I know it sounds kinda crazy, but after painstakingly removing five different wallpapers from this house… we’re considering putting some up. I think I even passively mentioned it in this post about the nursery mobile.
Ever since we imagined the idea of these built-ins, we pictured making the space between the two of them sort sort of accent – either with a color or pattern or treatment of some sort (in our first post we even mentioned a planked wall). Those ideas fizzled a little bit after completing the built-ins and realizing they had a lot of stuff on them (so we didn’t want to clutter up that space between them above the crib too). But neither of us could quite shake the idea of still doing an accent of sorts somewhere in the room. And one night while perusing possible wallpaper ideas for the showhouse, this puppy caught John’s eye.
He went rogue and without even consulting yours truly (cue your outraged gasps) and ordered a sample of it and its darker counterpart, for $5 each. With tax and shipping it was $13 total. Thirteen bucks that would either earn him a sour look from me, or make him a hero.
Well, he got the sour look alright – not for the $13, but because I can still vividly remember the claw-hands I had from wallpaper peeling. The good news is that when he explained that Spoonflower wallpaper is removable, all was right with the world again. And I really liked the pattern too (it feels like something that could grow with the bun, and not be too fleeting or “young baby”). The hero part is still TBD though.
The samples arrived a couple of weeks later. They’re nice and big, and they revealed a detail that John hadn’t detected online: a subtle linen-like texture in the gray tones that I also thought was a nice touch.
We ran upstairs to tape them up on the walls, just to get a feel for them in the room, and John went rogue again and put them on the wall with the bike prints. He must be getting braver (I think it’s the beard, guys). Since we’re both less tempted to mess with the look of the built-in wall, he said he thought that wall might be the answer instead. Forgive the terrible phone pic.
We snapped that with my iPhone so I could mock-up a full-wall version of the space in Photoshop. For those wondering how I did it, I just dragged the photo I shared above into Photoshop and laid it over another picture I took of (almost) the full wall. Then I just adjusted the size of the overlaid detail photo of the wallpaper until the patterns matched up and were the same size (I had the opacity of the top layer down a little so I could see when that happened).
Once I knew the wallpaper pattern was the right scale, I put the opacity back up to 100% and cut out the rest of the iPhone pic so I was just left with a rectangle of wallpaper that I could manually tile until it filled the whole picture. Lastly, I cut out around the objects like the frames, doors, and the changing table (which were still in the image behind the tiled wallpaper) so as I deleted the wallpaper in front of them, it appeared to run behind them.
I also tried a version where I adjusted the color to look like the darker sample that John also ordered, but it was pretty clear to both of us that we preferred the lighter one.
I thought it was a little hard to judge without seeing a plain wall meeting the accent wall to give it context, so I used the same technique to mock things up on this photo that I already had of the room. The colors probably aren’t perfect (the curtains look neon here), but it definitely helped us to picture everything – and it confirmed that the light version wouldn’t clash with the wall color or anything.
I still wasn’t convinced that was the right wall for an accent (I feared it might look too busy with the bike art in real life) so we also mocked it up on the crib wall to see if our original idea was better. We stared at it for a second, but I think we both prefer the bike wall. It just felt too crazy over the crib with all the items on the built-ins, the mobile, the patterned crib skirt, etc.
I also tossed some bold green up there just to see if a hit of that above the crib would be fun. It’s not great photoshop (looks pretty flat) but we didn’t really love it.
I also tried something sort of charcoal-ish to balance the chair out. This one made both of us do that “eh, not bad” face while staring at the computer. It looks kinda nice with the white crib and the mobile.
To add yet another possibility to the ring, a sweet reader named Annie had emailed us this quick mock-up she did with some chunky stripes painted behind the crib, which also gave us pause. You know we love a striped wall…
We’re still sort of letting things simmer, but we’d love to hear what you guys would do. Would you go for the wallpaper on the bike art wall? We like that it’s removable, so it’s not too much of a commitment. Do you prefer a solid wall of green or charcoal or even some stripes behind the crib? Or should we just stop being crazy and leave things the heck alone? Part of us is really excited to add one more layer of interest into the room (we’ve never put up wallpaper so that would be a new adventure – and most of the elements in here are really neutral). Then again, we still want this room to be a mixture of playful and cozy (as opposed to that’s-just-straight-up-crazy). What do you think?
