Stripping old wallpaper can be a hassle. Nate suggests rather than stripping the wall or painting over the paper, wallpaper over your existing paper.

To put new wallpaper over existing, it's important to find a paper thick enough to cover flaws. Paper like grass cloth, which is an especially thick paper, can be the perfect solution.

Choosing classic colors (like white and blue) or neutrals will help to freshen the color palate in the entire space.

Making other changes in the room—like painting cabinetry in the kitchen or trim in other rooms—will also help to update the look.

If you're painting cabinetry, also paint the trim in the room. However, there's no need to carry the new trim color throughout the house.

If your walls have spots where the paper has been damaged, the best solution is to find a decorative painter who can match the paper pattern.

Buying new hardware for cabinets puts the finishing touches on a wallpaper update.