wallpaper

[diane]

I have friends who insist that wallpaper decreases the value of a house. Why is this belief so common in architects and how can one who promotes the use of wallcoverings argue the opposite?

[NCMama]

Diane,

Have you heard any specifics as to the reason for this attitude? It might be informative to ask. Also, I wonder whether the architect is the pivotal person who blocks the installation of wall coverings. Out here, the architect usually hands off interior finish to an interior designer (this might happen in a model home) or lets the client decide for herself.

One myth we hear over and over is that wallpaper is too expensive and difficult/impossible to remove. For years local painters and developers hung paper over bare sheetrock, with predictable results. It now falls to us to re-educate the public about the durability, beauty, and cost-effectiveness of WP over a period of years. The single positive outcome is we have no difficulty selling clients on primer before hanging; we tell them what we use to prime and to make it a selling point should they ever sell. AND, despite all, we are finding a resurgence of interest in WP...because se few people have it, and have it done well.

We (located in western North Carolina) have begun several things aimed at promoting wallpaper. First, we've visited interior designers with examples of specialty work we do (Stoney Brook torn paper, Weathered Stone) and just chatted about wallpaper in general. Even when we call cold (which we usually do, because we use the visits to fill time when out on estimates or free days) there is usually someone in the shop interested in talking. Bring photos of your work and a handful of business cards. We offered to hang a wall or vignette in an ID's shop. One ID said he had just gotten back into WP because clients ask for it and it creates a finish not otherwise available. He wants to sell exclusive lines, something he says is now more readily available. (the down side is cost of WP books, so his offerings are limited or he sends clients to a local WP store)

Second, we joined the local home builder's association and chat up builder/developers. These guys know from nothing about WP but they are riveted with interest when you talk about an option that might draw/please clients. #3: We are doing two hanging clinics in the fall to stimulate interest among do-it-yourselfers in WP. Last, we plan to have a table at the Home Show in March, promoting WP of various kinds.

I know our efforts are modest. I hope some others with more experience will jump in on the conversation.

Cheryl

[Jeff Evans]

I hear this all the time. As a matter of fact, I have done far more removal jobs prior to a home going on the market than installations. I suspect that part of the reason is the perceived difficulty with the removal, but the main reason I hear is the fact that wallpaper taste is so subjective. I think people are apprehensive to spend the money on paper if they don't think it will pay off, the theory being that if the prospective buyers are put off by the paper, then they wont bid as much. We do need to do a better job of selling our craft.