Home Improvement - Kate Campbell

Elevate Your Space: The Power of Wallpaper and Wall Decals in Room Makeovers

Posted on 17 February 202517 February 2025 by Kate Campbell

Today, we’re diving into one of my favourite design tools for easily transforming spaces:

Wallpaper and wall decals.

If you’re looking for a way to add personality, texture, and visual interest to your home without a major renovation, these versatile solutions are your new best friends. Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or someone who loves to refresh their space frequently, wallpaper and decals offer a practical and stylish way to make a big impact.

Let’s explore why these design elements are worth considering, how I’ve used them in my own home, and which products I recommend to get the job done.

Why Wallpaper and Wall Decals?

Wallpaper and wall decals are more than just decorative—they’re transformative. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your design toolkit:

Instant Transformation: A single accent wall or well-placed decal can completely change the look and feel of a room. It’s one of the fastest ways to elevate your space.
Versatility: From bold patterns to subtle textures, there’s a design for every style and space. Whether you’re going for modern, rustic, or whimsical, the options are endless.
Affordability: Compared to other renovation projects, wallpaper and decals are a cost-effective way to make a big statement.
Low Commitment: Especially with peel-and-stick options, these solutions are perfect for renters or anyone who likes to change things up without the hassle of repainting or retiling.
DIY-Friendly: Most wallpaper and decals are easy to apply, making them ideal for DIY enthusiasts. No need for professional help—just a steady hand and a little patience.

How I’ve Used Wallpaper and Decals in My Home

Let me walk you through a few real-life examples of how I’ve incorporated wallpaper and decals into my own spaces. These projects showcase the versatility and impact of these design tools. (Added bonus: if you want to order any of these products use KATE15OFF to enjoy 15% off your entire order at checkout (affiliate*)

1. Bathroom Renovation

This bathroom renovation was a full gut job. We stripped it right back to the studs and started from scratch, but when the renovation was almost complete, I felt like it was lacking something: personality!

I loved the fixtures and finishes we had chosen but it just needed a bit more pizzazz when you walked through the door. That’s when my designer friend – Ashley – owner of Studio AE Interior Design suggested that we install Urban Walls Decals to spice the space up a bit! Such a great idea!

I couldn’t choose which decal cluster was my fave, so I ordered both of these and combined them: (click button for direct link!)

Thistle and Palms Wall Decals

Bohemian Palm Wall Decal Clusters

They were so easy to install. They come in a big roll with all of the decals on it, so when you open up your package, you have to roughly cut out all of the individual decals. From there, you kind of just put it together like a puzzle. Ashley came over to help me out and we used painters tape to layout all of the decals on the wall before we actually installed them so we could visualize them in the space.

Once installed, you have to make sure all of the air bubbles are pushed out from under the decal. You could use a plastic trowel but we didn’t have one on hand so we actually ended up using Ashley’s credit card and it worked great. It took some patience and was a bit nerve wracking when we actually started to stick the decals to the wall but it kind of felt like we were putting together a big puzzle. It was so satisfying to see how it all came together!

I love how it wrapped into the corner and behind the mirror

The prettiest toilet decals you ever did see!

The best part? If I ever want to change the look, I can simply peel them off and start fresh. It’s a win-win for style and practicality.

2. Laundry Room Backsplash with Wall Decals

Let’s be honest: laundry rooms are often overlooked when it comes to design. But why should they be? I already don’t really LOVE doing laundry, so I at least want a space that I love to be in when I’m doing it.

This laundry room had a bit of a tricky layout so I worked with Stor-X Nanaimo in order to maximize the storage in this space. I ended up with more than enough storage, which included two laundry hampers for dirty laundry, an upright storage area for my mop, vacuums and bulkier items and open shelving.

After they were done installing the cabinets, I decided once again, that the space needed a bit more personality. Instead of doing a full tile backspash, I decided installing some decals would do the trick!

I opted for the Mini Cactus Garden Wall Decals – these decals make any wall pop and every time I see them, they make me smile. With colourful mini cacti designs, they transformed this space with a touch of southwest charm.

Mini Cactus Garden Wall Decals

The result was a space that felt bright, fun, and far more inviting. Plus, decals are incredibly easy to clean—just wipe them down with a damp cloth, and they look as good as new. It’s a small change that made a big difference in how I feel about doing laundry.

3. My Son’s Nursery with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

When I found out I was pregnant, the initial shock and excitement eventually settled, and I turned my attention to designing the nursery. The room that would become my son’s nursery had plain light blue walls that lacked dimension. I wanted the space to feel cozy, inviting, and a little whimsical, with a touch of West Coast charm. Peel-and-stick wallpaper turned out to be the perfect solution.

