Faux exposed chimney

This wall, what can I say. It's awkward. It can't be removed and it needed to feel special.  In my first home I had a wall just like it in my kitchen.  I knew there was a chimney behind the drywall and a layer of tongue and groove paneling but I didn't know what condition it was in.  I spent an afternoon removing all the layers only to find that it needed so much repair and was not the beautiful brick I had imagined.  We ended up hanging new drywall and covering it again.  

This wall has air conditioning ductwork tucked in there after our bathroom renovation.  I had envisioned it would look awesome if I had it clad to resemble my dream exposed chimney.  But what method should I use?  I researched about thin brick veneers that you install like tile and mortar like grout.  It's more authentic but also more expensive.  I wasn't sure I wanted to invest that much in a project that may not be what I envisioned.  

Then there is those panel boards that have a cheap looking brick pattern.  You can paint and shmear and spackle all over them until you get just the right look.  Awesome things are all over Pinterest about it.  Realistically I have no time for all that.  I have a toddler trying to climb my step ladder while I am on it.  No way I can finish a process with that many steps in one naptime.  So I came to wallpaper.

I installed a vinyl peel and stick wallpaper in our airstream camper so I am familiar with the process.  This week I have made several trips to Joann Fabrics.  Coupons and doorbusters lure me in every time.  As I strolled down the clearance aisle on my most recent trip I found this roll of faux brick for $15.97 and I was sold.

One roll was plenty with even some to spare.  My first piece hung easily.  I trimmed around the door trim with a straight blade.  Burnish well for good adhesion.  My drywall has heavy texture but this had wonderful glue that stuck easily but was still repositionable.  My heavy textured walls gave depth and realistic look to the already awesome printed bricks.  I wrapped the excess around the corner to the other side.  It helps match the brick pattern on the other side and gives a more realistic look when the second piece is hung.

Trimming the edges along the doors, ceiling and baseboards is easy with a simple sharp blade or even a kitchen knife.  It really was super simple.

As you can see from this picture matching the bricks was easy after I wrapped the first run around the corner.  Now you can barely see the seam.  It helps keep it looking more realistic.  Overall the process was simple.  It took less than an hour to install it and I did it with minimal tools.  I am thrilled with the outcome and even my husband likes the way it turned out.  I may not have an old 1800 farmhouse but I can make this one look like it is a lovingly restored piece of history with the right finishes and details.  I may now be totally obsessed with wallpaper.  Time for another project.