DIY Network

Wallpaper Replacement, Ceiling Work Wallpaper Replacement, Ceiling Work From "Weekend Decorating" episode WDC-212

Though a bathroom isn't typically the first room in the house to get a makeover, it's a priority for some homeowners, who just love the feeling of being pampered at a fancy spa. And that's exactly what this bathroom feels like after just one short weekend.

In its initial state (figure A), this bathroom was fairly typical -- it had all the basic bath elements, but its outdated cream color was far too plain. But with interior design host Nancy Golden's help -- and the addition of some paint, paper and tiles -- this once-dull space becomes the perfect home spa (figure B).....

Figure A

Figure B

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On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 having the greatest degree of difficulty, this project is considered a solid, intermediate "Level 3" project, due to the installation of the wall covering and tile.

A portion of the prep work is done in advance; the remainder of the project, featured here, will take 12 hours to complete over the course of two days. Total cost for tools, materials and accessories is $1400.

Note: Like all "weekend projects," this remodel plan requires optimum time management over the allotted 48 hours.

Before starting any project, it's important to plan how the space will be used. Interior design software programs make it easy to plan where furniture should be placed in a room, but since the "furnishings" of this bath -- the fixtures -- are already in place, Golden uses her software program to consider color and texture choices throughout the space (figures C, D and E).

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

After reviewing a range of colors, she chooses a sage green wall covering with a pattern that adds a rich dimension, but doesn't overpower the area. Hard and soft window treatments were considered before choosing wide-slat wooden blinds that will create the look of plantation shutters.

Materials

Wallpaper remover
Wallpaper
Wallpaper brush and sponge
Paint supplies
Tiles
Tile adhesive
Tile grout
Rubber float
Bucket and sponge
Tile sealer
Cabinet hardware and glue
Light fixtures
Accessories
Tape measure
Level
Ladder

Advance Preparation

1. Removal of old wallpaper.

2. Measure the cabinets.

3. Prime the cabinets for painting.
   

Ceiling Transformation

Often, people think of the ceiling as the "throwaway" area of the room: the idea is just ignore it and paint it white. Here, Golden treats the ceiling as a "fifth wall," painting it a mocha color (figure F) that's pulled from the color palette in the wallpaper. The color will give the room both warmth and richness, plus it will absorb light coming into the room and give it a soft feel (figure G). And, since the walls are papered, the ceiling can't be because the repeat of the pattern in the paper is too large. An added feature of the painted ceiling is the dark hue which adds greater spatial dimension and integrates the space.

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

The wallpaper has a subdued, elegant look. The background of the paper is sage green with bits of mocha and metallic gold completing the color palette. Bird accents are scattered throughout the design (figure H).

Steps:

1. Cover fixtures with plastic to protect from paint drips.

2. Paint the ceiling. Try to use a paint with a satin finish in a bathroom, since it's more durable for high moisture areas. Paint with a flat finish is too porous for a bathroom.

3. When hanging wallpaper always drop a plumb line to ensure the panels will hang evenly.

4. Measure from the top to the bottom of the wall and when this number is transferred to the wallpaper add 2 to 3 inches on both ends of the wallpaper sheet for trimming.

5. When buying wall coverings, you'll need to know what the pattern repeat will be so you will know when you order if you need the exact count of the measurement or if you will need to add 20 percent more to accommodate a large repeat in the pattern. To find out the repeat, unroll the paper, find the beginning of the pattern design, then find where the exact design starts again and measure the distance between the two; this is the repeat. If you are working on a tight budget or with an expensive wall covering, choose a pattern without a large repeat to save money.

6. This paper is prepasted, which makes the job easier. Hanging paper in a bathroom is much more labor intensive than other rooms of the house, which often have wide, smooth expanses of walls. This is reflected in estimates from professional paper hangers -- bathrooms often cost as much to paper professionally as several other rooms in the home combined would cost. Bathrooms have more angles and cuts to accommodate, so make sure to take your time when cutting corners and measure exactly to get a professional looking job.

7. The process is very forgiving, just be sure to take your time. It is very important to line up the seams perfectly, then simply smooth out any bubbles and trim away any excess. Make sure your cutting blade is new which will give you straight clean cuts and prevent tearing of the paper.