I chose the L akeview Wallpaper from Urban Walls to install on the upper 1/3rd of the walls. This wallpaper showcases a scenic, hand-drawn forest landscape featuring bears, moose, and trees, adding a sophisticated yet playful touch.

Lakeview Wallpaper

The wallpaper introduces intricate patterns and a storytelling element, turning the wall into a focal point without overwhelming the space. It also draws the eye upward, making the room feel more dynamic and engaging.

The installation was surprisingly easy considering I was doing it by myself while sleep deprived (helloooo four month sleep regression) and only during nap times (Griffin was still sleeping in our room in a bassinet). I took my time with the first piece and made sure it was completely level. I started by pulling the paper backer far enough down from the top corner that I could stick it to the wall. I pulled the paper backer at a 45 degree angle, down and away from the ceiling (SLOWLY) and made sure to smooth out the wallpaper as I went. If I had to pull the paper off the wall and adjust, it was easy to do so! Call me crazy, but I found it extremely satisfying lining up the little details in the wallpaper from one panel to the next. (I’m also that person who loves painting…so it tracks)

On the lower half of the wall, I installed a muted green board and batten wall panel accent which adds texture and depth, giving the space a polished, high-end feel. The overall effect is warm, inviting, and cohesive—perfect for a nature-inspired nursery.

Unlike traditional baby-themed décor that may feel outgrown in a few years, this wallpaper has a refined, classic style that can transition as my son grows. Whether the space evolves into a toddler’s room, a reading nook, or a more mature bedroom, the woodland theme remains stylish and timeless.

Why You Should Consider Wallpaper and Decals for Your Next Project

If you’re still on the fence, here’s why wallpaper and decals are worth a try:

Affordable Impact: These solutions offer a high-end look without the high-end price tag.
Renter-Friendly: Perfect for those who can’t make permanent changes to their space.
Customizable: With endless patterns, colors, and styles, you can create a look that’s uniquely yours.
Quick and Easy: Most projects can be completed in a weekend, making them ideal for busy homeowners.

Product Recap:

All of these products and more are available on the Urban Walls Website use KATE15OFF to enjoy 15% off your entire order at checkout (affiliate)

Thistle and Palms Wall Decals

Bohemian Palm Wall Decal Clusters

Mini Cactus Garden Wall Decals

Lakeview Wallpaper

Remember, use the promo code:

KATE15OFF to enjoy 15% off your entire order at checkout (affiliate)

Your Walls, Your Canvas

At the end of the day, your home should reflect you—your style, your personality, your quirks. And wallpaper and decals are one of the easiest ways to make that happen. Whether you’re sprucing up a bathroom, adding flair to a laundry room, or creating a dreamy nursery, these products are your ticket to a space that’s as unique as you are.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some decals, roll out that wallpaper, and let your creativity run wild.

Have you used wallpaper or decals in your home? Share your favorite projects in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!

Until next time, happy building! (and peeling and sticking!)

Kate 🙂

From Chaos to Calm: DIY Custom Shelving for a Perfectly Organized Space

Posted on 10 January 2025 by Kate Campbell

Transforming My Furnace Room with Custom Shelving

If you’re like me, the furnace room in your home might be the place where everything you don’t know what to do with ends up. It’s the space that’s often forgotten, full of mismatched bins and piles that just don’t seem to stay organized. Recently, I decided it was time to take control and create a system that not only looks tidy but makes accessing stored items a breeze. Here’s how I built custom shelving to store my bins and transformed the furnace room into a functional and organized space.

Step 1: Assessing the Space and Planning

The first step in any organizational project is understanding the space you’re working with. I measured the dimensions of the furnace room and took note of all the potential obstacles, like the furnace, water heater, and any exposed pipes or vents. My goal was to maximize storage without compromising access to these utilities.

Once I had my measurements, I turned my attention to the bins. I decided to stick with these sturdy black bins with yellow lids (that I already had about 20 of from moving across the country a couple of years ago) for a uniform look. Knowing the dimensions of my bins, I sketched out a shelving design that would perfectly fit them—both in width and height—allowing easy access and minimizing wasted space. My design allowed for 25 bins in total (five across and five high.)

Step 2: Gathering Materials and Tools

With my plan in hand, I gathered the necessary materials:

2×4 lumber for the frame and supports
Plywood or an OSB sheet for added stability or for a top shelf (optional, depending on your design – I added one for extra storage up top)
Wood screws
A drill, saw (both a table saw and either mitre saw or circular saw), and measuring tape
Level (I used my laser level but any 4′ level should do) and square for ensuring everything was straight and aligned
I also made sure to have safety equipment like gloves, hearing protection and goggles, because power tools and wood dust can be unforgiving.

