This is a very easy design accomplished with masking tape.
1. With masking tape create equal vertical sections running floor to ceiling. I made 6 sections.
2. With pencil mark every 12 inches down the tape line starting at the ceiling.
3. Then starting at one pencil mark tape up the the next highest pencil mark at the next vertical piece of tape. Then from there tape down to the next lowest making a zig-zag up and down.
4. Repeat at every level.
5. Once taped, place tiny 1" pieces of tape in every other section where you want the wall color to show thru.
6. Paint the sections that do not have tape.
7.Let dry; remove tape and enjoy.

See this link on Design Sponge which has step by step instructions and photos. http://www.designsponge.com/2012/03/before-after-hallway-ceiling-makeover.html

We did this design in my granddaughter's bedroom. It looks great!! Thank you for the instructions.