From Outdated to Outstanding: Replacing Wallpaper in Camberwell, VIC
If you’ve ever walked into a room and felt like it was stuck in a different decade, chances are the wallpaper played a big part. Outdated, peeling, or faded wallpaper can really bring down the whole vibe of a space. That was exactly the case in a charming little home I recently worked on in Camberwell, a leafy and historic suburb located just 10 km east of Melbourne’s CBD.
Whether you’re revamping a single feature wall or giving your entire home a makeover, updating your wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to completely transform a room. Here’s how the process unfolded—and a few tips if you’re thinking of doing the same.
Step 1: Saying Goodbye to the Old Wallpaper
The wallpaper in this Camberwell home had definitely seen better days. The first thing we had to do was remove it carefully to avoid damaging the plaster underneath.
Here’s how we tackled it:
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Scored the wallpaper: Using a wallpaper scorer to create small holes so the remover could penetrate better.
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Applied wallpaper remover: A mix of hot water and a bit of fabric softener works wonders, though store-bought wallpaper remover is also great.
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Scraped it off: Once the adhesive loosened, we gently scraped the paper away using a wide putty knife.
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Cleaned the wall: We washed the walls with warm soapy water to remove any leftover glue.
👉 Tip: Always test a small patch first. Some older homes in suburbs like Camberwell may have layers of wallpaper or delicate walls.
Step 2: Prepping the Wall for the New Look
After the wall was clean and dry, we gave it a light sand to smooth any imperfections. A quick coat of primer helped create the perfect base for the new wallpaper to stick evenly.
Step 3: Installing the New Wallpaper
We chose a modern botanical design to match the leafy vibes of Camberwell. The install process looked like this:
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Measured and cut each strip to match the height of the wall.
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Applied paste (depending on the wallpaper type—you might use peel-and-stick instead).
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Aligned the pattern carefully to ensure a seamless look.
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Smoothed it out using a wallpaper brush and roller to remove bubbles.
The result? A bright, fresh space that felt completely re-energized.
Why Camberwell Made the Perfect Backdrop
Camberwell is known for its heritage homes, tree-lined streets, and family-friendly atmosphere. The architecture in the area often blends classic charm with modern upgrades—making wallpaper a popular choice for adding personality without permanent paint.
Whether you live in Camberwell or somewhere else in Victoria, updating your wallpaper is a small project that delivers big results.
Final Thoughts
Revamping your wall with fresh wallpaper can breathe new life into a room—just like it did in this Camberwell home. With a little patience and the right tools, you can go from drab to fab in just a weekend.
Thinking of taking on your own wallpaper project? Drop your questions or share your before-and-after stories in the comments below!
Want me to help design a feature wall idea or recommend wallpaper patterns that match your space? Just ask!