I’ve been putting the finishes touches on our primary bathroom renovation and am still waiting on a few items to arrive before the full reveal, but I couldn’t wait to share how gorgeous the chinoiserie wallpaper mural turned out! From the very beginning of this project, I knew I wanted something that was bold and full of personality in the water closet (you can read more about my thought process here). I’m so happy that I went with this wallpaper that I think it’s deserving of it’s own post!

This wallpaper boasts the most beautiful, soft hues that perfectly complement the marble flooring we selected. Not to mention, blending the wallpaper’s intricate design with the natural lines of the stone adds so much warmth and organic texture without being overwhelming.

I love the view as you walk into our bathroom – it really sets the tone for the entire space and is the perfect combination of elevated and cozy. I also decided to paint all of the trimwork in the water closet green to feel like an extension of the rest of the bathroom (you can read all about the paint selection process in this post here).

My absolute favorite detail (that I think really elevates the final installation) is the wrapped switch plate. I didn’t want anything to take away from the beauty of this paper, so I matched up the print and wrapped the plate to camouflage it. Adding this little detail makes all the difference!

One of the most common questions I get as a designer is what I think about peel and stick wallpaper. So, for this project, I really wanted to try out a peel and stick to give you my honest opinion. Less than ten years ago, peel and stick options weren’t very appealing. However, they have come an incredibly long way and can look really high end if used in the right setting!

One of the challenges we tackled early on was preparing the walls. We went ahead and gave this room a light skimcoat to ensure a smooth surface. You could definitely apply a peel and stick over a textured wall, but be sure to check an inconspicuous area first as you do see some of the texture coming through. This can really distract from the install of the paper and cheapen the final look.

When it comes to the adhesion, durability, and application of the paper, I have to admit I’m pretty impressed! I decided to give installing this paper a go on my own, and let me tell you – it was a learning curve. I found out pretty quickly that I needed a second set of hands to apply it without imperfections.

You can clearly see where I messed up under this window and had to remove the paper. It pulled the top layer of skim coat right off the wall! While it’s not the easiest to remove once it’s up, I think that speaks for itself. These new adhesives are strong – this paper isn’t going anywhere.

Now that the chinoiserie wallpaper mural is in, I would definitely recommend a peel and stick option if you’re looking for something more affordable. There are some incredible peel and stick companies (North & Finch, Chasing Paper, Spoonflower) that have beautiful options that don’t feel tacky or cheap. It’s all about the print!

As I add the final touches and await the last fixtures, I’m reminded of how impactful thoughtful design choices are. One item I need to decide on is adding artwork over the toilet. I really think the wallpaper speaks for itself, but it might be pretty to layer something on top of it. I’m also considering leaving the window untreated to keep the traditional paper feeling fresh. If I do add a treatment, I think I’ll stick to a nice shade. I just can’t make up my mind!

What do you think? Would artwork finish of this space or should I let it be? What do you think of the chinoiserie wallpaper mural?

MORE POSTS ABOUT THE PRIMARY BATHROOM RENOVATION:

A Surprise Primary Bathroom Renovation (And How I’m Handling It)

The Primary Bathroom Layout + Our Exciting Construction Plans

Progress Update: The Primary Bathroom Demo is Officially Complete

Carrara Marble Floors In the Primary Bathroom

A Budget Friendly Bathroom Vanity Makeover