How To Paint A Geometric Feature Wall

Four layers of glazed boxes overlap to create this contemporary design.

We chose shades of gold, but you can use any colour to get the look.

For the first layer of glaze, use a darker colour than the base coat, lightening the shade and decreasing the opacity for each of the next three.

Where layers overlap, new shades and colours will appear.

We used a semi gloss acrylic to make the more opaque glaze for the first layer then metallic paints for the next three.

Try Dulux Design Metallic, which can be tinted to 14 colours (dulux.com.au).

Choose the size and position of the boxes, drawing the design to scale on paper.

Transfer it to the wall and mask off the lines with painter’s tape. Buy a watercolour pencil from an art supply store in a colour to match your scheme and use it to mark the walls.

The pencil lines will disappear as you apply the glaze to the boxes.

We drew square and rectangular boxes, ranging from an 850 x 350mm rectangle to a 1200mm square.

TIP: Draw the fourth layer of boxes to cover any unglazed base coat.

Step 1. Mask off the wall

Mark the rectangles on the wall using a spirit level and a watercolour pencil.

Mask off the marked rectangles with painter’s tape to create a series of boxes.

Mix the glaze for the first layer then wet two sponges and wring them out so they are damp.

Step 2. Apply the glaze

Use a damp sponge to apply the glaze to the boxes then pounce it with the edge of a second sponge to spread the glaze.

Work quickly and don’t overlap any areas of glaze, rinsing the sponge in clean water as you go.

Leave the first layer to dry for a few hours.

Step 3. Finish the wall

Mark and mask a second and third layer of overlapping boxes, applying a thinner glaze to each.

Let the glaze dry for at least two hours between coats.

To finish, cover any unglazed base coat with a fourth layer of glazed rectangles and squares.

Step 1. Mask off the wall

Step 2. Apply the glaze

Step 3. Finish the wall

Sign up for emails