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
Sydney says
I voted wallpaper on bike wall, but my second choice was stripes on the crib wall. Looks like these are the top 2 choices! But anything you guys choose will look great :)
Jessica C. says
I also think the color of the bookcases are throwing me off… have you thought about painting them white? I think it would work better with everything else going on in the room. Would also maybe look more built-in? i don’t know…
Angela kr says
Tough decision! Would u consider a mock up of both wallpaper on bike wall and the stripes above the crib? After seeing the treatment behind the bike art it’s hard to not see it there now but it leaves the space above the crib silent… I read somewhere above in the comments where someone suggested putting maybe a linen wallpaper abode the crib for texture… Maybe the best of both worlds?
Amy says
While I do like the wallpaper on the bike wall, I agree that the crib wall needs something more and needs to be the accent wall. I was thinking stripes before I scrolled down far enough to see that you had the same thought. I assume that your intention with the mobile was for it to be a big enough statement on the crib wall to fill up the space. I hate to say it, but I would maybe consider taking the mobile down (gasp!) if you can’t come up with a feature wall idea that works with the mobile. As much as I like the mobile, I can’t help but feel like a feature wall treatment with some art work might look better. I really LOVE the room overall!!
Emily @ DavenportDIY says
I love the striped wall but I voted for stripes in charcoal. I think that would be a nice contrast/balance with the charcoal chair.
Amelia says
The charcoal looked lovely with the gray chair!
Shannon says
I do like the wallpaper on the bike wall, but then when I saw those stripes I was in LOVE. Stripes, stripes, stripes!!
Sue says
What about putting the wallpaper in the back of the shelving units ? and then maybe doing some sort of little art using that same wallpaper to put above the crib ?
Jules says
I’m diggin’ the light gray arrows but I really also love the chunky stripes. Either one I think would be perfect for the Barnacle. Can’t wait to see what you guys decide!
nicoie says
What if you did even more subtle stripes with the wall color you already have and then some stripes in the built in color. Super subtle but linking the two shades? Maybe too subtle. Just a thought. I really liked the striped look, and the wallpaper is awesome and should be a winner anywhere you put it!!
Kristi says
Wallpaper on bike wall, mirror behind mobile on crib wall !!!!
Emily says
A mirror is a great idea, Kristi! I agree!
Kelli says
I LOVE the wallpapered bike wall and I LOVE charcoal paint by the crib. The room is bright and spacey and can handle it!! Do it!!! Gorgeous!!
J Bagley says
LOVE the wallpaper color and pattern.
But, what about the green closet door idea? (To echo C’s pink door.) Is that still in the mix? If so, it would definitely look busy over there on that wall.
If you don’t decide to wallpaper, you can frame the sample and use it as part of a wall art collage.
YoungHouseLove says
We chatted about that door further back in the commments. They’re coming in so fast it’s hard to keep up with them (Clara has a terrible stomach bug today too- poor girl!) but we’re reading (and considering) all of the ideas. Thanks guys!
xo
s
J Bagley says
Oh, no! Poor Clara. :( I hope she feels better soon.
You do have lots of comments so far! It’s going to be a great room whichever way you choose.
Hillary says
I love the idea of wallpaper and I really love the one you chose,but then it just didn’t look right on either wall, which was disappointing because I was rooting for it! And then I saw the strips on the crib wall. I do stripes all the time, so maybe I am biased, but I loved it the most. But I keep looking at the wallpaper wanting it to grow on me! Love that you get the readers involved in the votes. I know that can be a double edge sword!
Eileen says
OK, not only do I think you should paper the bike wall, but also go with the darker of the two grey shades. And I like the idea of doing something to the crib wall as well. None of them were a bad choice!
Hillary says
what about moving the bike art to the crib wall and wall papering the changing table wall?
Michelle says
The wallpaper looks good on both walls. I like the idea of jazzing up the crib wall in particular, but I’ve seen too many striped walls to get excited about that option.
What a cozy, welcoming nursery. Very best wishes in these coming weeks!
alison m says
I really thought I was going to be on team wallpaper because I love the pattern and the lineny look. But it was definitly BUSY when full scale on the wall! Love the stripes!
prue says
I do like the wallpaper on the bike wall, but whereas I think the crib wall does still look a bit ….. bland? (no offense!)… None of the paint options really clicks with me.
If you are thinking a bit more of the kelly green, what about painting the crib that colour and matching it with the bedskirt? It might anchor the colour nicely.
jenna says
Have you tried the arrows pointed sideways instead of up and down? That may create more of the striped look? Just a thought anyway.
My two cents is that the arrows are too busy on the bike wall with the cubbies (a solid closed dresser would tone it down more). I think the arrows are cool, but maybe better for a different space. Inside of the closet? Something with less going on. I voted for the striped wall.
