Month: December 2024

Hanging wallpaper can feel like a breeze once you get the hang of it. But occasionally, you’ll come across an awkward spot or hard-to-reach area that seems impossible to tackle. Even a minor mistake in these tricky areas can throw off the entire look of the room, making it appear messy and unfinished. It’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a flawless finish. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you navigate common obstacles and perfect those challenging spaces when installing your designer wallpaper in Singapore.

Essential Tips to Keep In Mind Before Getting Started

Before diving into your wallpaper project, setting a solid foundation is key to ensuring success. Here are three essential tips to help you get started on the right foot:

1. Establish a plumb line

Starting with a level vertical line, known as a plumb line, ensures your wallpaper stays straight and evenly aligned. Use a laser level or a large spirit level to draw the line. To find your starting point, measure the width of the wallpaper, subtract an inch, and mark this distance from your starting edge on the wall. This step prevents misalignment as you add subsequent panels.

2. Know your wallpaper’s match type

Understanding wallpaper styles, specifically their pattern match, is crucial for seamless results. Wallpaper patterns typically fall into categories like straight match, drop match, random match, or multiple drop match. Each requires specific alignment techniques. For instance, a random match is forgiving, but intricate patterns like drop matches demand precise placement to maintain design continuity.

3. Pre-cut and book your panels

Pre-cutting your wallpaper panels simplifies installation, particularly in hard-to-reach areas or when working with patterned designs. Start by measuring your wall’s height and adding an extra two inches at the top and bottom for trimming. For unpasted wallpaper, apply adhesive and fold each strip with pasted sides together (a technique called “booking”). This prevents drying, makes handling easier, and ensures the paper conforms smoothly to the wall when applied.

How to Apply Wallpaper to Common Obstacles and Awkward Spaces

Internal and External Corners

Internal corners can be challenging due to uneven angles, but they’re manageable with the right technique. First, measure from the edge of the last wallpaper strip to the corner at the top, middle, and bottom of the wall. Note the largest measurement.

Next, add 20mm (or 20–50mm for thicker wallpapers) to your measurement to account for overlap. Cut the wallpaper to this size. Finally, apply the wallpaper, pressing it snugly into the corner with a ruler or spatula. Mark a plumb line on the adjacent wall, and align the next strip to ensure a seamless join. For patterned wallpaper, take extra care to align the patterned elements to achieve an imperceptible join.

On the other hand, the process for external corners is similar but requires extra care for a smooth wrap. Just like before, start by measuring from the last strip to the corner and add 20–50mm, depending on wallpaper thickness. Then, cut the strip to size, incorporating the overlap. Smooth it around the corner and maintain alignment with a plumb line. If creases appear, use a cutting knife to adjust and smooth the edges.

Window Frames

Wallpapering around a window frame can be challenging due to the recess surrounding it, but with careful steps, you can achieve a seamless look. The first involves overlapping the initial wallpaper strip onto the window recess. Ensure the overhang is slightly longer than the recess depth—this excess can be trimmed later. Paste the wallpaper onto the wall as usual.

Then, while the overhanging section is still pliable, carefully pull it taut to prevent flapping. Use scissors to cut along the top edge of the window recess until you reach the frame corner. Repeat this for the top and bottom recess edges, wrapping the paper tightly onto the recess. Continue applying and trimming around the frame, working methodically from one side to the other. Once complete, you’ll have a smooth and professional finish around your window frame.

Built-in Furniture

Just because you can’t move certain furnishings in your home doesn’t mean you should abandon the idea of adding some stunning Singapore wallpaper around them altogether. Follow the methodical approach below and you’re sure to create a flawless look.

Step one involves choosing a starting point, ideally those with the most open areas of the wall to minimise cutting and folding. This creates a smoother workflow as you approach more challenging sections. Next, when encountering furniture edges, carefully cut the wallpaper as you smooth it onto the wall, leaving a small overhang. Use a sharp utility knife to trim the excess for a precise fit around corners and edges.

When dealing with cabinets, cut the wallpaper slightly larger than the area to cover, allowing for trimming. Use a straight edge or ruler for clean, tight cuts along edges and to achieve a seamless transition between the wall and furniture.

However, if you’re working with desks with open spaces underneath, things will be a bit more tricky. To avoid an unfinished appearance, try your best to cover up this area and be meticulous when aligning the pattern above and to the sides as mismatches can disrupt the room’s visual flow.

Conclusion

Installing wallpaper around awkward spaces doesn’t have to be daunting. With careful preparation, attention to detail, and the right techniques, you can overcome the challenges presented by the common interior features discussed above. By following these tips, being patient, and having a steady hand, you can transform even the trickiest of spaces into a beautifully cohesive part of your home decor.

In interior design, every element in a room contributes to its overall ambience and aesthetic appeal, from the furnishings to the lighting arrangement and even the paint or wallpapers in Singapore. Among these, curtains often go unnoticed as a powerful design feature.

