It is hard to come up with new, creative ideas in transforming a space. Painting (check), moving furniture (check), new fabric (check), different lighting (check)….we’ve tried and done everything in the book. Well….almost everything. Today, our friend and talented artist Angie Simeone-Rzasnicki, is discussing not only a super-creative idea…but one that is *BUDGET FRIENDLY*.  Tapped your interest a bit? We suggest you grab a pen and take notes — this is a Martha Stewart-worthy article.   
 
THOUGHTS FROM ANGIE:  A neutral room with mixed patterns can be as visually stunning as one that is saturated with color.  To me a design process that is storied, reflecting a client’s life and aspirations,  is always more authentic and interesting.  I love to center a room around at least one new piece and layer with both  custom and vintage pieces.  You really need several new pieces to keep the room looking fresh and renewed.   Having too much of one or the other can either read as generic or not pulled together.  Typically, I create several custom art pieces for each space to pull various design elements together and unite the room.
 
  
“Paper Perfection: An Update that Changes Everything”
 

Amazing paper can be used to update almost anything and provides a current look.  The process is quick, easy, cost-effective and can be changed with the seasons.   Enhancing case goods, book shelves, soap dishes and decor items with singular papers change them from everyday to amazing.  I started using this technique about eight years ago and find the paper locally at Plaza Art.   All of the paper I find is artisan made globally and costs between $1.50 to $6.50 on average per piece. These handmade papers have a fibrous feel and a fabric-like hand.

The papers are much less expensive than wallpaper, can be bought in a sheet instead of committing to a double roll, and can be found at a local store.   I treat my paper with either a clear, gloss-lacquer (found at any hardware store), a light weight varnish (plaza) or nothing at all.  I’ve seen bookshelves lasted six years with the nothing over the paper.  (The key to longevity is to line the interior of the piece but not the shelves your items are placed)

 
(Gold and Cream Dot Burnout Paper) 
 

This paper process provides a contemporary update to vintage pieces.  For a 1940’s Burlwood library and a 1960’s walnut, petite secretary, I chose a cream with gold pattern that gave them a clean update. Most times, using a patterns that have a cream or white background works best so I always look for those.

 
(Interior of Walnut Secretary) 
 

Bold, bright colors can add visual interest to a neutral room and are best in any white case good or piece you may have.

 
(Orange and Pink Ombre Paper)
 
While paint is a fantastic and easy update, it is semi-permanent and can be messy.  Paper is so easy and can be reapplied of you make a mistake.  If it’s not right, just use another sheet.  To apply the paper, simply secure with double-sided tape or glue dots to wherever or whatever you want to update. 
 
(Green Malachite Paper–very Kelly Wearstler) 
 

I use the lacquer gloss on soap dishes that are installed in bathroom walls of older homes.   This changes the dated, in-wall soap dish into an updated candle or soap holder.

(Soap Dish Resurrection) 
 
 Here are some other examples of the amazing results this technique can produce:
 
 (Simple Black Candle)
 
 (Holiday Candle with Paper Application)
 
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(Bedroom Side Table with White Dot Mesh Paper) 
 
(Close-up of Side Table) 
 
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(Bookshelves in Gold and White Gauze Paper) 
 
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(Agate Paper) 
 
 
(Burlwood Library with Agate Paper Treatment) 
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 WOW!  We are amazed by your transformations! Who knew paper could have such an impact?  Thank you Angie! 
 
 
Angie Simeone-Rzasnicki
 
 
 
 
(All photos and work courtesy of Angie Rzasnicki) 
 
Nashville Interior Design Blog