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Creating a focal wall in a space can add texture, dimension and interest.
When I was giving my master bathroom a refresh (you can read all about it HERE), I knew I wanted the focal wall to have texture, but still be light and bright. The bathroom has one tiny window in each space … so keeping it light and bright was important. I also made the bathroom over on a very tight budget, so while planning out the space, I didn’t want the feature wall to cost very much.
While brainstorming, I looked back at several other spaces I had done with my sharpie technique, and immediately knew I could create a focal wall using the same technique. I decided to go with a chevron pattern. It is very similar to the herringbone wallpaper in my laundry space that I love and it isn’t very difficult to do at all.
I always like to show a before view. This gives you a better idea of the potential a space can have. So here is my focal wall BEFORE:
Before I start any space, I always sketch out my ideas, take dimensions and make a list of any supplies I may need.
I then clear out the space I will be working to start with a blank slate. In this case, I removed the peel and stick wallpaper. Then had to give the main wall a fresh coat of white paint. I used what I had on hand- the color Sherwin Williams Extra White mixes in Behr Marquee paint.
Once the paint was dry, I started to pencil in my idea to finalize measurements. My wall is 8 foot long and 5 foot high. I found the center and penciled in one vertical line directly in the center using a level.
Then I divided each half into equal sections – which for me ended up being 8 inches apart. I penciled it in initially then went back over the lines with the sharpie marker.
I then penciled in my angle until I got the look I wanted. My horizontal angled lines are spaced every 3.5 inches. Once I had the look I wanted, I went back in with my level and sharpie marker and went back over my vertical lines first.
Then, starting at the center, I began creating the horizontal angled lines to create the chevron look. I used a straight edge to help me draw the lines. I finished one vertical row at a time. Once I finished one row… the next one, I changed the angle to opposite direction, which creates the chevron pattern.
TIP: Be sure to change out your sharpie as needed to continue to produce sharp crisp lines. I made sure to have a few packs on hand.
I repeated the entire process across the entire focal wall.
I was able to complete the wall in one day- with starts and stops- because well- kiddos 😉. It is definitely a project that can be completely fairly quickly. It makes a huge impact for very little money.
Now stand back and admire your gorgeous work!
I hope you’ll come back soon for more DIY projects, decor, recipes and all the in between.
Kelli says
This looks great! Do you have textured walls? What kind of sharpie did you use?
MyDIYHappyHome says
Hi. Thank you. My walls are not textured. I used a regular fine point sharpie marker. I should have the ones I used linked in the post.;)
Christen Geron says
I love the look of this! How would it work with textured walls? It looks like you’re walls are so smooth, but mine are a mess.
MyDIYHappyHome says
Hi! thank you so much. If you have heavily textured walls, i unfortunately don’t think you will be able to get sharp lines. There are several peel and stick wallpaper alternatives you could use instead though. 😉