Just stick with the plan for new design options

Stickers aren’t just for kids these days. There’s a wonderful world of temporary sticky-ness out there that you really should take the time to unpeel.

From temporary wallpaper and murals to stair riser decals and even window décor, accentuating blank walls and surfaces has never been easier – or more fun.

The traditional method of installing wallpaper is still the better way to go if you want a permanent design. But peel and stick wallpaper is genius for decorating kids rooms that will evolve over time, or for an accent wall in a guest bedroom or powder room. It’s also great for a quick fix for an undesirable surface, any design on a dime project or just determining if a permanent wallpaper install is truly what you want.

You can purchase temporary wallpaper just like traditional wallpaper, by the yard or roll to cover a specific amount of square footage. Many manufacturers are also selling temporary murals that can cover an entire wall with a forest, ocean or space landscape or maybe in the shape of a single object. A simple online search will lead you to many retailers offering a well-rounded selection of colors, themes and patterns.

The ease of installation makes this material a failsafe. You can remove and re-stick as many times as necessary until you have the perfect outcome.

Temporary adhesives don’t stop at the blank wall. Stair riser decorations are a perfect way to add an accent and pop of color and pattern.

The idea of a decorative stair riser is nothing new; sometimes risers are painted or tiled. But until recently, if you wanted to add a decorative element to your risers, the solution most likely would have been a permanent design treatment. Now, decals for this surface come in all sorts of patterns and colors – adding just enough interest to create a unique focal point.

Whether you’re looking for a festive temporary accent or considering a long-term design decision, stair riser decals may be your new favorite accessory.

In Clayton and Concord, many residents have applied tinting to home windows for sun control. You can use a similar decorative film to create the illusion that the window has texture and depth, or even looks like stained glass.

If your bathroom window looks directly into your neighbors’ back yard, privacy can be an issue. Perhaps replacing the windows with textured glass is the ultimate goal, but for a temporary fix, try a textured window film that looks like seeded glass.

Painted finishes, decorative wooden trim and moldings, wood paneling and upholstered walls are still tried-and-true for blank walls and surfaces, but for a bit of immediate design gratification, and the excitement of implementing a new design technique, temporary adhesive papers and decals might be super a-peeling.

Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.