How to Apply Wall Decals for a Faux Wallpaper Look

In order to brighten up our foyer and stairwell, we recently repainted it Seapearl by Benjamin Moore.  While we love the clean and updated look of it, parts were looking a little stark for our taste.  To add some color, I really wanted to use removable wallpaper on one wall at the top of the stairs, but when I began to understand how big of a pain it would be to wallpaper around the windows, I nixed that plan and turned to individual wall decals instead.  And friends, they’re amazing!  I cannot wait to show you how to apply wall decals for a faux wallpaper look – you’re going to love it!

But first . . . I have to show you what the accent wall looked like after its paint job but before it got the faux wallpaper treatment.  SO plain, and I was so over that metal wall decor over the window.

Thank you to Kenna Sato Designs for providing the wall decals you see in this post.  The project and opinion are my own.  Also, this post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

After surfing around Etsy one night, I fell in love with the adorable, unique, and custom wall decals from Kenna Sato Designs.  It hit me that these decals would be the perfect solution for my boring wall!  I narrowed it down to about five patterns, and then settled on the Autumn Leaf Wall Decals in Matte Gold.  I figured that these decals would be the perfect ones for my house – whimsical but not too over the top.

I got five sets of decals for my wall, and they arrived in large sheets.  

I cut them apart, grabbed my laser level (you DEFINITELY want a laser level for a project like this!), tape measure, and a pencil, and got to work!  I started right above the window and placed my first leaf decal in the center of the wall.  I then placed leaves along my laser level line eight inches apart – alternating their direction up and down.

After I finished the first row, I moved three inches down and started the next row.  I continued the same process across, and then the same process down.  After I finished the bottom row, I moved up to the top (the hardest part of the job – I saved the worst for last – ha!).

To see exactly how easy it was to apply the wall decals to my accent wall, watch this video!  I think it’s easier to understand than through written text and photos!

I spread out my wall decal application for a few days so that I could take my time and minimize mistakes.  I think that made a big difference in the quality of my work and led to an awesome finished product!

So . . . are you ready to see how my wall decals have made a huge difference in the look of my stairwell?  I think they definitely look like wallpaper!  

These gorgeous leaf decals paired with my new DIY Wall Art and Wall Art Hangers and wicker elephant planter have made this space one of my favorites in my home!  I keep stopping at the top of the stairs and admiring it.

Jasper loves it.  

And shockingly, my husband loves it, too!  I did not see that coming.  

I am beyond thrilled with how these wall decals transformed the look of my stairwell!  This accent wall has so much personality now and it makes me so happy!  If you have any bare walls that need a quick pick me up that requires no commitment (seriously – you just peel off the decals when you tire of them, and they won’t damage your paint!), I would one-hundred-percent recommend Kenna Sato Designs’ wall decals to you!  Check out her Etsy shop, and visit her on Instagram and Facebook, and get the wallpaper look with wall decals!  Plus, you can save 10% off any purchase in her store through May 31, 2018 with code ABITENOFF!

In the meantime, I will just be admiring my pretty faux wallpaper accent wall.  

Let me know what you think of my faux wallpaper accent wall in the comments below.  I love to hear from you!

-Bre

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