Jackpot of Diamonds

Three large diamonds skip across the ceiling point-to-point in a painted design that spans most of the room. Narrow rooms benefit from this pattern, and smooth ceiling surfaces are the ideal work surface.

A premixed metallic glaze applied with a wallpaper brush creates a simple faux finish. Look for other finishes and tools in home improvement, art, and crafts stores.

What You Need:

• Painter's tape
• Paintbrushes
• Paint (base coat, plus decorative colors)
• Metallic glaze

Instructions:

1. Draw three equal squares onto the ceiling. Place them on the diagonal to form diamond shapes. Mask off the outer 1-1/2 inches of each square with painter's tape to form the borders.

2. Paint the center of the squares with a base coat. Top it with a metallic glaze or other painted finish, following the manufacturer's directions (see Photo 1).

3. When the finish dries, tape around the borders. Paint the borders in a coordinating color.

In the Groove

Cover a bad surface or a rough-textured ceiling with tongue-and-groove panels (also called beadboard).

Available at most lumberyards in a variety of grades and sizes, it comes in sheets for quick and easy installation.

What You Need:

• Wood beadboard (in grade and size of your choice)
• Paint primer
• Paint (in color and texture of your choice)
• Padded T-braces
• Hand saw
• Hammer
• Furring strips (optional)