Wednesday, March 30, 2011

easy kitchen DIY

I am slowly making my way through our apartment trying to make a the generic space feel and look a bit more like us.

A few months ago I walked into Art Mart to take a look at the 100's of decorative papers they had advertised. When I walked into the store, I freaked out a little when I saw all of the racks displaying large sheets of beautiful papers. When you sign up for their newsletter you get a 40% off coupon!

My plan was to look for some paper to cover the blank space above our stove in our kitchen.

Here is a before shot.

kitchen before

I really just wanted a pattern, that wouldn't compete or draw major attention to it's self in our small apartment. I was inspired by the view outside our living room window, which has a lovely view of trees.

I picked out this  birch wrapping paper, it was about four dollars a sheet (not bad). I bought three sheets and had plenty left over for future craft projects or gift wrapping.

the supplies

The process was really simple. I measured the space over the stove top, cut my birch paper, covered the birch paper with clear contact paper and trimmed off the excess.  Then, I used a bone folder to smooth out any bubbles.  I followed the same steps to cover the right side of the wall and then the left.  Then, I attached the paper to the wall with thumb tacks.

And here is the after:

kitchen after

The mirror over the stove was found at Unique Thrift here in St. Louis...I love that place.

I love simple projects, that I can start and finish all by myself while Jeremy is studying. I have another one that I am super proud of that I will share one of these days.

18 comments:

RachelDenbow said...

It looks SO good! I LOVE this patterned wallpaper solution!

Courtney said...

This looks really cute! I especially love the addition of that little gold-framed mirror. It's amazing how some little upgrades can completely transform a space. Nice work!

Ashley Peak said...

Very cool! Love it!

diane said...

thanks for your sweet comments!

Kimber-Leigh said...

so cute diane! can't wait to see around the rest of your new home!

Maegan said...

It looks AMAZING Diane! I love the patterned paper.

Kim Hammans said...

This is SUCH a good idea!!! It looks wonderful! ;)

Unknown said...

LOVE LOVE!

Nova said...

looks real good; will have to remember to do something like that to my new place when i move into it! thanks for sharing!

Sarah said...

I'm not familiar with contact paper...would this be removeable for us renters? I love the look!

diane said...

Hi Sarah,

I applied the contact paper on top of the birch paper, so the back is not sticky. I used thumb tacks to attach it to the wall and it should just leave behind tiny holes when it's time to move out.

thanks for stopping by!

Laura said...

looks great!

Gen said...

Diane, Thank you for this wonderful idea!

Lee Ann said...

Oh.So.Cute.

Meghann said...

Love this!! The birch pattern is beautiful. Gives me inspiration for our apartment.

Kara Gehret said...

I just saw you comment on Oh.My.Deer. and saw you from St. Louis. It's always fun to find neighbor bloggers :)

Stephanie Loudmouth said...

This is an awesome idea, definitely saving this post!

Scot Martin said...

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