Step 3: Building the Shelves

This is where the fun began! I started by constructing the frame for the shelves. Using my 2x4s, I laid down bottom plates and installed vertical supports, connecting them with horizontal braces at the appropriate heights to fit my bins. Here are the key steps:

Cutting the Lumber: I cut all the wood to the appropriate lengths based on my design and the spacing needed for the bins. I also ripped down my horizontal support pieces on a table saw to 1-3/4 inch so I was able to get double the amount of supports out of one piece of lumber.

Assembling the Frame: I used wood screws to secure the vertical supports to the horizontal braces. A level was my best friend to make sure everything was straight.

Adding Stability: To prevent wobbling, I secured the entire structure to the wall studs. Building the shelves took a couple of evenings, but seeing the frame come together was incredibly satisfying. And yes, I wore my trusty overalls for the job—they’re basically my DIY uniform now and are the most comfortable for this postpartum mama!

Step 4: Organizing the Bins

Once the shelves were built and secured, I brought in the bins. Each bin was labeled with its contents using blue painter’s tape and a permanent marker (maybe it’s time to invest in a label maker and bring my organizational game up a notch!)

Some of the labels include:

Tickle Trunk (Costumes)
Baby Clothes (Open Feb 2025)
Seasonal Decor
Books

This labeling system allows me to find what I need at a glance without having to dig through piles. I was careful to place heavier items on the lower shelves for safety and ease of access. Lighter items like holiday decorations went higher up.

Step 5: The Finished Product

The transformation is incredible! The furnace room went from chaotic to clean and functional. The uniform bins look fantastic, and the sturdy custom shelving gives me peace of mind knowing everything is securely in place. Now, when I need to grab something, it takes seconds instead of a frustrating search.

Tips for Building Your Own Custom Shelving

Plan Before You Start: Take the time to measure your space and design your shelving around the items you’ll be storing.
Use Sturdy Materials: Invest in quality lumber and screws to ensure your shelves can hold up over time.
Label Everything: A clear labeling system is key to maintaining your organization.
Keep Safety in Mind: Secure the shelving to the wall and distribute weight evenly.

Building custom shelves for my furnace room was one of the most rewarding DIY projects I’ve done in this house. Not only is the space now functional, but it also brings me joy every time I walk in and see the organized bins neatly lined up. If you’ve been putting off tackling your storage areas, I hope this inspires you to dive in and create a system that works for you!

Want ALL of the details? See below for a material list and approximate cost of this project!

Cheers, Kate 🙂

Material List:

(4) 2”x4”x10’ SPF Select 2Btr Grade Lumber ($7.83 each)

(21) 2”x4”x8’ SPF Select 2Btr Grade Lumber ($4.58 each) (or substitute with 92-5/8” if they’re available in your region – they’re about $1 cheaper per piece)

(1) 3/8 4X8 OSB Sheathing (for the top) ($21.12 each)

(25) HDX 102L Stackable Tough Strong Storage Tote Bin, Plastic Organizer Box, Black Base & Yellow Snap-on Lid ($12.00 each)

(1) Paulin #8 x 3-inch Flat Head Square Drive Construction Screws in Yellow Zinc – 1000pcs ($50.00) – you’ll have lots extra but nice to have more than enough than not enough

Cut List:

This cut list is for a configuration that will fit five bins across and five bins tall (25 bins total)

4 Horizontal bottom and top plates cut at 112″ (cut from the 2″x4″10′ pieces)

12 Vertical pieces cut at 84″ (cut from 2″x4″x8′)

9 – 2″x4″x8′ ripped in half (1-3/4″) and cut to 28.5″ – you will need 50 pieces for the horizontal supports under the bins

For installation, I installed the ripped 1-3/4 pieces along the 84″ vertical pieces at these specific measurements: first piece was installed at 14″ (to the top of the horizontal piece). The second piece was installed 16.5″ from the top of the first. The third was installed 16.5″ from the top second. The fourth was installed 16.5″ from the top of the third and so on.

Repeat for every vertical piece.

The spacing I left for the bins was 20.5″ between the vertical pieces.

Total cost of project should be around $560 for all materials including taxes (in Canada)

I had most of the bins, about twelve 2”x4”s and a box of screws left over from a project so in total this project cost me just over $150 dollars.

Happy building and organizing!