Sara was looking for a way to add a dramatic accent to her tall living room wall. I think we can all agree that she succeeded with this multi-colored grid. It's a fun, modern treatment that could be repeated in a myriad of color schemes…
Sara shared her method for painting this grid on her blog, House Bella. Now, it's not a project for the faint of heart! Sara is a planner so she first created the pattern in InDesign (although you could also use graph paper) before she even got started. Then, with her pattern all planned out, Sara settled in for the tedious leveling/measuring and taping. This was probably the hardest part of the project, but being exact was totally worth it in the end. The next step was something I wouldn't have thought of but it actually makes a lot of sense. Sara sealed the painters tape with the wall color to prevent bleeding of the darker paint colors that will go into the grid.
All that was left after the sealer layer had dried was to paint the grid. Sara had already mapped out her color scheme so it was just a matter of following along. Speaking of following along, check out the full project with all the details on Sara's blog — House Bella: Tutorial Grid Wall.
And, as much as I love what Sara did with her wall, I think I may like her update on the pattern even better! After rearranging the room and tiring of the blue squares, Sara decided to update her grid. I love seeing how the wall has evolved:
I feel like all of my DIY projects are in a constant state of evolution so I'm happy to see that Sara is the same way. Removing the blue squares from the grid really does change the impact of the wall, especially with the new placement of that gorgeous red sofa.
Images: House Bella
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Fabulous! It's always tricky when you have the added architectural detail of the vaulted ceiling and a smaller space-- We have a similar layout in our ranch home -- so inspiring to see this!
That is incredibly well done. And she is smart--the rearrangement and toning down of the blue is MUCH better.
Really nice - I much prefer the 2nd version too.
In this day and age it's impossible to fall of the grid, so we might as well embrace it! I also prefer the more minimal and subtler color fill choices of the update. It could be cool to pop and highlight what seems like the main entrance door in light green instead, and use the grey to carry the grid pattern through on the side door. of course the black dog is the ultimate home accessory. woof!
Sealing the painters tape with the wall color first was genius, but has anyone used "frog tape" with paint blocking technology?
Terrific. I'm always amazed how many folk don't know how to do this.
Tres Chic.
Not only that---it would look great in a boy's room. Maybe in a sporting team's colors.
*Applause* I am having such a hard time getting motivated to paint a wall one color, so I admire you for the work and the fabulous result!
So beautiful and original!
I think this would be so great in an office space. And great job at getting the lines so super clean and straight.
Amaaaaaaaaaaaaazing workmanship. So fun to see how you can change the feel by changing the colors. Endless opportunity there for room evolution!!
Love the edited version...VERY impressive!
Brilliant!
No, thanks :\
Our loft had a grid wall when we moved in. It's impossible to cover up later on, even with sanding/buffing and repainting. Just FYI.
The second iteration is much better, still, I don't know how I'd feel living with it. It's beautifully done, but the grid squares keep me subconsciously searching for a pattern, which is not so relaxing...
the edited version is very good, much better than the original.