While many view them as mere functional additions or an afterthought, curtains are one of the simplest yet most effective tools for transforming a space. For instance, have you ever walked into a room and felt an instant sense of cosiness, elegance, or warmth? Chances are, the curtains played a significant role in creating that atmosphere. Therefore, the right window treatment can be your secret weapon in making any room feel complete.

In this article, we’ll explore five expert tips for using curtains to elevate the design of spaces, whether they’re modern, minimalist, traditional, or any style in between.

1. Use Curtains to Define Space

Have you ever considered how curtains can define and shape a space? While open-concept living remains a popular trend, there are times when dividing a large area into smaller, functional zones becomes essential. This is where curtains shine.

Curtains are the perfect solution for spaces that need sufficient separation but without the permanence of a wall. For instance, they can divide a sleeping area from the rest of a studio apartment or elegantly frame a dining area in a larger home. Moreover, curtains can even carve out a cosy reading nook in a living room.

But curtains are more than just practical space dividers. They can add drama and sophistication. Imagine a pair of heavy velvet drapes pulled aside to unveil a stately dining room, demarcating not just physical boundaries but also setting the tone for the atmosphere. When leveraging curtains for this purpose, take extra care when considering which type of fabric will be best suited for the space you have in mind both in function and aesthetics.

2. Add Textures and Patterns

While curtains are primarily functional in nature, they also offer an excellent opportunity to introduce texture and pattern into a room’s design—especially when working with a neutral colour palette. Textural fabrics like silk or linen bring tons of depth and richness to a space that ultimately helps create an overall sense of luxury and warmth. Meanwhile, patterned curtains can act as a focal point, anchoring the room’s colour scheme. Whether it’s florals, geometrics, or abstract designs, curtains with bold patterns can infuse personality and vibrancy into your décor.

When selecting patterns, prioritise balance above all else. If your walls or furniture feature bold patterns, delegate your curtains to a more complementary role and stick to plain or subtle patterns to avoid visual clutter. Conversely, if the room’s design is more subdued, don’t hesitate to let the curtains steal the show with an eye-catching design or perhaps make them a feature wall in lieu of a tastefully designed Singapore wallpaper.

3. Enhance Natural Light

Natural light is one of the most valuable assets in interior design. With the right curtains, you can enhance the natural lighting in a room by either amplifying its brightness or creating a dim, cosy ambience. Choosing the right fabric and colour allows you to control the light and transform the mood of any space.

For rooms that crave natural light, sheer curtains are your best friend. These translucent fabrics allow sunlight to filter through while maintaining a sense of privacy. Light-coloured curtains in whites, creams, or pastels further reflect natural light, brightening up the room and making it feel airy and inviting.

Conversely, if you’re looking to cultivate warmth and intimacy, opt for heavier fabrics in darker shades. These curtains are ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where blocking out light is essential for creating a restful or focused atmosphere.

4. Play with Length and Layering

The length of your curtains plays a crucial role in shaping how people perceive the room’s proportions. Long, floor-to-ceiling curtains can make a space feel taller and more grand, while shorter curtains that rest above the window sill create a more casual and compact look.

Layering curtains is another brilliant strategy to elevate your design. For starters, combining sheer curtains with heavier drapes offers both functionality and style. During the day, sheer curtains let in natural light while maintaining privacy while at night, closing the heavier drapes creates a snug, cocoon-like ambience. Lastly, layering is a perfect way to inject extra depth and visual intrigue to any space. To achieve this, mix textures, patterns, and colors in your layers to create a dynamic effect that ties the room’s aesthetic together.

5. Use Curtains as a Statement Piece

Finally, you can think of curtains as a powerful design statement as they can serve as the key feature that ties everything together in certain rooms. This approach works particularly well in minimalist interiors, where vibrant colors or eye-catching patterns can break up the simplicity and add interest. The key here is that curtains chosen as statement pieces should not dominate the room but rather complement its overall design and composition.

As such, it’s recommended to choose colors and patterns that harmonise with the rest of the room. For example, select a subtle tone that complements a feature wall without competing with it. Don’t worry about colour or pattern clashes—when chosen thoughtfully, these curtains will create a striking yet pleasing effect, arresting the eye in a way that feels balanced and cohesive.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now understand that curtains are more than just functional window coverings but rather an essential design tool with great flexibility. In fact, curtains are so integral to interior design that a room can feel incomplete without them. So, next time you’re planning a room, ask yourself: “What role will the curtains play in this space?” By recognising the potential of curtains beyond mere window dressings, you’ll discover endless possibilities for how they can elevate every room in your residence.

The dining room is where style meets functionality, serving as a place for meals, gatherings, and celebrations. To elevate this space, bold wallpaper is an exceptional choice that infuses personality, charm, and vibrancy. From daring patterns to rich textures, bold wallpaper can transform an ordinary dining room into a captivating statement space.

