Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock/YKvisual
Do it big with a do-it-yourself wall treatment—an upgrade on which homeowners can cash in for a quick, easy enhancement that elevates interiors with a touch of traditional flair. Although there are countless how-to tutorials to follow and learn from online, jot down these perhaps lesser-known tips and tricks from Editor Katelyn Bloomquist, who recently revamped her primary bedroom with a dreamy accent wall.
1. With varying wall sizes and panel dimensions, calculating the math perfectly can be one of the hardest and most time-consuming parts. Online calculators engineered for wall-panel planning can lend a hand if crunching numbers isn’t your forte.
2. Even if choosing an affordable, easy-to-cut polystyrene trim, use a miter saw to cut your pieces to length. A hand miter will likely result in uneven cuts and jagged lines. (We learned this the hard way.)
3. A partner to assist in nailing and placement, plus a trusty ‘ol level, are key. The installation phase is a two-person job, especially if you’re working with longer pieces, so plan accordingly.
4. Buy extra material. You’ll be grateful if you encounter those unplanned and unexpected slipups. (See No. 2!)
5. After installation, use your finger (instead of a tool) to work putty into the nail holes and in the corners for a smooth, clean look.
6. For a fun finishing touch, panel the inner rectangles with your favorite wallpaper for an extra punch of pattern and personality, or hang a family portrait under a picture light. We chose a battery-operated version for ease and convenience.
7. Prefer to lose (some of) the manual labor? Multiple Etsy sellers offer precut, ready-to-install and custom-order kits to make the upgrade even easier.
Illustration by Traci Zellmann
