From Bland to Grand: A Romantic Transformation With Laura Ashley's Peacock Wallpaper and the Magic of Muted Beige

There is a specific kind of enchantment in all the small, intentional corners of a home. For us, it’s this little space between our bedroom and the living room. It’s the last thing we see before drifting off and the first glimpse of beauty when we wake. In Finland, we call this space a välikkö—a little "in-between" space that isn't quite a full hallway, but holds so much potential.

If you are looking for home flip before and after inspiration that feels "soft and slow" rather than clinical, this transformation is proof that soulful details are what truly turn a house into a home.

The starting point, however, was far from rosy. Our home is over thirty years old, and the passage of time was most evident on the walls, which were covered in dated fiberglass wallpaper. To create a canvas worthy of our vision, my father and co undertook the meticulous task of installing plasterboard, followed by layering, sanding, and painting—a thorough process of wall resurfacing and painting.

While the original solid wood doors and ceilings were in relatively good condition, we chose to honor their history by keeping them, carefully sanding and repairing any imperfections before giving them multiple fresh, luminous coats of paint. The ceiling and doors were the parts where I could finally roll up my sleeves alongside Thierry. Also my mom joined in, eager to help with the overhead painting. It's a chapter in our lives we reminisce about often with Thierry—working on our home together with our family.

Finding "The One": Laura Ashley Peacock Wallpaper

Every design journey has a starting point. I first fell in love with this opulent Graham and Brown blue wallpaper—the iconic Laura Ashley peacock wallpaper—while we were renovating our daughter's nursery. At the time, we chose a classic stripe, but my love for this regal, vintage print persisted. To be precise, it is the Laura Ashley Belvedere Wallpaper in Duck Egg.

When inspiration finally struck to place it in this understated yet significant space, the wallpaper installation was a detailed yet smooth process. Using a laser level was key! With this specific paper, the glue goes straight on the wall rather than the paper, which makes the installation much easier than the traditional method.

Breaking the Rules: Painting Doors in Delicate Tones

In many homes, stark white doors are the default. But for our 30-year-old solid wood doors, I was inspired to paint the doors and frames in something deeper, yet still calm—a tone that would stand out subtly from the wall. After going through myriads of color swatches, Thierry and I decided on a dusty, muted beige called Shawl Y467 or Shaali by Tikkurila. The color code is # D7CCC3. Tikkurila describes it as a delicate beige with pink undertones that, like a chameleon, shifts according to the light and colors around it. Afterward, Thierry framed them beautifully, turning our simple wooden doors into something truly spectacular.

The Finishing Touch: Crown Molding Ideas & Styles

My father finished the look with grand, sophisticated decorative molding. The wall resurfacing was also his and his team’s skilled handiwork. We spent a long time researching different crown molding styles and crown molding types. The original molding was very small and minimalist; instead, we chose an ornate, cove-style crown molding for the living room, corridor, and kitchen.

In the upstairs bedrooms, the crown molding is even more romantic, featuring a floral pattern. One piece is still missing, however: the decorative molding above the doors, which I have already ordered to complete the look.

Our Crown Molding Guide for Romantic Homes

If you are currently gathering crown molding ideas, here is what we learned during our journey:

• Don’t Fear Scale: A grander molding often makes a small space feel taller and more "regal," rather than making it feel smaller.

• Consider the Era: We looked for decorative molding that felt "vintage" to match our home’s romantic aesthetic.

• The Technical Side: While we focused on beauty, remember that crown molding installation requires the right tools. If you are doing it yourself, pay close attention to crown molding cut angles to ensure those corners meet perfectly—though the safest route is often leaving the installation to a skilled professional.

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Small Spaces, Big Impact

This before and after reminds me that wallpaper doesn’t always need a grand ballroom. Sometimes, too much pattern in a large space can even lessen the "wow" effect. In small, intentional spaces like a välikkö, the pattern truly works wonders. It is amazing how these small, soulful details truly turn a house into a home. After all, our homes should tell the story of who we are, all while pleasing our own personal taste. That is where true inspiration lives.