpaper is making a comeback! Some hate it, while others, like me, love it." Whether you have used wallpaper before or are leaning into the trend for the first time, you'll quickly learn that not all wallpaper is created equally. Sometimes, what you get is not what was pictured on the store's website, and wallpaper isn't cheap. Unless you discover you dislike it before you put it up on the walls and are able to return it to the store, this may be a huge waste of money. To avoid this, Todryk recommends always ordering samples.

Wallpaper can instantly transform a room, but if you choose the wrong design or color, it can also turn your favorite room into a major eye sore. "Wallpaper is so fun but can be a risky choice so make sure you do what I didn't do, which is order samples beforehand," Jenn Todryk writes on her blog. "This will make the process take a little longer but could save you a ton of money so you don't end up choosing a wallpaper that looks totally different in person than it did on your screen when you ordered." 

Typically, you can order a small square or rectangle of the print you desire for a small price from the website you want to buy your wallpaper from. If they don't have samples available, you could choose the cheapest and smallest panel option available before purchasing enough for your full wall or walls. Once you get your sample delivered, hang it up on the wall you plan to use and sit with it for a bit. If you are happy with the way it vibes with the rest of your house, go ahead and order the full amount. If not, continue getting samples until you are truly happy with your choice. 

Jenn Todryk is no stranger to wallpaper. In fact, the HGTV star uses it in her own home. She posted an adorable picture of her daughter's wallpaper-clad room on Instagram, with a caption that reads, "Are you for or against wallpaper? Who's here for it and who thinks it needs to stay in the past? 🤓 I for one, LOVE it. It can make a room so cute and charming!" She recommends using it for an entire wall or, if you are a bit more conservative, sticking to one area to create an accent wall.

If you want to wallpaper your home like a professional, make sure you are priming and measuring your walls before applying the wallpaper. To get creative, use your wallpaper in innovative ways around your home. For instance, you could add it to the ceiling, put it along your staircase, or even pick lots of your favorite samples and frame them to create a gallery wall. "Whether you wallpaper an entire room or keep it more simple with an accent wall, wallpaper will no doubt elevate your space and grab anyone's attention who walks in the door," Todryk says on her blog.