VOTING ON THIS POLL HAS CLOSED
Betsy says
Charcoal on the crib wall and the lighter wallpaper on bike wall! But with all this new stuff going on the curtains look flat…how about some wide white rick rack down the side? Or some other type of white trim? You have done such a great job! I’d love to live in that nursery!
mrs paulsen says
Have you thought of turning the wallpaper so the fletching on the arrow makes a mountain shape vs. a v? (arrows up?) I think you should do the wall paper, and over the crib a contrast color with some kind of text graphic painted or stenciled on. It wouldn’t fight with the graphicness of the mobile and wouldn’t be something the barnacle would be able to grab off the wall later. Our littlest one’s accent wall was inspired by this:
http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks.com/pickle_media1/media/HGTV/na_migration/09/Photo_Video_091aae52-f2d2-4eeb-bbfb-cb698c0d3322_orig.jpg?0
Sam C. says
How about wallpaper on the window wall? Because it is a cool wallpaper, but I do think it competes with the bike print. And it is pretty busy with the crib wall. Window wall could do it!
Emily @ Life on Food says
I love the linen wall paper but of all the mock ups I really like the strips by the crib.
Jessica says
As someone who wallpapered behind a crib once, I would not recommend it. My son was like Clara and loved his crib. He’d wake, but then hang out in there. At some point he found a seam in the wallpaper and went to town on it. It all had to come down. womp womp
Karen says
I like the stripes, but maybe in the charcoal colour. You could also do just simple smaller width stripes maybe just two or three. That will give some interest behind the crib and it might look a little sporty too for when he’s older. I love the wallpaper but not so much on a large space.
Susan Terrell says
I’m sure this idea is somewhere in the 12 pages of comments but, here goes anyway. Why not wallpaper the bike wall and repeat the wallpaper at the back of the shelves? Then you could pick paint for behind the crib. Just another option. I’m sure whatever you pick will be amazing, but I love a good poll. :-)
Rebecca says
I vote for the arrows on the crib wall, even though that doesn’t seem to be a popular options.
Let me tell you why.
-Love the arrows! Very fun. I did not know that Spoonflower wallpaper was removeable. Nice!
-The crib wall needs something. Our little guy’s wall over the crib was barren for awhile because we didn’t want to hang any frames there for safety issues. Decals or wallpaper is the perfect option!
Suzy H. says
Personally, I don’t like the arrow wallpaper on the changing table wall: it feels waaaaay too busy and makes the crib wall feel very bare. I agree it also doesn’t work on the crib wall: again, way too busy with everything else that’s going on there; kind of takes away from the serendipity of the mobile. Also, I don’t like the stripes on the crib wall because they add another set of mismatched horizontal lines: drawers, shelves, and stripes all different widths. You want this to be a bright but calm room for the Barnacle, not a frenetic pattern competition! You’ll figure it out – you always do! Good luck!
Suzy H. says
Another thought: have you considered doing a multi-color sponging on the crib wall? You could pick up a couple of the bright greens, maybe a teal or turquoise, and just a hint of deep grey? That would bring color but wouldn’t be as visually competitive as the wallpaper or stripes. I’d love to see that option photo-shopped.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for all the ideas guys! We’re poring over them all and mulling each of them over. Will keep you posted!
xo
s
Michelle N says
I like the wallpaper on the bike wall and the charcoal behind the crib. What about a mirror above the crib like you did for Clara’s nursery? Have you thought about doing alternating directions of the arrows. Pointing up/down or left/right? Does that make sense? Might be too busy?
Art21 says
What about the wallpaper pattern on the crib wall, but inverting the colors? Or just leave the wall color alone, and draw/paint the arrow (or other outdoor/forest-like) pattern onto the wall with the color you used for the built-ins? Maybe a more subtle feel – or maybe you think its a terrible idea? ;) Love the progress all around!!
Tricia in Iowa says
My vote is for wall paper on the bike wall. I prefer the darker pattern because I think it will stimulate Barnacle’s brain more. I’d also get a really large letter ( first or last initial) in one of your accent colors. There are places online that offer lots of funky fonts (or go classic in black).
Amy says
I LOVE the stripes! What about blue/cream stripes or green//cream stripes. I’d like to see those photoshopped.
Sonya says
I love the wallpaper on the bike wall (arrows up) and a light grey paint to match the wallpaper behind the crib.
I have paneling to cover in our bedroom. I’m going to have to check into this removable wallpaper. I’ve looked at some others, but they are really expensive.
Sarah says
I haven’t read all 800 comments so I hope I’m not repeating something you’ve already shot down…but what about the arrow wall paper on the curtain wall and charcoal behind crib?
