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Everything goes in cycles, and in the world of fashion and home furnishings, wallpaper is making a come back and is hot again.  It is the perfect choice in a down economy because it completely decorates a room at minimal cost. 

If rock bottom is your price range, then a simple paint job is probably the way to go.  But if planning on spending a little more for a really nice paint job, then wallpaper may be an option.  With stylish patterns selling for $30 a roll or less, wallpaper may be a little pricier than painting, but not prohibitively so.

Decorators say that if you are looking for drama, texture, warmth and personality, wallpaper can make any of these statements.  Just by papering one wall, this focal point can make a plain room look less boxy and more inviting.  Wallpaper is a natural for a bathroom, where a dramatic pattern above the tile can deflect attention from other imperfections in the room.  And don't forget the ceiling!  Papering a ceiling can make a room feel more intimate and divert attention from its size. 

The average person does not have the eye of a decorator.  But everyone can be a bit adventurous with minimal risk.  You can begin by putting wallpaper in a smaller space such as a hallway or foyer, or on just one wall, while painting the other three to coordinate.

There are many do-it-yourself books on the market, but you probably will not want to wallpaper yourself unless you are supremely patient and good at following directions.  A wallpapering project has severely tested even the best of marriages or relationships!  It is not hard, but very time consuming and walls need to be prepped and in pristine condition for the paper to hold with minimal imperfections, not to mention exact matching of the patterns. 

Even less expensive and more fun is doing a stenciling project - using a stencil design to paint a border all around a room or on one wall.  This is so easy to do, getting materials from a local craft shop with a variety of design choices, and can be done by one person at any pace.  No need to worry about mistakes, either, as the wall can be painted over if you don't like the end result.  There is such a feeling of pride when a project is completed and you realize that you actually created the design yourself!  

In a time when we are all trying to stay positive and keep busy in a productive way, doing something fun to spruce up your house is a win for everyone.  For in time, those projects will "wow" future buyers!