Transforming Dated Wallpaper Into Smooth, Modern Walls
A homeowner in Haddonfield reached out to our team at Fix-It Buddy with a familiar request: they were ready to say goodbye to old wallpaper that had lived in the home far longer than its style deserved. The goal was simple. Create clean, smooth walls and crisp trim that make the room feel modern, fresh and ready for everyday living.
This blog walks through how we turned a dated space into a bright, updated room that finally matches the rest of the home.
Project Overview
The wallpaper had become the focal point in the wrong way. It dated the room and made the space feel darker and less welcoming. The homeowner wanted a clean slate without tearing up their home or dealing with a long renovation.
Primary goals:
- Remove old wallpaper without damaging the walls
- Create smooth, even surfaces throughout the room
- Refresh trim with a clean, polished finish
- Deliver a modern, updated look that makes the space feel new again
Our Approach: How Fix-It Buddy Refreshes Interior Spaces
1. Wallpaper Removal and Room Prep
We begin every project with thoughtful prep so the finished work looks intentional and professional.
During this phase we:
- Scored and softened the wallpaper for safe removal
- Removed each layer carefully to avoid tearing or pitting the drywall
- Prepped all surrounding surfaces and protected floors and furniture
- Cleaned off old adhesive so the walls were ready for repair and finishing
A smooth finish starts by removing every trace of the old material.
2. Wall Repair and Smoothing
Once the wallpaper was gone, the real transformation began.
Our team:
- Patched and skimmed the walls to eliminate seams and imperfections
- Sanded with care to achieve an even, consistent surface
- Checked lighting angles to ensure no bumps or ridges would show later
This step is where the room truly shifts from dated to polished.
3. Fresh Paint and Modern Trim
With the walls prepared, we moved on to the finishing touches.
We:
- Applied high quality paint for a clean, uniform appearance
- Refreshed or replaced trim as needed to create crisp edges
- Ensured clean lines around corners, outlets and baseboards for a pro look
The room instantly felt brighter and more modern with the new finish.
4. Final Walkthrough and Cleanup
We wrapped up by:
- Reviewing the entire space with the homeowner
- Touching up any fine details
- Cleaning the room thoroughly
- Making sure the home looked as tidy as it did before we arrived
The homeowner loved how fresh and open the room felt once the wallpaper was gone.
Results: A Clean, Modern Room That Feels Brand New
This makeover completely shifted the feeling of the space.
- The walls are now smooth, bright and consistent
- Trim looks sharp and adds definition to the room
- The entire space feels larger, more updated and ready for new furniture and decor
- The homeowner appreciated how seamless the process was and how clean the room looked afterward
A wallpaper removal project may seem simple, but when done correctly, it changes the look of a home in a big way.
Key Takeaways for Haddonfield Homeowners
- Smooth, modern walls make any room feel updated
- Removing dated wallpaper adds value and livability
- Professional prep and repair prevent future issues
- Trim upgrades give the whole room a finished, intentional appearance
This type of interior refresh is perfect for homeowners who want impact without a full renovation.
What Comes Next for the Homeowner
We recommended:
- Simple seasonal cleaning to keep walls looking sharp
- Considering light fixture or hardware updates now that the room feels new
- Adding the project to their HandyHome maintenance plan so our team can keep an eye on the space during annual visits
