With the exception of a classic bit by the Three Stooges that involved the trio wrecking the place after getting covered in paste, wallpaper is never, ever funny. If you’ve ever tried to put it up or take it down, you know it’s not much fun either.
Wallpaper has a reputation of being messy, hard to measure, easy to damage and difficult to remove if you ever decide to update or renovate.
At the same time, plenty of people are buying it. Data Ridge Market Research reported that the global wallpaper market is about $2.92 billion this year, and projected to grow about 3.6 percent annually, with a value of $3.50 billion by 2030.
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The research firm suggested the overall increase is fueled by better technology that allows more choices in textures, materials and designs, giving homeowners more opportunity to express their creativity on their walls.
With all the local activity in home buying and selling, as well as interest in home improvement, you’re likely to encounter wallpaper. Three North Idaho-based home professionals offer a bit of advice when it comes to using the decorative material.
>> Consult a designer first
Since 2005, Melissa Cheney has owned full-service interior design center Lakeshore Décor and has helped clients with home needs, including what to put on the walls.
“If you live somewhere long enough, you’ll likely experience taking someone’s wallpaper choices down,” she said.
She suggests people considering wallpaper talk to a designer first. What they may see on HGTV or Pinterest may go out of style soon. But designers are more aware of cycles in colors, textures and styles.
“I’m going to market three or four times a year, so I see what designs and colors are coming,” she said.
Some of her clients simply want validation that they’re not crazy for wanting the classic look of wallpaper – as well as reassurance that they don’t have to balance on a ladder themselves.
>> Don’t go overboard
Associate broker with Rathdrum Realty Dianna Haug has seen homes with dull blank walls, and she’s seen homes with dated wallpaper, like floral patterns no one wanted to take down.
These days, she says, more people are opting out of covering their whole home in wallpaper, focusing instead on an accent wall, or maybe a smaller space like a bathroom. This requires fewer supplies, keeps any mess contained, and is easier on everyone.
“I think it can be a positive if it looks nice, and can also be a negative if it is dated,” Haug said.
>> Try a peel and stick
Nickie Rowland provides all sorts of services as a general handygirl, including maintenance, finish
work, painting and rescuing homeowners stuck trying to install or remove wallpaper.
“Wallpaper only looks easy,” she said. “It’s really challenging.”
Rowland suggests trying the new alternative to wallpaper: peel and stick panels that come in different colors and patterns. She finds them easy to install and remove, which is optimal for those who want to experiment with different looks instead of the permanence of wallpaper. N
Story by Joe Butler
Photography by Joel RIner