Wallpaper: Where the Birds Nest Indoors

Our half bath was already functional and quite pretty, clean lines, soft colors, and no complaints. But we’ve reached that next stage in our home journey: the one where each room starts to show a little more character. A little more "us." And we decided to start with the smallest space of all. Now let me be clear, this transformation is all thanks to Betty (my mother-in-law, lovingly known as Bebe). She picked out the wallpaper, envisioned the vibe, and made it happen. I’m just the one telling the story. So, if you love what you see, send your compliments straight to Bebe’s impeccable taste.

Before: Sweet and Simple

This is technically the “before” picture now, painted walls and bare of all the wall décor we took down. I’ll be honest, I forgot to snap a photo before PopPop got to painting. So, you’ll have to use your imagination this once (wink). The top half of the wall was a beigey tan, the bottom beadboard was white, and we already had a few cotton-inspired pieces in place, including a canvas that fit the theme.

It had a quiet charm, sure, but it didn't feel complete. And yes, I may have gotten a little huffy that I missed the chance to document the original setup. But once the paint dried and the wallpaper found its place, it was clear this little room was ready to shine.

After: Southern Charm in Full Bloom

Bebe found this beautiful bird inspired wallpaper from Painted Paper a delicate design called Ada Wallpaper, with soft birds and winding branches that bring instant warmth and personality to the space. It’s graceful without being fussy, and it adds just the right touch of Southern charm, like something you’d spot in an old family home where stories live in every corner.

The colors are gentle, but confident, just enough to make a statement without overpowering the room. We paired it with dark beadboard below to give the space depth and a little vintage character, the kind that feels both familiar and fresh.

A shelf with cotton stems adds a rustic nod that says "farm", and a little sign brings in that warmth we love. Suddenly, this half bath feels like a place you’d linger in, not just pass through.

Tips & Tricks for Choosing and Applying Wallpaper

If you’re thinking about dipping your toe into the wallpaper world, here are a few things we learned along the way, thanks to Bebe's good instincts and a little trial and error from past experiences:

1. Start Small, Think Big - A half bath is the perfect place to experiment. It’s a small space, so you won’t feel overwhelmed, but the impact can be huge. Wallpaper adds instant character, and in a room like this, it becomes the star of the show.

2. Sample First - Before committing, order a sample. Tape it to the wall and live with it for a few days. See how it looks in different light and how it plays with your existing fixtures. Bebe did this with a few options, taping them up and studying them like a seasoned designer. But when she saw the Ada Wallpaper with those birds? She didn’t even sample it. Straight to checkout, like she knew it was meant to be. And she was right.

3. Peel-and-Stick Is Your Friend - If you’re new to wallpaper, peel-and-stick is a great way to go. It’s forgiving, repositionable, and doesn’t require paste or a prayer. Just make sure your walls are clean and smooth before you start.

4. Use a Level and Take Your Time - Don’t eyeball it, trust me. Use a level to get that first strip straight, because everything else will follow its lead. Peel-and-stick lets you adjust as you go, but slow and steady wins the race.

5. Trim with Care - A sharp utility knife and a steady hand are key for trimming around outlets, corners, and baseboards. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to pause and regroup if things get tricky.

6. Don’t Skip the Beadboard (If You Love It) - We already had beadboard in place, and it turned out to be the perfect partner for the Ada Wallpaper. The dark color grounds the space and gives it that layered, finished look. If you’re working with bold patterns, pairing them with beadboard can help balance things out and add a touch of timeless charm. It’s a great way to keep things feeling cozy, not chaotic.

   
   

A Little Room, A Lot of Heart

This half bath may be small, but it now holds more character than any other room in the house. It’s proof that bold wallpaper, and a mother-in-law with great taste make all the difference. We’re slowly adding personality to each room, and this was the perfect place to begin. The rest of the house is next in line, and if this transformation is any indication, it’s going to be a fun ride.

So, if you’ve got a corner of your home that’s been waiting for a little love, don’t overthink it. Trust your gut (or your Bebe), pick something that makes you smile, and go for it. And if you ever find yourself standing in a wallpaper aisle wondering if birds are too much, just remember sometimes the boldest choices turn out to be the best ones.

Love,

Kortni Lasater