The Unusual Painting Method That Can Add Dimension And Style To Any Room

With neutrals and earth tones on the rise, it can be hard to find ways to make your walls pop without straying too far from the classic paint color choices of this modern era. Case in point: Pantone's Color of the Year for 2025 is Mocha Mousse. It's a rich chocolate color that offers a calming yet simple touch to your home when painted across the walls. However, if you want to stray from the simplicity of today's trends without going too far into potentially tacky or soon-to-be-outdated color options, this simple trick is made for you. You can add dimension to your walls by painting in diagonal stripes — an unusual method that works with any color choice. 

There are plenty of trendy paint patterns to make your walls less boring, like adding mountains or arches, just like there were chevron and leopard print accent wall designs in the early aughts. But unlike those dated options, diagonal stripes will probably never go out of style, and they match almost any interior. As an added bonus, the diagonal feature mimics how sunlight typically comes into rooms, so your painting style will feel much more natural and organic, adding a calming feel to your space no matter the time of day. 

The most crucial part of this process is to get a reliable painter's tape that is thick enough to match the desired width of your stripes. The Duck Clean Release Blue Painter's Tape ($5.97 on Amazon) has over 14,000 reviews, with customers calling it reliable and easy to use. You can get a version that is 2 inches thick so that your stripes are nice and wide. Then, simply apply the tape, making diagonal lines across your walls. Consider using a level with a laser to ensure the application is even. The Amazon Basics 360 Degree Level ($16.95 on Amazon) sticks right onto your wall and has angle markings, so you get the line right every time. 

Next up, pick the perfect shade of paint for the stripes. You can use color matching software or a larger paint swatch sheet that features your existing wall color to help you decide. Try pairing together tones that complement each other, like different hues within the same color family. You can also start completely fresh by painting the base anew. We recommend picking the lighter color and applying it to the entire wall section, then letting it dry overnight before using the darker color for the stripes. Finally, the best part of the process is, of course, peeling the tape once all of the lines are completely dry. Remove the blue tape and watch your project come to life.