I’ve done a bunch of updates on my dark kitchen and they have made a world of difference! This has been a DIY space that I’ve tried to do on a tight budget and I’ve been thrilled with the results so far. But the insides of my cabinets have remained untouched. I thought that wallpaper would add some pattern and lighten them up.

Here’s the kitchen from when we first moved in-

Then, after a bunch of updates, here’s how it currently is looking-

But, I still wasn’t happy with the insides of the cabinets.

To get started, I ordered a bunch of wallpaper samples from A-Street Prints. I knew I wanted pink, so I thought I’d share my favorites in case anyone else is in the market for blush wallpaper.

1 pink whimsy fauna wallpaper / 2 windsong pink crane wallpaper / 3 Ainsley pink boho floral / 4 ophelia pink elephant / 5 Lovebirds Light Pink Folk Stripe / 6 visby Scandinavian wallpaper / 7 Helsing woodland / 8 Arendal terrazzo metallic / 9 peony tree petal by Sarah Richardson

Doesn’t A-Street prints have the cutest selection?! If I had a small room to wallpaper, I’d totally go for the crane wallpaper! My sister has another color way of the Visby Scandinavian wallpaper in her entry and it’s SO cute!

I put my samples in the back of the cabinet to choose my favorite and ended up loving number 7- the Ainsley pink boho floral. I liked the colors, scale, and appreciate the more busy pattern to hide any mistakes since papering inside a cabinet can be tricky.

how to wallpaper cabinets

Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:

If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. P.s. I’m trying to build that page up, so if you’d subscribe, I’d really appreciate that!

supplies

Wallpaper– 1 roll was enough for the inside of my cabinets
Wallpaper paste
Scissors
Straight Edge
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Paint brush
Wet rag

step 1- measure and cut

Start by measuring the inside of one section of one cabinet. What I found worked best was to cut 2-3 matching pieces for one section, paste it on, and then move to the next section. Say the height for that section is 10″ tall- I’d cut that and then match the wallpaper still on the roll and mark the matched section. Then I’d use my straight edge and a pencil to mark my cut marks and then cut.

When the pieces were cut, I found it helpful to mark the backs with an arrow of which side was the top (with this pattern it was easy to mix up). I’d also mark the back with a number- 1 was the left, 2 was the middle, and 3 was the right.

step 2- fit and paste

Now I had my cut pieces that matched- aka the pattern on the left side of the cabinet, back, and, right side all match up to make a continuous image. Next, I’d take those pieces and hold them up in the cabinet to dry fit them and make sure that they worked. If I needed to make any changes or trim anything, I’d do that.

Since the wallpaper now fit perfectly, it was now time to apply the paste. When I’m wallpapering a wall, I put the paste onto the wall. For this project, I found it easier to paste directly onto the back of the paper. This was especially nice on the higher up cabinets since I had to be on a step stool less time with this method.

step 3- hang the wallpaper

Finally- time to put the wallpaper inside of the cabinet! Start on the left and work to the right. The paper is pasted at this point, so you just need to stick it inside the cabinet. Take your time to nicely match the pattern. Use a rag and wipe up any excess glue.

Then just repeat these steps until all of the cabinets are finished! For me, I had a little 2″ ledge at the top and bottom of the cabinets. It was time consuming to wallpaper that (though it looks good). This was a slow project- at first it took me 30 minutes for each section of the cabinet! But it was definitely worth it!

after

Here are the cabinets all finished up! When the doors are closed, this is a subtle update- especially in person. Now the cabinets feel less like a dark black hole. Since our kitchen gets very little natural light, anything I can do to lighten it up makes a huge difference!

If you’re interested in wallpapering your cabinets or really any room in your house, I have a giveaway with A-Street prints on my Instagram right now fo 6 rolls of wallpaper in your choice of print! Go here to enter!

Now, I think I have wallpaper in almost every room of my house. I just love the pattern and personality you can get from papering your walls! And once you get the hang of it, it really isn’t that hard. Let me know if you have any wallpaper questions in the comments.

p.s. catch up on all of the kitchen posts here-

Kitchen- Fairview Cottage

Welcome to my kitchen! This room was 100% diy ed on a budget. I'll share my ideas for how to remodel even when money is tight. Everything from tiles, to painting cabinets and countertops, peel and stick backsplash, to updating a sink and gold hardware. I went for a modern design even though the house is a Victorian. The colors are white and mint. I have tips on organization and cute decor.

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DIY Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile

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Kitchen on a Budget

kitchen remodel on a budget- how I was able to do a bunch of DIY projects to completely redo my rustic space. From the countertops ot the cabinets to the backsplash I did a big renovation and share all of the before & after photos. Ideas on how you can also redo your old kitchen and save money doing it. Click through to see the pink fridge, white upper cabinets, and mint lower cabinets