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the ideas guys! Never even thought about turning the paper that way!
xo
s
jenna says
Also, what is on the 4th wall in the bedroom? I don’t think we’ve ever seen it?
YoungHouseLove says
That wall is just the doorway to the room and the side of the built-ins with about a strip of wall as wide as the one to the left of the window as you face it. Basically picture the back wall with the built-ins and the window, and if you spin 90 degrees the doorway is where the window is and the built-ins are there on the side as well. Will have to snap a picture for you guys sometime!
xo
s
Annie says
I didn’t read all of the comments, so forgive me if this was already mentioned, but what about just getting 2-3 big frames and framing up some of the wallpaper as art to hang over the crib? Might balance out the big prints on the other side of the room while adding a little something to the wall between the built ins without being too big of a commitment. Overall, beautiful room and it’s been fun seeing it come together! I do love the stripes behind the crib as an option too.
Angie says
That is an awesome idea!
Leila says
I’m sure the last thing you want is yet another suggestion, but I was kinda’ hoping to see a mock-up of the wallpaper on the window/curtains wall. It wouldn’t have as much wall to cover so I envision it being a slight, bright accent instead of a big expanse of linen arrows. It’s beautiful paper!
Ps-Team Beard!
ade@fortheloveofpainting says
You have to do the stripes!
Kim Rily says
Okay, so I know I’m in the minority right now, but I think the green seems more boyish. They’re little kids for such a short time and you are huge in the change it up department. Go for a green, bright colors! (My son’s room looks like a box of crayolas with three shades of blue on the walls — and it was my daughter’s room first.)
I’d wait till they’re at least 10 before letting them have a sophisticated room.
Heather says
The wallpaper is lovely, really, but as someone who has stripped wallpaper in one bathroom and still has three more to go, it’s just not worth the cost or time. It is an absolute nightmare to remove (as you probably know) and just as not-fun to put up. (After three laborious months of stripping wallpaper and painting my master bath, I have to spread the gospel.) I love your blog and best of luck to you!!!
Lauren says
Love the stripes!! Would love to see the stripes mocked up in a very soft (light) lime green, same tone as the curtains, just very much lighter. :)
Lauren Nicole says
I think it would be neat if you did the wallpaper on the bike art wall and then you could freehand one giant version of the wallpaper pattern on the crib wall in the reverse colors.
Nawel says
I really love the stripe wall and think it looks good on the crib wall, but I also find myself focusing on the wall and losing the attention to the fun, colorful items on the built-ins, as well as the mobile. I think the stripes on that wall could definitely work, but at the cost of those other pieces no longer standing out. Could we see a mock-up of the stripes on the bike wall? I’m not sure that would solve the problem but I do really love the stripes. Good luck!!
JBC says
I really like the idea of wallpaper behind the crib AND wallpaper on the bike art wall. It feel balanced to me.
Or in the alternative, i like stripes behind the crib and wallpaper on the bike art wall.
Sooooooo excited for you guys! The little guy is going to love his room! Hope you have a safe and happy delivery!
Kate says
So, call me crazy… but what about the paler wallpaper on the window wall? There’s less to compete with over there (just the colored curtains) and it’d be a nice focal point when you walked in? That would leave you more freedom to paint his closet door a fun color (green!) without everything feeling too busy.
Maybe a planked wall above his crib in the same color as the wall? It would give dimension without busy-ness, maybe?
Good luck!
Samantha @ Fabulous Fabris says
I actually quite like the wallpaper on the crib wall. My second choice is the stripes.
I’ve been eyeing that same pattern on spoonflower, I really like it!
Kristen @ LoveK Blog says
I love the stripes over the crib! I really like the wallpaper but there’s something about it that makes me feel hesitant. The instant I saw the stripes I thought it looked awesome.
Elizabeth B. says
Love the stripes on the crib wall, would also love to see how they might look on the bike art wall. Also agree with people who have said wallpaper on the wall with the windows….so basically more playing around in Photoshop!
Kylie says
Def put something behind the crib – I like the stripes. I am with most folks – arrows on bike wall, stripes on crib wall. But even if bike wall was white, I think the crib wall needs something… and I like the stripes!
Rebecca says
Oh please please do not use the gray. I think this room needs some warm colors. Orange maybe? No more gray, there is too much with the built ins. I hate to be negative but please warm this room up!
