Moody Guest Bedroom Makeover with Wallpaper

Today we are transforming my guest bedroom into this beauty with the help of wallpaper.

A design trend that I am really enjoying right now is dressing the ceiling and incorporating it into your design. You can do that by painting it or applying patterned wallpaper. Both are fun options. Like any design choice, it’s an added layer to express yourself and show off your style. Today we are installing peel and stick wallpaper onto the ceiling. It totally transformed the feel of the space.

This small room was the perfect opportunity for me to get my feet wet. To achieve the moody vibe, I decided to wrap the entire room in the same color. The distressed wallpaper is so fun in this application because from the hallway it looks like the wall color is carried onto the ceiling. It isn't until you're in the room that you’re able to see the dimensions and added interest of the wallpaper.

First, I measured the width of my room and the width of my panels so I knew how many rows of wallpaper I would need to install. If you choose a wallpaper with a prominent design, you’ll want to center the pattern, so you should also center your grid.

Then, translate those measurements onto the ceiling. My walls aren’t square so I allocated an extra inch to my first guideline to ensure the wallpaper would be installed straight.

Using a laser level, I mapped out and created the guidelines for the wallpaper install.

Working left to right I applied the first panel along the plumb line that I created. Not the wall. Walls are rarely square and the last thing you want is crooked wallpaper.

Now we’re ready to install the wallpaper! Make sure to follow the directions the supplier provides.

I had one more project in mind for this room, a side table. I needed a side table/nightstand on the opposite side of the bed to balance out the dresser. However, the space is only 19 in. It felt like a fun opportunity to introduce a structural element with a pattern, so let’s make something!

After you have all your pieces cut, the first step is to create pocket holes along the top of the left and right panel.

You built the structure! Now onto the finishing touches. Grab the wood filler and apply it to the unfinished plywood edges that are visible. You may need two coats of wood filler. If so, sand in between each coat.

At this point you can finish the cube pedestal with whatever pattern/material best fits your design style. For this bedroom, I was inspired by a classic bone inlay design. To DIY the style, I used painter’s tape, BEHR Broadway and BEHR Confident White. Here is the finished look!

Once the ceiling and side table were complete, I headed to homedepot.com to select a few furnishings and accessories. I completed the moody vibe with an arched full length mirror, striped bedding, a Moroccan-inspired area rug and more.

Would you incorporate the ceiling into your design? You can always start small like I did here. I think a powder room is a great space to flex your creative muscles! It’s a fun element that’s unexpected.