DIY: Hip to be Square Revisited

My history with Project Nursery all started here…My first lil’ dude’s room!  Gosh, how time flies!!  I designed this room THREE years ago and managed to paint it while I was 7 months preggers…Wowser!  This color scheme and wall detail are still quite popular so per a few requests I decided to post a quick little ditty on the process and how to create the very same look (or similar) for you nursery.


Supplies:

Blue painters tape (1.75″ or 2″), a pencil, tape measure, an extra long level with ruler, a calculator, paint and all of the supplies you will need to paint and most importantly…patience!!

How To:

1. Measure the width of your wall (across)

2. Measure the height of your wall (up & down)

3. Ok…here is the tricky part…divide the distance into 5 equal parts, make sure to allow for the white border around the squares.  I used 1.75″ blue painters tape but 2″ would work as well

4. Sketch out your dimensions and measure at least two times – make sure to check your math

5. Once you have confirmed you measurements, start penciling your pattern on your wall

6.  Now that you pattern is measured out, plan what colors you will use and where…I used a random pattern and labeled it by number.  Although it was random, I still planned what colors would show where.  Keep in mind the bed will cover up some of it so make sure you like what is showing around the bed.

***If you have textured walls, it is near impossible for the paint not to bleed under the tape unless you “seal” the edge.  This technique can be done with paint but here is also a product that does the same thing. Click HERE for instructions on how to ensure flawless tape lines. (I haven’t tried this product yet but I will now!!)

7. If you wall is already white then all you have to do is tape up your grid and start painting!!

8.  Once you have painted a minimum of 2 coats you can remove the tape and start any touchups.  I usually remove my tape when the paint is almost dry…when peeling the tape off peel away from the section you painted.  Test a small area to determine whether or not your paint needs to be fully dry to remove the tape.

9. Sit back and admire you hard work…Great Job!

Fast forward today and this detail works great with my son’s transitioning toddler room, no more crib and I have added a pop of orange.  Happy painting!

Rebecca Propes

Rebecca Propes

Rebecca calls Gilbert, AZ home. Interior designer by trade, mom to 3 boys and crazy talented in everything party, home, and DIY.

Comments

  1. monalisa

    August 25, 2010

    I think I just got an idea. I would like to try this squares design and use earth colors. I find it really nice.

  2. Stef

    August 26, 2010

    I just adore this paint job! Maybe next time….

  3. Jen

    August 28, 2010

    I love the colors used for the squares design! Modern and fresh — cute wall art too!

  4. Amity

    August 29, 2010

    I personally can’t imagine how you could move about at 7 months. I’m in my first trimester and all I do is to lie on the bed and check on the designs here :) Thanks for these though, they are easy to do yet very inspiring!

  5. Richa

    August 31, 2010

    I would never have thought of using so many colors. But I can see how the different shades of the same color can create a little more visual pleasure. Such a fabulous idea. Has this been done on one wall of the room? What is the color of the rest of the room?

    Thanks for sharing.

  6. interior wall painting

    September 10, 2010

    Wow thanks for giving me great

    ideas:-)

  7. Laura

    September 23, 2010

    Gorgeous! Where did you get the prints? Those are really cute.

  8. us art galleries

    September 26, 2010

    I think I just got an idea. I would like to try this squares design and use earth colors. I find it really nice.

  9. Rebecca

    September 29, 2010

    Laura, the prints are by Yuko Lau from allposter.com, the frames are from IKEA (:

  10. Aimee

    October 23, 2010

    I LOVED your feature wall and featured it here. So clever!

  11. Christine

    November 16, 2010

    Very impressive…neat!

  12. zara

    July 16, 2011

    Love it! the finish product looks great. just one questio, what color are rest of the walls?

  13. Jill

    January 7, 2012

    My son and his wife are having a boy in March. As I write this my husband and son are painting the nursery like this!! Where did you get the pictures you have on the wall?? I absolutely love this nursery and was thrilled when he showed me the picture. Thanks for sharing….great job!!!!

  14. My

    July 14, 2012

    What color did you paint for the other walls? I was thinking of doing the chevron wall but I like this more.

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