If you couldn’t tell by my rebrand, I’m all about not taking things I don’t love into the new year. If I’m not completely in love with something, it’s getting left behind. My kitchen design was one of those things I desperately wanted to leave in 2018.
I’ve been in my place for close to 2 years now and it’s still a work in progress. Trust me, if you want to learn patience, start trying to furnish and decorate your home. It seems like the list of things to do never gets any shorter. And if you’re like me, part of the reason for that is because you keep starting over.
When I initially began decorating my kitchen, I had my heart set on wallpapering my “breakfast nook.” But when I couldn’t find paper I liked (and that was removable since I rent), I let my impatience get the best of me and decided to go the stenciling route. The stencil design turned out pretty neat, but I just… didn’t love it. Even after living with it for the better part of a year I still wasn’t quite sold.
Head over to my Instagram ‘Decor’ highlights to see the installation process!
So, I decided to follow my first mind and go back down the wallpapering route. But this time I wasn’t going to settle. I searched every website, hashtag, and decor aisle on the planet…or so it seemed. I searched for close to 6 months.
I’d find ones I liked and that “would work,” but nothing that felt like “the one.” So I kept searching. (Between dating and decor, this seems to be the current theme of my life. lol) And a few weeks ago, I hit pay dirt when Tempaper released their Genevieve “Intersections” print in a new color way—black on black!
It was perfect! Luxe and masculine with a feminine touch. All the things I look for in home decor.
Applying the wallpaper was so easy I was able to do it myself without any help. Tempaper sent me 3 rolls of paper to cover the area and I—even after accounting for pattern repeat—still have a pretty good amount left over. (About one roll.) But I did have to open and use all 3 rolls.
My order also came with a squeegee, which was really helpful! It made smoothing out the paper and pressing out the air bubbles a breeze. I’ve applied wallpaper several times before, but I’ve always just smoothed by hand. This was a much better approach.
I’m still learning the art of styling and my kitchen counters are my newest challenge. It’s all about finding the balance between functional and “fashion.” What do I leave out because I actually use it but that won’t make the counter feel cluttered and an eye sore? And what do I add for pizazz and personality without losing valuable counter space?
I’ll let you guys know once and if I figure that out.
There are still some changes I’ll likely end up making—painting the window trim, adding a runner for warmth, probably replace the chairs, etc.—but for now I’m so much happier with the direction it’s heading. Honestly, every time I look at the wallpaper I giggle a little. It’s just so so good!
Looking to incorporate some wallpaper into your space? You’re in luck! Use my special discount code—BLAKE15—on Tempaper Designs to get 15% off your purchase until 2/28.
Loving the pics! Your kitchen looks fabulous!
I love this vibe. Very sheikh.
So beautiful, Blake. You have a great sense of style!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! What is the name of the frame in your photo?
Thank you. I’m pretty obsessed with the wallpaper myself. Lol.
Me encanta! Todo se ve hermoso.
thank you for sharing your beautiful space with us. Where did you purchase the umbrella holder?
Thank you. The “umbrella holder” is actually a vase I purchased at Z Gallerie and just repurposed. Last I checked it was majorly discounted/on sale. Go grab it!
That art print is Amazing!! Can you please post the link to that?
I’m so happy I found your blog. This space is just amazing!!! The black on black wallpaper is stunning. Inwas wondering if you could share source info for the light fixture. T.I.A.
Thank you! I’m happy you found me, too! The light fixture is original to the apartment, so unfortunately, I don’t have an info on it.
I absolutely love this! And it’s amazing that the all black on black wallpaper, actually made the space seem brighter. At least to me it did. It added depth, but also didn’t close the space in. You did an amazing job on this, and the styling is that extra added touch to pull it all together!