Replaster or Paintable wallpaper?
We're about to start a new project... ~250sqm refurb of a city house (circa 1920/1930s). We need to redo all of the electrics - to be chased into the wall, and we are wondering what to do about the new wall finishes? Floor to ceiling heights are +3m, and with good natural light, rooms are all ~18sqm... Most walls are currently wallpapered with old fabric paper. For the most part the house is in very good condition.
As the base finish, should we specify replastering plus base coat of paint or using a thick paintable wallpaper?
I'm not really talking about 'decorating' here as we will deviate from this base finish in specific areas (decorative wallpaper, paint), as we see fit... I'm more wondering about versatility and hiding potential flaws...
We are likely to only decorate some of the rooms in the short term... so we also need to avoid setting ourselves up for redoing things in the near future. Eventually, we will likely have an eclectic mix of modern/minimal/simple, vintage, found objects... styles. ;)
My gut feeling tells me that the heavy wallpaper (fibreglass or similar...?) adds texture where it's not intended, and looks a bit like a cheap & quick solution for a corner cafe (possibly rented!) rather than a family home. BUT, I don't have experience with big old houses like this one... and I don't want to see wobbly walls everywhere!
All advice welcome... technical, aesthetic, how to future proof for decoration...
Many thanks!
Comments (6)
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Comments (7)Agree with the one feature wall, you don't want busy in an office, it could be off putting. I see that you had the Artex skimmed, not the walls, so understand that you might not feel they're good enough to paint. I usually find that sanding, filling, painting over with white, ( to show up the holes ) then filling, sanding and a couple of top coats in a matt finish is good enough to hide most blemishes!...See MoreWallpaper stripping in old Devon cottage
Comments (89)Hiya! Ah it’s still chucking me out every time I reach your window shutters post, too ridiculous! I’m using the app. Glad it’s letting me post but you know how I love to re-read and look at suggestions again.... I’ll contact Houzz, and jump on dh’s lap top tomorrow. Ordered lights in Black Friday sale, much as you suggested, simple elegant and understated. Electrician and Kevin coming tomorrow afternoon. Will update asap! xxx...See MoreWoodchip Wallpaper Over Lime Plaster Walls
Comments (4)Steve, I would line the walls after rigourous preparation work. One thing you could do is cross line the walls. Basically this is to make good the walls with easi-fill (with the woodchip paper off), rub down and size the walls with a thinned out coat of paste. Let the size dry fully and hang lining paper either vertically or horizontally. Once hung and dried, look at the condition of the walls re-fill the bad areas again and rub down. Just size the filled areas only and then re-line the walls in the crossed direction of the first hang. So if you hung vertically on the first, hang horizontally on the second hang and vice versa. Once complete paint as normal. You should see a marked difference in the smoothness of the walls,...See MoreWallpaper in a kitchen?
Comments (8)Photos of the space and your style would help us get a feel for the things you are drawn to and it would be easier to suggest stuff. As Minnie says, decorators varnish would help ensure it is protected from moisture. I have wallpaper in my bathroom and it is fine :-) Brighten it up with a yellow which will go with the grey https://www.grahambrown.com/uk/anthriscus-summer-wallpaper/105578-master.html#start=1&cgid=wallpaper Perhaps a deep blue? https://www.grahambrown.com/uk/boreas-midnight-wallpaper/107581-master.html#start=1&cgid=wallpaper Or a welcoming, luscious green https://www.grahambrown.com/uk/daintree-palm-pearl/112020-master.html#start=1&cgid=wallpaper...See More
jenzpad
7 years ago
Wendy Wood
7 years ago
PROAlenaCDesign
7 years agoHello there, congratulations on your new house! Personally I love old houses and think you are a lucky owner of a beautiful place with so much character. I absolutely agree with comments above. Replastering is the best solution and the right investment. Include it into your budget and you will never regret (even in 20 years). Wallpaper won't last that long and then will limit you in what you can do with it. And even then it will not look as great as finish on nicely plastered wall.
I have suggestion for your landing and hallway with stairs, French wash paint will look very nice and cozy. For example (there are more colours to choose from)
Good luck with project!
headers13
7 years ago
AMB