Paint a wall in checks

Checks are the height of fashion right now for soft furnishings so why not expand the theme and paint them on the walls? Then, go crazy with wall hooks for a spruced up take on a child’s room that will see them through many years.

DIY checked wall

Paint two coats of Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Half Secrets and leave to dry. Instead of using painter’s tape, a more organic edge was created using the roller freehand. As a guide, string up lines hanging from the top of your grid equal distance apart. We did ours every 40cm, which is the width of two 20cm rollers. To create a watercolour effect, mix Resene FX Paint Effects (60%) with Resene Paddock (40%), which will give you a semi-translucent finish. Paint the vertical stripes, then the horizontal stripes to give the basic checked pattern. Wait for this to dry. Mix your base colour Resene Half Secrets with the remainder of the Resene FX Effects and go back over the vertical lighter lines for one coat, this will give you the variation where the checks intersect for a more 3D look. You can also rub into this layer with a muslin cloth to play on the watercolour look.

Painting tip: Use Resene FX Paint Effects to create a transparent layer and a muslin cloth to rub into the freshly painted stripes to create a watercolour effect.

Hook ’em up

Prime wall hooks in Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer to make sure the paint adheres properly. We used 12 wall hooks in various sizes to create this look. Paint two hooks in each colour (from left) in Resene Norway, Resene Polo Blue, Resene Pukeko, Resene Golden Tainoi and Resene Indian Ink. When deciding on placement start from the bottom left side hanging one hook at a time and alternating colours and sizes so it feels balanced. Ensure the bottom hooks are low enough for your child to reach and hang their bags and jackets. The higher hooks could be used for pieces of art or sculpture to hang, but the colourful hooks are an artwork by themselves, so make sure to leave some empty.

Painting tip: Prime the wall hooks first to make sure the paint adheres properly.

Kid's Bedroom Decorating Ideas
View more decorating ideas for kids from Your Home and Garden magazine in the Resene kid's bedroom inspiration gallery.

More ideas