Projects

Harlequin Diamonds

Project Overview

Harlequin diamonds are a wonderfully versatile pattern. In a child's room, they have a happy energetic effect suggesting the pattern on a clown's costume. In a dining room or living room, a diamond motif is classic and formal without being stuffy. Plan the design so that the diamond height is approximately twice the diamond width. Instead of taping off the diamonds, use a chalk line snapped across the wall to outline the pattern. The chalk line's irregular edges give the design a casual appearance. Another option is to hand-paint the diamonds instead of taping them off. This gives a whimsical look. Complementary colors make a bold statement, while a monochromatic color scheme creates a more sophisticated backdrop. This pattern can easily be combined with other faux-finishing techniques. For a color-washed effect, mix the paint with 4 parts glaze instead of using undiluted paint.

REPAINT THE BASE COAT

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Step 1

PLAN THE DIAMOND PATTERN

Decide on the height and width of the diamond pattern. The diamonds shown are 10 inches wide and 18 inches tall. If you are extending the diamond pattern around the whole room, keep the height of the diamonds the same on every wall, but adjust the width as necessary to fit the wall length. Take the time to work this out on paper, a sketch can help you picture the scale and placement of the diamond pattern so you know where and how to begin marking your measurements.

Step 2

MARK VERTICAL DASHES

Working on one wall at a time, use a level with printed measurements to make vertical dashes every 10 inches. Start on the left-had side of the wall and move to the right. The first line should start 5 inches from the corner, the every 10 inches after that, ending wit ha 5-inch measurement on the other side of the wall. Adjust the 10-inch width to match your wall size. For example, if your wall is exactly 10 feet long, then 12 diamonds 10 inches wide will fit perfectly across the wall. If your wall is 9 feet 6 inches long, then you could make the diamonds 9 ½ inches wide and fit 12 across the wall. Always calculate the width of your wall in inches and divide with the calculator to get a perfect division. Extend the dashes vertically

Step 3

MARK THE DIAMOND HEIGHT

Measure and mark the diamond height by making horizontal dashes every 18 inches. The first mark will be 9 inches from the ceiling and every 18 inches after that, ending with 9 inches at the baseboard. Again, adjust the height to fit your walls. Plan for a whole diamond starting at the ceiling and ending at the baseboard. If you prefer, start the pattern at the ceiling and allow it to end at the baseboard where it may. Extend the dashes horizontally across the wall. Each vertical line represents the central axis of the diamond. To mark the side points, measure 5 inches on each side of each vertical line, marking the point on the horizontal lines. Adjust the measurement of the diamonds you are creating are a different size from the 10-inch diamonds shown here.

Step 4

MARK THE TOP AND BOTTOM POINTS

Each horizontal line marks the widest point of the diamond. To make the top and bottom points of each diamond, measure and mark 9 inches above and below the horizontal line. Adjust the measurement if your diamond height is different from 18 inches. Using the points marked in steps 3-4 as your guide, tape off every other diamond. The vertical and horizontal lines will be inside the diamonds. Press down hard on the painter’s tape with a finger. Use the 4-inch mini roller and repaint the base-coat color on the taped-off diamonds. This will allow the wall color to bleed underneath the tape instead of the top-coat color. Allow to dry.

Step 5

APPLY TOE TOP-COAT COLOR

Use the 4-inhc mini roller and apply the Ruffled Iris latex paint. Apply two coats if necessary. Remove tape and allow to dry. Tape off the remaining diamonds.

Step 6

REPAINT THE BASE COAT

Repaint the taped-off diamonds with the Timeless Lilac latex paint. Paint the taped-off diamonds with the Ruffled Iris. Recoat if necessary. Remove all remaining tape and allow to dry.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Intermediate

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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