You guys, I am really excited about today’s post because it means we’re making progress on the basement renovation and on my future home office space!!! This mama needs a quiet place to work and just chill sometimes, can I get an amen?
Today’s post is sponsored by hayneedle.com but all opinions are entirely my own.
Last month I shared the design plan for my new office area (see it HERE). That included a big vintage wall map of one of my favorite cities, Paris (j’adore) from hayneedle.com. Not only is the map totally gorgeous, but it’s printed on self-adhesive and removable wallpaper.
But before I get ahead of myself, here’s the wall I chose for the project. Since there’s a bulkhead on the left and a small window at the top, I chose the 7ft wide x 5.6 ft tall map, which I taped out first. I decided to center the map directly underneath the window.
The size I chose came safely wrapped in 4 panels. The paper is textured vinyl with a vintage look and feel to it. First, you want to make sure your wall is completely clean and dry before starting. I measured again and marked the approx. dimensions with a pencil on the wall.
Now, if you try this yourself you’ll probably want to start your project on the top left or right of your chosen wall space. Since I chose to center this under the window, I decided to start with the 2nd panel first so I could line it up correctly.
Start by removing the sticky paper from the back – about 12 inches at the top. Gently press down and smooth out any air bubbles with a straightedge or credit card. Keep working in about 12 inch sections until you finish the panel.
Now when you start your next panel, you’ll notice that it’s printed so that there’s a one inch overlap to make sure everything lines up perfectly. I got halfway through the second panel when I realized that I was working at a slight angle, so I peeled everything off and redid both of the panels. Removing a panel isn’t super easy (because you wouldn’t want it falling off the wall at any given moment) but it’s definitely not difficult either. I managed to remove and rehang them within just a few minutes.
Here’s a closeup of one of the seams:
They are almost impossible to spot!
Here I went back and hung the panel on the far left:
It wasn’t long until I was all finished and now I have a statement wall which I am totally in love with. I can’t wait until the rest of my office is finished and I can see everything together!
Here’s a pretty styled shot with my super-bright little window and oddly glowing flowers:
Here are a few closeups so you can see the detail in the map… monuments, streets, different parts of town, etc. It’s a replica of a 1705 map, so there are still a lot of fields and undeveloped areas.
Another part, with Notre Dame and the Seine River:
Since we’re still finishing the basement, I staged it for now with my new desk chair (which the boys absolutely love, by the way).
The entire process took me only one hour – I was amazed at how quickly I finished, even with a few small hiccups and some breaks to take photos.
So, are you a fan of wallpaper? I’ve never hung traditional wallpaper, but I have had to remove it and it was AWFUL. I love that this map is self-adhesive and repositionable, if I ever change my mind about where to hang it. It’s also crinkle-free and printed using eco-solvent ink. There are 6 different sizes available on hayneedle.com – you could completely cover an entire wall if you want! Oh, and did I mention it’s a map of Paris? What’s not to love? 🙂
Paula@SweetPea says
This looks amazing, Jen, and I love that it can be repositioned. Can’t wait to see more of your basement makeover.
Kathy Owen says
I have a wall that needs this! Thanks for the inspiration Jen!
Stacy @ Anastasia Vintage says
That is SO cool!! Definitely pinning this for future reference! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Of course the boys love it. How fun! Your office will be creme de la creme, Jen!
kim @ hunt & host says
This is completely gorgeous and now I am thinking about all the unloved areas in my house that could use something like this…hmmm. sharing
24/7 in France says
Love it!
Wendi Wachtel says
This is great! What a good idea too. I’m loving the idea of big art that doesn’t mark up the wall…plus I love the design you chose! Who wouldn’t love Paris??
Jen says
Thanks, Kim! Swagpaper has so many options for removable wallpaper – but of course Paris was the obvious choice for me 😉
Jen says
Thanks, I can’t wait! My husband is doing the floor himself and it’s taking a little while… 😉
Heidi Ackley says
What a great idea! Love it! Can you tell me how you made/where you got the “La Beuce” pillow? I need to get 2 for a bench I am doing. Did you make the pillow and stencil the design onto it? It looks sooo cute!
Jen says
Thank you, Heidi! I did make that pillow, but I didn’t stencil it. 🙂 Here’s where I bought the grainsack to make it: https://www.onlinefabricstore.net/french-grain-sack-reproduction-.htm Good luck- and enjoy!
Heidi Ackley says
Thank you!!! Found it and ordered the fabric!! 🙂
julie says
This looks amazing! What a great feature wall! I promise i’m not trying to be a smarty-pants, but I thought i could add a tip from my experience of wallpapering… once you have your whole square marked, it really helps to mark a verticle line for each panel to stay straight as you go. And if you have a more geometric pattern, you may want your line to be level too. Just thought this might help anyone inspired to try your awesome project. Thanks for sharing, I love the map print you chose!
Jen says
Thanks for the tips, Julie! You definitely don’t sound like a smarty pants. 😉