Here’s how you can make your dining room stand out with bold wallpaper.

Start with a Vision

Before selecting a wallpaper, establish a vision for your dining room. Consider the atmosphere you want to create: warm and intimate, modern and chic, or vibrant and lively. Bold wallpapers can help you achieve any of these moods, thanks to their diverse designs. For a formal dining setting, opt for elegant patterns with metallic accents or deep, luxurious hues like emerald green or sapphire blue. If you’re leaning toward a more contemporary vibe, geometric prints in contrasting tones may be your best bet.

Choose a Focal Wall

One of the most effective ways to use bold wallpaper is by creating a focal wall. Applying it to a single wall allows you to make a dramatic statement without overwhelming the space. The wall behind your dining table is often an ideal choice, as it naturally draws attention and anchors the room’s layout. Pair the bold wallpaper with neutral paint or subtle tones on the remaining walls to maintain a balanced aesthetic.

Match the Wallpaper with Your Dining Room Style

Your wallpaper should complement your existing dining room décor. Classic dining rooms benefit from timeless designs like damask or floral patterns in rich tones, while modern spaces shine with sleek, minimalist wallpapers in monochromatic or abstract styles. If your dining room leans rustic or bohemian, earthy colours and nature-inspired patterns create a cosy and organic ambience. For eclectic settings, mix bold designs with curated furniture and decor to achieve a quirky yet harmonious look.

Experiment with Texture

Texture adds a tactile dimension to bold wallpaper and enhances the room’s visual depth. Options like grasscloth, embossed designs, or metallic finishes can amplify your dining room’s elegance. For example, a wallpaper with a velvety texture evokes opulence, while a metallic or reflective surface can brighten the space by bouncing light around the room. By integrating texture, your wallpaper becomes more than a backdrop—it’s a defining feature of the space.

Incorporate Complementary Décor

Bold wallpaper naturally draws the eye, so the surrounding décor should support rather than compete with it. Choose dining furniture with clean lines and neutral finishes to create a harmonious backdrop for the wallpaper’s vibrant patterns. Decorative accents such as vases, placemats, or light fixtures can echo the wallpaper’s colours or motifs, tying the room together. Thoughtfully selected artwork can also enhance the wallpaper without overshadowing it.

Play with Scale and Proportion

The size and scale of your chosen wallpaper pattern are crucial in determining how it fits your dining room. Large-scale patterns work well in expansive spaces, creating a bold and dramatic effect. Conversely, smaller or more intricate designs are better suited to compact dining areas, where they add detail without overwhelming the room. Pay attention to ceiling height as well—vertical patterns can make low ceilings appear higher, while horizontal designs create a sense of spaciousness in narrow rooms.

Embrace Colour

Bold wallpaper is an opportunity to bring colour into your dining room in a sophisticated way. Consider contrasting dark wallpapers with light furniture for a dramatic, high-impact look. Warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows energise the space, making it ideal for social gatherings, while cooler shades such as blues and greens lend a serene and sophisticated feel. For a timeless and balanced effect, use a mix of neutral and bold tones throughout the room, a design approach that can also complement a modern kitchen.

Lighting Makes a Difference

The right lighting can enhance your wallpaper’s appeal. Natural light highlights subtle textures, while artificial lighting can make metallic or glossy finishes pop. Consider installing dimmer switches for versatile lighting control, allowing you to adjust the mood depending on the occasion. Strategic placement of light fixtures, such as sconces or pendant lights, can further accentuate the wallpaper’s features and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Add Personal Touches

While bold wallpaper sets the stage, personal touches make the dining room uniquely yours. Custom furniture pieces, such as an upholstered dining chair in a complementary fabric, add a bespoke feel. Incorporate meaningful accents like family heirlooms, curated art pieces, or decorative objects that reflect your personality. These elements help balance the boldness of the wallpaper while infusing the room with warmth and character.

Take a Risk and Have Fun

Bold wallpaper is all about making a statement, so don’t hesitate to take risks. Choose designs that excite and inspire you, even if they feel unconventional. If committing to a full wall feels daunting, experiment with smaller spaces like a buffet nook or even the ceiling. Starting small allows you to test the transformative power of bold wallpaper before diving in completely. Trust your instincts and embrace the opportunity to make your dining room a true reflection of your style.

Conclusion

Bold wallpaper offers an unparalleled way to make your dining room stand out, transforming it from a functional space into an inspiring design masterpiece. By selecting the right patterns, textures, and colours, and complementing them with thoughtful décor, you can create a dining room that wows guests and elevates everyday meals. Explore bold wallpaper designs and unleash your creativity to craft a dining room that’s truly unforgettable. For stunning options and expert advice, visit Wallhub and start your transformation today.