The Perfect Accent Wall Inspo For The Wallpaper-Averse

Wallpaper can be a sure way to add character to any room. While it has gone in and out of style over the decades, a re-emergence via maximalist trends like grandmillennial home design has people papering their walls in abundance. Today's wallpaper designs are fresh and exciting, boasting bold florals, fun retro prints, and subtle damasks that are definitely not your grandmother's wallpaper of the late 20th century. While using wallpaper can be a bold way to change up your space, it doesn't have to be intimidating. Instagram user @tami_walsh_homeandlifestyle may have the perfect solution to the wallpaper-hesitant or averse. The DIYer limits her peel-and-stick wallpaper to the interior of standard box molding rectangles on the wall over and around the bed.

The effect is very European and would be perfect for an accent wall in a living room, bedroom, or dining room. You could also use it to create interest in a small space like an entryway, hallway, or stairwell in lieu of art on the walls. This application can also be less expensive than wallpapering an entire room, and takes less time to install. The molding approach works equally well with large scale prints and small ones, and is great for classic patterns like florals and stripes. 

Worries over installation, oversaturation, or choosing the wrong pattern often plague those considering adding wallpaper to their space. Peel and stick designs, however, make today's papers much easier to apply. The process is also renter-friendly and much less difficult to remove later if your tastes change. If out of balance with other elements, pattern can easily overwhelm a room, so limiting it to select areas of the wall can help immensely.

To make this stunning accent wall, simply install your molding in single rectangular units or a mix of longer panels on top and shorter ones below. Some box trim already comes in pre-cut and interlocking segments that eliminate the need for cutting equipment and additional measuring. You can also buy wood or silicone peel-and-stick wall moldings (like the Peel and Stick Heavy Duty Corner Moulding) that are a great renter-friendly option. Limit your wallpaper installation to the confines of the molding, trimming away the paper at the edges. Paint the molding the same color as the wall behind it, or add a contrasting hue that matches the wallpaper. You could also hang your wallpaper first and add the trim over it to cover any rough edges. 

By containing the wallpaper portions within the bounds of beautiful box trim, you get the same texture and layering benefits of a wallpapered accent wall, while still seeing the underlying wall as a boundary around each section. This causes a subtle break in the pattern for the eyes. Because your eye is extended to the wall behind it, it can add additional depth to the room, making it seem larger and more expansive. Installing molding can also be a great way to take part in the popular wallpapered ceiling trend, especially if you have a slanted ceiling in an upstairs space.