A chic powder room featuring deep blue floral wallpaper, a gold-framed mirror, and a pedestal sink with brass fixtures.

How a Forgotten Wallpaper Roll Turned My Powder Room Into a Showstopper

Photo by Impressions by Julie

Have you ever bought something with the best intentions, only for it to sit in a corner for years? That was me with this gorgeous Tempaper Peonies Peel and Stick wallpaper. I ordered it at the start of Covid, fully convinced I’d have the time and patience to install it myself. Fast forward four years—yes, four—and that roll was still sitting there, untouched. But now? My once-boring powder room has transformed into a stunning little jewel box, and I couldn’t be happier.

Why Wallpaper a Powder Room?

Powder rooms are the perfect place to go bold. They’re small, so a little bit of pattern or color makes a big impact. Unlike full bathrooms with lots of steam and moisture, powder rooms don’t typically have showers, which means wallpaper (especially peel-and-stick) holds up well.

The Process: A Long Time Coming

Originally, this little bathroom was painted a muted green—fine, but uninspired. I wanted something with personality, something that felt special. Enter this deep blue floral wallpaper with glamorous gold accents. The problem? Life got busy, and the wallpaper sat in a corner, waiting for me to find the time.

Then, one day, I saw an ad for a local installer who specializes in peel-and-stick wallpaper. That was my sign! Some installers won’t work with peel-and-stick because it can be tricky, but Alicia knew what she was doing. In just four hours, my walls were covered, and the transformation was incredible.

The Details Matter

Once the wallpaper was up, I quickly realized something—the silver mirror and light fixture suddenly looked out of place. They clashed with the warm gold in the wallpaper. Rather than replacing them, we grabbed a can of satin gold spray paint and gave both pieces a new life. Even the gray organza trim on the light fixture shades got a little DIY love with a gold fabric pen.

A silver mirror and light fixture updated with satin gold spray paint, along with light fixture shades enhanced with a gold fabric pen for a cohesive look.

Lessons Learned

  • Wall Prep is Key: Peel-and-stick wallpaper needs a smooth, clean surface. Any texture or bumps will show through and make installation tricky.
  • Not All Installers Like Peel-and-Stick: If you don’t want to DIY, be sure to find someone comfortable working with this type of paper.
  • It’s Okay if It’s Not Perfect: I covered the light switches with wallpaper, and if you look closely, the pattern doesn’t line up perfectly. But you know what? No one notices but me.
Before-and-after of a powder room makeover, featuring a dramatic shift from muted green walls and silver fixtures to deep blue floral wallpaper with gold accents.

The Final Look

Now, my powder room is bold, moody, and full of personality. The deep blue and gold floral pattern makes it feel luxurious, and the DIY touches bring everything together. Every time I walk in, I wonder why I waited so long to do this!

If you have a boring powder room that could use a little personality, wallpaper might be just the thing! Need help choosing a pattern or pulling a look together? Let’s chat—I’d love to help you create a space that makes you smile every time you walk in.

Julie

Discover your design style

Does your space really reflect who you are? 

Discover your design style
Discover your design style

Does your space really reflect who you are? 

Discover your design style