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
I love the idea of the wallpaper on the bike art wall and then paint the crib wall a charcoal color. It would bring great dimension to the room and really finish things off I think. Can wait to see what you decide on! Good luck because you have some really great ideas going on. ;)
Rebecca says
Please please no more gray! Can you use wallpaper in a different color? I think this room desperately needs a warm color like orange. The built ins look so gray, this would be gray overload. Sorry to be negative but I want some color :-)
Danielle says
What about instead of standard stripes on the wall doing stripes that mimic the wallpaper and have them come to a point in the center almost like they’re pointing down at the crib like an arrow. I don’t know if that makes sense or not but I can totally see it in my head lol
Mary says
Sorry but, too many busy trends in one (small) room if you go arrows on one side and stripes on the other. If 2 of the 4 walls are accents, I think they should be the same accent. The arrows would look good between the built-ins because they draw the eyes over, making the crib look not as lost as it does now. I can’t imagine getting annoyed at my husband for spending a mere $13 on a sample (not even a firm decorating decision).
YoungHouseLove says
Oh he didn’t get the sour look for spending $13 on samples, it was the idea of hanging wallpaper after all the time we spent clawing it off in five rooms of this house over 8 months! Before I knew it was removable I looked at him like he lost his dang mind. Then I learned it wasn’t permanent and all was right with the world again ;)
xo
s
Meagan says
At 15 weeks pregnant, I get annoyed at my husband for FAR less than wallpaper! The man is a saint.
Amy says
What I’d like to see is the wallpaper on the bike wall and the wall behind the crib painted a gray color matched to the wallpaper.
Amber says
I have three kids, so no time to read all seven pages of comments, so I am sorry if this is a repeat. :) What about a wall treatment that uses same color, different finishes of paint? Maybe a phrase behind his crib painted in high gloss? “Let him sleep, for tomorrow he will move mountains” and the some chunky geometric mountains? Something to give texture and interest but not as busy as other ideas?
Angie says
I like the charcoal on the crib wall, maybe a shade lighter? the wallpaper is too busy with the bike prints, and it’s also too busy with the mobile – the mobile gets lost on the wall.
I do also love the stripes on the crib wall. It gives it some interest without overpowering the other elements surrounding it.
Another option: colored crib wall with a painted or vinyl monogram, or nursery creature?
Haley says
I think I would go a little crazier by doing the lighter arrow on the bike wall and the stripes on the crib wall. I don’t think that would be too busy since the one wall is mostly just window and the other one is just plain (right?).
PS. LOVE all of Holli’s patterns on spoonflower!
Jessica Huber says
I love the wallpaper…but maybe stripes as well for balance or at least paint it the same color as the background of the paper? you two have such a great eye, I know whatever you choose will look awesome.
ASIDE from that, a hubby going rogue and ordering wallpaper for a nursery??? Sounds kind of romantic to me!!! you two are way too cute.
Stefani says
have you thought about turning the stripes upside down? I feel like they would look “happier” that way?
I also really like the stripes between the built-ins.
Lo says
I say stripes on all the walls! You should mock up wallpaper on the window wall. Also, instead of the forest green color you put behind the crib, I think it would look better with a brighter color more similar in color to the curtains. Could you try that?
One more thing, could you please update this post with some pictures of alternate views of the room? The views you’re showing us make the room look huge when it’s actually quite small I think? It’s hard to tell how everything you’ve done actually goes together when we only see one view. Would love a view straight in from the doorway (to include the shelving and bike prints) and a view from the closet corner to the opposite corner (left of crib). Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
I’m afraid we have a sick kiddo with a stomach bug over here (my poor baby!) so I can’t take more pics right now, but here’s a straight on shot of the room for ya from a few posts back: http://images.younghouselove.com.s3.amazonaws.com/2014/02/Curtains-AFTER-Full-Room.jpg
xo
s
Jenn says
I hope Clara feels better soon, and the rest of you stay well. But I also hope that you take down the IG picture of Clara that you posted. It is unnecessary to share pictures of your sick child with the world. Please, for her sake, take it down. Praying she feels better soon.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! It’s down.
xo
s
Jenn says
Thank you for taking the picture down. I pray for health for your whole family!
Lil says
Hope Clara feels better and that the two of your (especially mama) stay well.
Kelly says
Ooooo! What about charcoal ombre behind the crib, like in this horrendous rendering I did?!?
http://i57.tinypic.com/20hk3mp.jpg
YoungHouseLove says
That’s crazy cool, if I could actually do that!
xo
s
Kelly says
I believe in you!!! :)
Diane says
I like the wallpaper on the bike wall. It seems to warm up the room and make it cozy. I think some of the other options make for a very busy unrestful look.
McKenzie says
I would do wooden slates, like the outside of a house in between the built ins. Same color as the walls. :)
Sheralyn says
I LOVE the wallpaper, though I voted for the stripes because with all of the open shelving in the room I fear with the added wallpaper it may seem too busy. I would absolutely use the wallpaper in another way though, i.e. apply to storage boxes or inside the closet or drawers.