I just got my new camera. This is huge, since my last camera is totally dead, and I feel very vulnerable without the ability to take quality pics. It is also my birthday present from Mr. Man, so I feel totally justified starting the celebration a little early. I am trying to get the house together for some current shots, but until then I thought I would share some of the stuff we have already checked off the list.
The first project we tackled in home sweet home was the wallpaper. When we got snowed in during our initial visit to purchase the house we decided to get to work. I thought peeling wallpaper would be simple, and a good first project. Boy oh boy was I wrong.
The previous owners wallpapered this place top to bottom. They put it up before fixtures, outlet covers and trim. So it was not just stuck, but under stuck. They also used this super awesome old school elmers-type wallpaper glue, so many of the sections pulled off a lot of drywall surface, which = awesome! Two whole days of straight peeling and we didn’t even make it to the bedroom.
Here’s a little wallpaper round up to give you an idea of the awesomeness.
- Mudroom/Entry: Rainbow stripes
- Entry Bath: Navy Blue pine stripes
- Kitchen: Green Plaid
- Living Room: Egyptian hieroglyphics(yes that’s right)
- Bedroom: White with lacey purple & pink hearts
- Master Bath: Half finished seashells
Once we finally moved in, we actually lived with the heart wallpaper in the bedroom for 6 months, because I couldn’t stomach the thought of peeling anymore, or fixing more damaged drywall. Most of our walls have a lot of imperfections, but we did it ourselves, and replacing drywall throughout the whole house was and is still not an option. We have a small amount of wallpaper left, in our master bathroom. Since that renovation is still a ways off, and that room is a disaster, I am looking the other way for now.
If you are curious how I peeled the paper… No one technique worked perfect, and each section of wall responded a littler different. We used a combination of: scoring the wallpaper, vinegar/water solution, fabric softener, hand steamer, and a good old fashioned scraper. We also got a little help from family, who even peeled a little when we were back in LA planning our move. My mom helped with the bedroom when she came to visit. Everyone thought it would a simple fast project, until they started.
Before living here I had these fantasies of hanging beautiful graphic or vintage wallpaper somewhere in my home. I just don’t have those fantasies now. All in all, I can say I am so happy that it is gone. Although is any of you wish to have Egyptian hieroglyphics in your home, I just found a roll in the basement!
