How to Paint a Chevron Wall

Well, after a long debate, I finally decided to go for it. I was very iffy about painting a chevron pattern on my main wall in the kitchen, as I did not want to mess it up. I am so glad I went for it!!!

Make sure you have one of your colors you want to use on your wall. I painted my entire wall with Sherwin Williams Navajo White.

I began by taking the measurement of the walls height and width. I then divided the width by how many columns I wanted. My wall is 10'-6" wide. I divided this into six sections (21" each). I then took my level and made a vertical line, floor to ceiling, every 21" with a pencil.

Next it is time to decide how thick you want each row. I liked the scale around 9"-11". The height of my wall is 95". After playing around with math, I found that 10 rows at 9.5" would be best. From here I measured down every 9.5" and again took my level and this time made horizontal lines at every mark I just made. This gave me a grid on the walls with long rectangular boxes.

 Beginning at my top intersection of the first box, I took the corner of the tape and made a diagonal line down to the next intersection. Shown on my graph here.

Make sure to use a straight edge and cut the tape so it makes a perfect point at each tape intersection. Also, don't forget to tape the outside of the lines with the row you want as your accent color (see photograph).

Time to paint! Decide which row you want as your accent color. Using the base color (Navajo White), paint every other row that will eventually be your accent row. The reason for this extra step is to avoid any bleeding. Then the waiting game begins. I let this dry overnight.

The next day it is time to break out your accent color. I am using a color from Restoration Hardware, Buttermilk. This is the color of all my woodwork and built-ins. Paint over the rows that were painted the day before in your color of choice, Buttermilk for me!

It may need an additional coat. If so let this one dry and then proceed with the second coat. Then...DO NOT LET THIS DRY!!!! I let mine get "tacky" but not dry. If you pull the tape when it is dry you risk the chance of cracking the paint.

Pull away...carefully to reveal your masterpiece!
(next we need to finish the back of the bench, base board and to hang the new light fixture!!!)

How to Choose a Paint Color

1. The first step is to be patient. All too often people rush through choosing paint colors and are not happy with their decision once on the walls. If you do not have patience, stop right now, pick up the phone and call me. We can choose together!!!!!

2. Decide what you want painted. Are you painting all the walls or just one? Are you painting the ceiling, moldings, cabinetry….? The list can go on. The room pictured above has three different paint selections I had to choose for. The ceiling (dark grey) the walls (a light grey) and the molding (a shade of white).

3. Look at your surroundings, take note of the lighting. Is it morning, afternoon, or night? The time of day can radically change the colors you are viewing. Also, check your mood! If you are sad, mad, excited…this can drastically change the way you are viewing the colors.


4. Walk your home. Begin at your front door and walk through all the hallways, glancing in each room as you pass. Take note of the colors that catch your eye. These could be on pillows, artwork, tile, rugs, bedding, draperies, photographs, etc… These are most likely colors that you chose for a reason and hopefully they all work well together!
The rooms throughout the home above, designed by Paul McClure of Lee Meier Interiors, blend beautifully.


5. Find these colors on your paint deck and place in the room you are painting. If you have other colors in mind, place them in your room as well. By bringing these colors together you can get a good sense of what you want/like.


6. Consider your paint finish and moldings. Are you painting with semi-gloss, eggshell, or satin? This can alter the look of your color. The color of your molding is an important part of choosing your color as well. If you have moldings that are a shade of white or a wood tone, make sure to have a sample of this ready for the next step!


7. Pull together your finishes from the room you are painting. Are you purchasing new furniture? If so, ask for a sample of the finishes/fabrics. Lay everything in the room with your paint swatches.
The sample board above, created by Christopher Randall, shows all the different finishes for one room. Although this board is gorgeous, you only need to lay the samples together!

Thank you Christopher!

8. Study your colors, select your favorites, but leave all the colors out and WALK AWAY! Come back in a few hours, maybe even the next day. Do you still feel the same about your favorites? If so, discard you’re least favorite colors… you are getting closer.


9. BUY SAMPLES!!!! Seriously, this can save you so much headache and not to mention money! Buy samples of your top colors and paint a large area with each. Once dry, place your fabric and finish samples next to the paint samples, if the samples are able to be taped on the wall it is an easy way to look at your choices together. Again…WALK AWAY! Come back later and then choose. Follow these steps and chances are you will get it right the first time around!

10. Still not sure… CALL ME!
Photo Credits: Google Inage, Lee Meier Interiors

Up, Up, & Away!

More than just a white ceiling...
The fifth wall is often forgotten. In the right space, certain applications can enhance your room making it stand apart from other homes. I have found some of my favorite applications just for you!!

Just add paint...


Lost in the woods...



Wallpaper or Ceiling Paper?


Canopy of Goodness...


The Element of Suprise!


TINsel town...


A Peice of Art...

Images ~ Google Images, Elle Decor