Holly says
Do you think this wall paper would work on (lightly) textured walls? Stenciling was a huge bust thanks to the texture.
YoungHouseLove says
I’m not sure – anyone used it on textured walls? Thanks to everyone for the suggestions too! We’re reading each and every one :)
xo
s
Anna says
I don’t know if this was mentioned already, I didn’t read above. It might take some work and it might end up crazy but it’s just a thought. How about striping the wallpaper with the arrows going left, white space, right arrows, white space, etc? I love the look of the stripes, LOVE, but I can’t get over that adorable arrow wallpaper. It has to go somewhere!
Jonelle says
I love the wallpaper. But could it be turned so the arrows point up? This could draw the eyes upward and make the room feel taller. I feel my eyes drifting down just lookin at it. :-) either way… Gorgeous room.
Diana says
Love the stripes and the arrows (pointing up) on the bike print wall!!
Alice says
I love the room and all of these ideas. I voted for wallpaper on the bike wall and I also like charcoal on the crib wall, but maybe a slightly lighter shade. You could also just paper part of the wall in the center leaving a few inches of painted wall next to doors. Maybe even do a cut out detail on the side and top using the arrow pattern as a ‘border’?
Jes says
Could you switch the bike prints and the mobile, so the mobile is over the change table, the bike prints are over the crib and then wall paper the change table wall? Or would that look cray cray?
YoungHouseLove says
We originally were going to hang the bike prints over the crib, but with the built-ins they looked busy, so we preferred them on the other wall. Definitely still percolating though… might end up somewhere we never expected! Will keep you guys posted!
xo
s
Hannah says
I love the paper on the bike wall, I think it adds really nice interest without being too much. Have you considered doing a solid color in different finishes as stripes on the crib wall? It creates an interesting texture without being busy or competing too much with other things going on in the room … plus it lends itself to being creative – herribone finish anyone? That could mirror the arrows on bike wall without being too intense or obvious. Would even probably be extra interesting to keep the same tone as the rest of the walls, but just play with texture.
Mary says
I love the wallpaper! What about wallpaper on the window wall, and charcoal-y color behind the crib?
To me, it feels like too much going on to add wall paper to either the crib wall, or the bike wall. I like them as they are without more patterns to fight with what is already there. But, that’s just me– and I don’t have a book or a blog :)
Cartela Issabele says
LOVEEEE the striped wall! Really ties in the white crib and is so playful without being busy!
Mell Shiover says
I love the linen wall paper but of all the mock ups I really like the strips by the crib.
Melissa says
Stripes on wall and wallpaper on bike art wall. Use the same color for both. I like the light grey!
Bethany says
With almost 800 comments, I’m sure someone has thrown this in the mix. But I love idea of wallpaper on bike wall AND super light stripes on crib wall. Maybe the same gray as the wallpaper but just toned down in opacity. The room is looking great!
Lesli says
I voted for wallpaper on the crib wall, because the wallpaper on the bike wall gives me a Home Alone house, 1990’s feel. Too campy. Love the wallpaper itself though. Is it actually wallpaper, or starched fabric?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s wallpaper that you just wet to put on (no added adhesive or glue) and we hear it peels right off later (not before you want it to, but with some force apparently it doesn’t damage walls). Someone who used it on a rental and then peeled it a while later before moving out said it worked really well, so we’re psyched to hear that!
xo
s
MaryBeth says
Love the stripes. I found this photo and thought a stripe of green might be fun.http://www.sheknows.com/videos/articles/991549/hipster-chic-nursery-designs
Tricia says
I haven’t read all the comments, but have read many and haven’t seen anyone else suggest this…what about painting all the walls a shade of green that ties everything else together. I am thinking the right shade of green would make both the mobile and the bike prints stand out in their own spaces.
Jenn says
I love the wallpaper but actually want to vote for charcoal stripes. I don’t know if it had been mentioned yet but that’s my 2 cents I’m sure whatever your choice will be awesome. Congrats on the barnacle!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks everyone! Love all the suggestions – we’re mulling them all over (and doing some more photoshop playing). Will keep you posted!
xo
s
Kara says
Okay, just had to clarify my vote… I voted for the wallpaper on the crib wall, but with the stipulation that there is something big and basic on that wall to break it up a bit… a big white oval mirror perhaps? Otherwise, if left bare on the wall, I’d vote for the stripes. Thanks for letting us play along! : )
Sally G says
I was in the bathroom at our local, awesome sushi restaurant and it was painted ombre. I immediately thought of your nursery wall. LOL. I thought it might be an interesting option that provides interest without exactly being another pattern.
