Harlequin is achieved by using two paint hues. First, paint the wall surface with the lighter, low sheen color and let dry completely. Next, tape off the wall sections in an elongated diamond pattern or cut a diamond template and trace the pattern on the wall surface. Of course, the size of the wall typically determines how large the diamond pattern should be. A good rule of thumb is the diamond height should be approx. twice the width. The diamonds should touch along the width and can circle the room as a border. Or, one wall can be the focal point with the diamonds lined up both horizontally and vertically.

Paint the "diamond" pattern in the darker of the two colors—the sheen of the second paint should be the same as the base coat. This pattern can be quite bold if the color choices employed are complementary or it can be a subtle backdrop when completed in a monochromatic scheme.