Spray Painted Bold and Bright

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

Today I'm sharing with you a mini-makeover done to my office with a new desk and a cool painted design on the wall.

If you're one of my regular readers, you probably know that a few years ago I turned my dining room into my office space.  A built-in unit with a bench was built and a table served a double purpose as a desk and also as a dining table for those special times when we had visitors.

Well, we'd been happy with most of those changes except with the bench. At first, my kids loved it, but soon after they found it uncomfortable and didn't want to sit there when we were enjoying a meal.

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When I used the table as a desk, I had to bring my own chair and the bench on the back turned into a useless space. 

Oh, wait, for a couple of years my son used to lie down there behind me, giving me company while I worked. That was the only reason why I kept the bench in there, but my son grew up and didn't fit in there anymore, so it was time for that bench to go.

The 2 x 4 frame and the top cover were removed easily.

And I built my very own desk. :)

I kept the desk design very simple. You can check the complete details about this build right HERE.

For now, what I really want to share with you is this awesome whitewash wood stain!

Varathane White Wash wood stain

I didn't want to paint the desktop white like the bookcases, I wanted the wood to show, but since everything is connected I had no idea how to go about it. 

Ha, no need to fear, this Varathane White Wash wood stain let the beauty of the wood shine through, but the subtle white effect goes SO nicely with all the other white elements. It's like it was meant to be used here!

I only gave it one coat of stain and after a couple of minutes I wiped it off with a rag. Love it!

After finishing work with the desk, I turned my attention to creating an art project on the wall behind and decided to go for:

A Painted Wooden Tile Design on the Wall

This time I wanted to create a bold statement but at the same time something that I could easily remove without damaging the existing shiplap.

Well, this is it! I know you're going to love it.

I'm not giving you exact measurements because you probably won't have the same space to work with and besides, it's easy to set it up. Let me show you how:

1. Think of a design you want on your wall. 

Keep it simple. At first, I wanted to work with triangles, but then I opted for this geometric design that I thought would be easier to work with.

2. Craft the design on paper.

Use paper to make the templates. The stiffer the paper, the better.
The width of my "tiles" as I call them was 6-inches each, and I set them up on the wall with tape.

Having the shiplap there on the wall was a good guide as I didn't have to measure too much.
I moved the outer tiles closer together or further apart to see how I liked them better.
Once happy with their placement, I brought up the other pieces.
The center design was spaced at the same 6-inches.

Don't forget to center the design width and lengthwise on the wall.

3. Mark the design on the wall.

When you're happy with your paper design, mark its location on the wall.
I used a pencil to mark little dots and lines at the top and bottom of where the tiles should lay.
And I cut the paper templates to their proper size.

4. Mark your templates

If your design consists of different size tiles, like mine, do yourself a favor and mark those pieces, first on the paper template and then on the wood. top, bottom, right, left, and also which side goes up.

5. Create wooden tiles

I then, headed to the Home Depot to buy my material: a 1/4" sheet of underlayment for about $15. This guy helped cut it lengthwise at 12" intervals.

At home, I cut the four lengths in half, using a circular saw. Which means I ended up with 8 - 6" lengths.

Put those paper templates on top of your wooden planks and trace those lines.

Using a miter saw, cut those angled lines.

Note: If you have an angle duplicating miter tool, it might come in handy for accurate angles. I didn't find mine, so I had to rely solely on the paper templates and had a bit of trouble with some of the tiles not coupling nicely.

6. Install the unpainted tiles on the wall

I didn't want damage on the shiplap and that's why I used Command strips. I've used them in this project here and here and I'm happy to use them again.

Three strips on the longboards were more than enough.
It all looked good! ;) But hey, I wanted some color, the wooden tone looked somewhat blah.

7. Paint the tiles

I brought the tiles outside to spray paint them and I chose this gorgeous Rustoleum Midnight Blue color.

A light sanding with 120 grid paper was done after the first coat dried.

Once the second coat was dry I brought them inside and mounted them on their designated spots and this is how the entire design looks now:

I can't even tell you how much I love it!!

So simple yet so striking.

And how about that whitewash treatment?! It works so well with the new modern design going on in the room.

I gave my chair a new color to make everything pop a little more, and this Rustoleum Tuscan Sun was the perfect shade of yellow my office was begging for! It goes perfectly with dark blue.

And talking about blue, this space now complements the decor in the contiguous living room to a T, remember those navy blue drapes I added recently? Check them out right here.

What I like the most is the versatility of this new design. The fact that I can bring those wooden tiles down or change the color at any given moment is wonderful!

And with so many possibilities, I can't wait to give it a new look. Check the new Rust-Oleum palette... Bold hues and new neutrals aimed to inspire and empower you!

| Coastal Gray | Deep Forest Green | Rust Cherry | Metallic Satin Bronze | Midnight Blue |
Pink Peony | Silver Lilac | Smokey Beige | Tuscan Sun |

Louie's the only one missing that bench! :D

Well guys, now is your turn to tell me what's the next spray painting project you have in mind.

Hop over to Instagram where I'm hosting a giveaway to get the wheels turning. Two winners will be chosen!!

For more spray paint inspiration, check out what The Home Depot has to offer.

I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the promotional program described above (the “Program”). As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words.

*This post contains affiliate links.

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