Every few years I re-visit wallpaper - ah yes, good ole wallpaper. And every few years I say "Don't do it". Even though I maintain that as a recommendation, I am starting to see a crack in acceptability IF, and I mean IF, it is a new style. If it is an older style, keep scraping it off. I strongly caution you that most people in our region still do not like any wallpaper in the house at all, that includes me. But there are some out there that have not scrubbed off old shards of paper or realize how difficult stripping paper can be, plus of course the designers are always selling something new.
It seems that wallpaper is becoming somewhat popular in certain areas around the country. That alone would not faze me, as I have seen this trend continuously try to re-gain favor without success for 25 years. However, I have had a local designer this month say she is certain it is making its way to STL. I also have a young buyer who likes the look of certain wallpaper styles, this is what really caught my attention. The designer cautioned to stay with a small portion, such as a bathroom or 1 accent wall if you experiment. The buyer, too, felt that a small area would suit her better. Just remember that paper styles become dated faster than most other features of a home, if it had any significant appeal to begin with, as there are unlimited variations. Additionally, I may be suggesting that you remove it if you enlist me to sell your home.
When I visit newly renovated homes, builder display homes, and see photos on Houzz, they still are overwhelmingly painted wall surfaces only. I cannot stress this enough, that paint is still the way to go. I am only grudgingly admitting that there is a crack in the armor of the "No wallpaper" mantra that I have repeated for 25 years. Please ask me for an update in the future if you are considering doing this beyond a small portion, and I will post again on this in 2-3 years.
Happy stripping!
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