This tutorial has been a long time coming, I'm sorry it's taken so long to put together if you've been looking for it. I'm so glad I took the time to record the key steps as I did them, because now, 3 months later, there's no way I would have remembered all of the details!
So many who scanned the reveal of my Powder Bath or saw it posted on Instagram commented about the wallpaper, which I guess is a compliment, but goodness... I worked hard painting that wall... wallpaper would have been a breeze! Honestly, though, it was worth it and I'm still so, so happy with the finished product!
I don't want to make it sound too daunting, though. Yes, there is a lot of math and measuring and marking and steps involved, but it's a totally doable project with a big payout for not much of an investment- just time and paint. Turning the pattern diagonally and wrapping it around the room definitely added some difficulty (especially in this room that actually has 6 sides with a variety of weird angles), so if that's a little intimidating try a straight gingham pattern, even on one wall. Most of the steps here will still apply. I tried my best to explain everything clearly, but if you have a question about anything please don't hesitate to ask!
To begin, I painted all of the walls white, which would be one of the colors in the pattern. When I studied my buffalo check fabric, I noticed that other than the obvious white and black, one gray stripe between the two was darker than the other, so I decided to use two different gray paints. So, with the white background, I also used black, a darker gray, and a lighter gray. A sample container from Sherwin Williams of each of those colors was plenty for this project. Here's a complete supply list:
variety of desired paint colors (4) || colored paper or card stock || painter's tape || level- long and small were helpful || laser level || chalk line || rafter square || foam roller and paint tray || paintbrush
I started by taping cardstock up to determine scale of pattern and placement. My squares were 8" (I should have done one more step before proceeding with the 8 inch squares. I'll explain that near the end of the post).
Be sure to tape off the ceiling (and baseboard if it applies) before starting.
Use a longer level to draw the first diagonal line all the way down the wall. The rafter square will help to get the line right to the corners of the wall.
Where the line stops in a corner, use that as a starting point to continue angle down the next wall, using the square and level again to make sure line is level even if your wall isn't square.
I usually don't truncate, but this post is SO long and detailed and photo heavy, please click over to continue reading...