Don’t shy away from wallpaper in a kitchen
Not only is removing it easier than you think, but it also helps with resale value
Joanna Saltz, the editorial director of House Beautiful and Delish, joined Washington Post staff writer Jura Koncius recently to discuss adding character with colour throughout your home. Here is an edited excerpt of their exchange.
Q As a real estate agent who primarily shows houses to buyers, I have seen hundreds of kitchens with white shaker cabinets and white and grey marble or granite counters. Backsplashes always seem to be subway or a geometric — white and grey. What’s next?
A Rather than relying on the backsplash, we’re seeing so much wallpaper in kitchens now. It allows people to keep the fixtures neutral (great for resale) but still push the boundaries. Also, because you’re a real estate agent, you know people shy away from wallpaper, thinking it’s hard to remove.
These days, that’s not the case. People shouldn’t be afraid to try it.
Q How do I make a tiny studio feel really large?
A Cover the walls! Everyone says that pattern and colour really do expand a space. If you’re renting, there are so many great removable wallpaper options now. Take a chance.
Q I still love my dark cherry kitchen cabinets, but after 25 years, some of them need refinishing. I’ve tried to find a company in my area to no avail. Is this something I can do myself ? Would you suggest painting them?
A I would not refinish them yourself. Painting could be nice, though, and professionals can do it beautifully.
Q The paint/enamel finish in our bathtub has begun to peel away. It is spreading the same way paint peels from a wall defect, but the chips are brittle, unlike wall paint. Is there an easy and lasting way to touch up or redo the coating? The bathroom was remodelled four to six years ago, but I do not know if the tub was replaced or refinished at the time.
A I’ve never done this before, but apparently you can have your tub re-glazed by a professional, which I would suggest over a bathtub liner. It would cost you a few hundred dollars.
Q I bought a lacquer coffee table about 10 years ago. However, it is more purple than red, so it doesn’t fit my living room and it has been chipped (white shows through). Thoughts for me instead of giving it away?
A Can you afford to re-lacquer it? It sounds amazing, but it also sounds like it’s got its wear. Might be time for a re-coat.
Q I know spring is around the corner, but it still feels cold and grey. How can I make a dreary, wintry room more cheerful?
A I’m obsessed with plants right now like the rest of the world. I kill every plant I buy, but that doesn’t stop me from buying more. Buy yourself flowers. Buy tons of plants. I can’t bring myself to buy fake ones, but I know people who swear by them.
Q Do you personally attend trade markets to find what’s new or has the internet eliminated the need? Are your readers more interested in what’s new or what works to solve their decorating challenges?
A This is a great question because trade shows and market appointments do take up a lot of time. It’s important for our editors to meet people at trade shows and market appointments and our audience loves knowing what’s new. But in this day and age, we need to be faster to report on what’s happening. A lot of times, we can’t wait until our print deadlines to report on new products because at that point the news is old. So you will see that the magazine will help designers and homeowners solve decorating challenges, while still including some news. It’s a balancing act.