Katie says
Sorry if others already said this, but have you considered doing the wallpaper on the wall with the window? I love the wallpaper! So if you’re afraid it’s too busy on the other side walls, maybe the window wall is a good option? Good luck and congratulations!
Mandy H. says
I love the arrow print but I feel like it’s too busy behind the bike print. I love love love the linen texture though. Spoonflower has a plain gray linen wallpaper that I think would look awesome behind the bike print. http://www.spoonflower.com/wallpaper/2260443 (they have a dark version too). I also love the stripes behind the crib. I feel like that wall needs something. I think the linen wallpaper on the changing table wall and the stripes behind the crib would look great together. A good balance.
Lisa says
Just reading my comment, as that is what came up right now on my iPad, and I’m appalled that “much gratitude for your bog” is followed by a series of question marks. In my mind I was attempting to express that I am grateful for your blog because I enjoy reading it so much and then I thought I ended with an exclamation! Thank You guys! Love your blog!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, no worries Lisa! That’s what happens when people do emojis or certain heart symbols – so we see them a lot on non-questions ;)
xo
s
Amy T says
Stripes on crib wall and paint the built-ins white!
To me the wallpaper looks too busy with the bike art.
Amy says
I think there is “a lot of look” already going on in this room… I was looking forward to seeing more kelly green accents (like that awesome vanity in the showhouse kids bathroom!) but it is slowly shifting away from that look between the chartreuse curtains and the arrow wallpaper…
That being said, the grey stripes are by far my favorite- I would circle the grey stripes around the room and change out the curtains for something with a kelly green and white print. Or white curtains with a kelly green grosgrain ribbon border and a rug with a kelly green/white trellis print. And/or navy accents! I can totally see a more preppy/nautical streamlined look in this room.
Ginny says
I LOVE the stripes or charcoal above crib, and light arrows on changing table wall. The linen texture idea behind crib is pretty awesome, too! I don’t feel like the crib was is looking too busy- love it all!
Nora says
I already commented but wanted to add one more thought…I think the backs of the built-ins would look really nice painted in a fun color like you did in your previous dining room.
Jamie says
striped wall, but for the love of color different curtains! they kill the whole room for me. neon puke!
Denise says
A large round mirror over the crib (secured for safety) would reflect the fun mobile and make it appear twice as large. It might also reflect the bike art on the opposite wall which sports the round shape of the bicycle wheels. Just a thought, as if you needed another opinion! Darling nursery, btw!
JG says
(Sorry I couldn’t read all 786! comments, so prob this has already been said…)
Have you tried photoshopping the wallpaper flipped- so the arrows point up? I think that might be even better! And more uplifting, ha!
And I am going to go rogue, and say that I think the wallpaper would look best… on the curtain wall! I think it would look great with the green curtains, and tie that wall in with the other two busier walls, esp with its pattern echoing the items on those walls (esp the bike spokes)!
JG says
Maybe a largish picture behind the mobile on the crib wall?
Anything that extends all the way to the built-ins makes things look too busy (color, stripes, wallpaper), but I think a graphic or artwork could work, esp if it plays interestingly with the green circles in front of it.
Stacey says
Hi guys
I L.O.V.E the stripes behind the crib but I thought that doing it in charcoal eould tie the room together more. Goodluck choosing!
Jennifer G. says
I think the bike wall would look great with something even the stripes. I just think that doing something to the crib wall take away from the mobile and then also makes it too “busy”! I’m sure what ever you all decide will look awesome… just my 2 cents :)
Cathy says
Most importantly, I pray Clara is better and neither of you have succumbed. Any wallcoverings or paint are inconsequential. I know you’re keeping it all in perspective, but be assured your extended Internet “family” is supportive of you, and patient . . . and will be in the coming weeks.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Cathy! She’s doing better today, and we are so grateful! We’re sure we’ll come down with the same thing around Sun/Mon (we were both too in contact with everything to think we somehow dodged that bullet) but we’re so thankful that it was only a 24 hour thing for Clara and she’s doing better now.
xo
s
Samuel says
Peter and Sherry, definitely do the stripes on the crib wall, and only that wall. It look so so so good, it looks so kid-friendly and fun, the colour of the stripes tie in with the colour of the built-ins sort of, and connects them really well. A single colour would also look good, definitely something simple.
The votes for the stripes are looking good!
Yay!!! :)
Elaine says
Live the stiles behind the crib. Definitely don’t like the wallpaper on the bike wall.