Projects

Blocks

Project Overview

Blocks of color turn boring walls into exciting focal points and can supply character to a room with no architectural features or details. The blocks can be uniform in size and shape, or you can vary the sizes and combine squares and rectangles. The trick is to create a visually balanced arrangement. When planning the design, experiment by arranging painted squares of paper on a table until you like the result. Allow most squares to remain in the base-coat color to minimize the amount of taping and painting. Or eliminate the taping altogether by hand-painting the blocks. For a balanced look, choose colors of the same value or intensity by selecting hues that are in the same position on various paint cards. Colors from the same paint chip produce a sophisticated, monochromatic effect. For a subtle design, choose adjacent colors on the paint chip.

Step 1

MARK THE VERTICAL MEASUREMENTS

The color blocks shown are 22 inches square. Use a tape measure and divide the wall into 22-inch squares. Make the vertical 22-inch measurement beginning at the ceiling and ending at the floor. If you are blocking the whole room, continue the blocks around the corners, or measure each wall and adjust the block widths to fit. Keep the height of the blocks the same around the room. Use a level and colored pencil to draw the vertical lines.

Step 2

MARK THE HORIZONTAL MEASUREMENTS

Mark the horizontal lines with a tape measure. Using a level and colored pencil, draw the horizontal lines, creating squares across the entire wall.

Step 3

MASK OFF

Mask off the squares of one color with low-tack painter’s tape. Leave some of the blocks in the original base-coat color. Burnish the edges of the tape with a finger to keep paint from bleeding underneath. Use the mini roller to repaint the Bright Citrus base-coat color onto the block. Allow the base coat to dry.

Step 4

PAINT THE FIRST COLOR

Paint all the blocks in the first color. Carefully remove the tape while the paint is still wet so you don’t pull up any paint. Repeat the taping and painting process with all other colors, painting one color at a time, allowing the blocks to dry in between.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Beginner

Time: 4 hours

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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