How to use wallcoverings as accents

Step 1

Use wallpaper to dress cabinet faces

After rewallpapering a kitchen, cut any leftover wallpaper to fit inside the cabinet surface (Image 1). Apply the paper in the same way as for the walls, reserving it and then applying it to the front of the cabinet.

Use the edge that has been stained to match the cabinets to frame the four edges of the new wallpaper, adhering it with a glue gun (Image 2).

Step 2

Paint textured wallpaper

Textured wallpaper that can be painted is especially good for edging or chair rails. Some options:

• Roll over the paper lightly with a paint roller to apply paint only to the raised texture of the paper, keeping the background white (Image 1).
• Apply paint with a lot of pressure, to cover all the paper with color. Then, rub the paper with a damp rag to remove some of the paint and reveal the raised highlights (Image 2).
• Use two colors of paint to create a unique look (Image 3).

Pro Tip

Paint the textured paper with a metallic paint (copper or silver) to achieve a "metal tile roof" effect on ceilings.

Step 3

Give your switch plate covers a more elegant look

For a decorative look to change the plate covers (Image 1), using the covers as a guide, add 2"-3" on each side and cut out a piece of wallpaper. Make sure the selected sheet of paper matches the design surrounding the output.

Center the switch plate cover on the paper and fold over it as if wrapping a gift (Image 2), tucking in the edges.