HGTV's Jasmine Roth uses this exact shade on '80 percent' of her walls

The perception of a room's height can be significantly influenced by the color chosen for its ceiling, challenging the conventional belief that only white ceilings create an expansive feel. This article explores how specific paint colors can visually elevate low ceilings, making a space feel larger and more cohesive. These strategic color choices leverage optical illusions and psychological associations to transform a room's dynamics. One effective approach involves using sky blue hues. Shades like very light blues, misty aquas, blue-grays, and muted blue-greens evoke the natural appearance of the sky, which the eye instinctively interprets as open and expansive. This 'no-ceiling' effect tricks the brain into perceiving greater height. For instance, combining sky-blue walls with a slightly deeper blue ceiling creates a subtle tonal gradient that visually extends the room upward, as demonstrated in a chic kids' room with brick-red stripes. Another impactful color is butter yellow. This bright shade is excellent for bouncing light around a room, effectively minimizing shadows that often make ceilings appear lower. This makes it particularly beneficial for spaces lacking natural light, as a sunlit hue overhead imparts an airy, lifted sensation that a stark white ceiling might not achieve. The cheerful nature of butter yellow also contributes to an uplifting atmosphere, as seen in a bedroom where a butter-yellow ceiling brightens the maroon-accented decor. Putty pink, an unexpected neutral, also offers a sophisticated solution for enhancing ceiling height. A pale blush creates an understated elegance and, when used on the ceiling, provides a seamless transition from the wall color. This subtle shift tricks the eye into perceiving the room as an uninterrupted vertical plane, making the ceiling appear higher. The key is to select a barely-there pink that resembles setting plaster rather than a vibrant 'Barbie Dreamhouse' pink, offering warmth and livability, as exemplified in a kitchen with soothing pale pink walls and ceiling complemented by olive and vibrant yellow accents. Lastly, icy mint presents a crisp and refreshing option. Its cool temperature visually lightens and raises the ceiling, making it an ideal choice for those hesitant to introduce bold colors but wishing to move beyond plain white. This whisper of color brightens the room without overwhelming it, creating a subtle breath-of-fresh-air feeling. In a vintage-inspired bathroom, soft moss walls blending into an icy mint ceiling, alongside deep sage accents, illustrate how layering shades from the same color family can create a cohesive and visually lifted space. Beyond color, the paint finish also plays a crucial role. Matte finishes for both walls and ceilings are recommended to visually lengthen a ceiling. Unlike high-sheen finishes (satin, semi-gloss) that create harsh contrasts and make ceilings feel lower, matte paint absorbs light and softens shadows, thus hiding imperfections and creating an illusion of lift. Additionally, upgrading crown molding without demolition can contribute to the perception of taller ceilings. The concept of a tonal gradient is vital for achieving the desired effect. Regardless of the chosen shade, it should belong to the same color family as the wall color to eliminate contrast lines that interrupt the eye's upward movement. Maintaining a minimal tonal difference between walls and ceiling allows colors to flow seamlessly, enhancing the room's perceived height. A practical rule of thumb suggests using the full-strength color on walls, a 75% desaturated version on moldings, and a 50% desaturated version on the ceiling. This gradual gradation naturally draws the eye upward, maximizing the sense of height and creating a harmonious, expansive environment. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #CeilingDesign #HomeDecorating #OpticalIllusions #ColorPsychology #MatteFinish #TonalGradient #SpaceExpansion

Choosing the right paint finish is as crucial as selecting the perfect color for a home's interior, yet it often presents unique challenges due to how different finishes can appear in various settings and lighting conditions. Designers highlight that certain paint sheens can inadvertently diminish a room's aesthetic, making it look less refined or even tacky. One particular finish that designers consistently advise against for large wall surfaces is high-gloss paint. High-gloss paint is problematic primarily because its reflective nature magnifies every imperfection on a wall. Uneven seams, previous repairs, and even minor texture variations become highly visible, undermining the perceived quality of the surface. This unforgiving characteristic also makes touch-ups exceedingly difficult, as achieving a seamless repair requires exceptional precision and expertise. Consequently, applying high-gloss paint on walls is generally not a suitable DIY project and is best left to professional painters experienced with such demanding finishes. Despite its drawbacks for expansive areas, high-gloss can be effectively utilized to accentuate specific features, such as a banister, where its reflective quality can create a statement-making moment. Designers recommend tailoring paint finishes to the specific needs of each room. For instance, high-traffic or moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms benefit from durable and easy-to-clean satin or semi-gloss finishes. In contrast, bedrooms and living rooms are better suited for matte or eggshell finishes, which diffuse light, fostering a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. If high-gloss walls are already present and repainting is not an immediate option, light sanding can help reduce the excessive shine. For renters or those seeking a less permanent solution, peel-and-stick wallpapers offer an alternative to cover and transform the appearance of high-gloss surfaces. Beyond high-gloss, other paint choices can contribute to an unappealing aesthetic. Ultra-bright white, while often chosen to make rooms appear larger, can instead create a clinical and unwelcoming environment. Designers suggest that deep, rich hues can paradoxically make a space feel more expansive by absorbing light and blurring boundaries, adding depth. The widespread 'millennial gray' is also noted as an outdated choice; designers now favor richer, more dramatic colors like inky navies or blues with green undertones, which offer layered depth and sophistication without making a room feel closed off. Finally, harsh, flat hues that lack nuance can leave a room feeling devoid of depth and character. The selection of colors with subtle undertones that reflect light gently is encouraged to ensure the palette remains fresh, timeless, and prevents the space from appearing sterile or uninspired. Ultimately, a thoughtful approach to both color and finish selection is essential for creating a cohesive and appealing home interior. #InteriorDesign #PaintFinishes #HomeDecor #DesignTips #WallPaint #HighGlossPaint #HomeImprovement #PaintColors

Color capping, a paint trend poised to become prominent in 2026, involves using different shades of the same color to paint a room, specifically focusing on the ceiling and upper walls to "cap" the space. This technique offers a softer, more intentional approach compared to color drenching, which typically covers all surfaces in a single shade. Color capping is favored by interior designers for its ability to introduce texture, depth, and visual interest, while also making rooms appear larger by drawing the eye upwards and accentuating architectural details. While color capping can be applied using any color, designers recommend adhering to one color family per room. This ensures that the two chosen paint colors are complementary tonal variations of the same shade. For instance, a living room with off-white walls could have the ceiling and the top two feet of the walls painted in a darker shade of the same off-white to create depth and character. The general principle for color application dictates that the lighter color should be positioned on the lower part of the wall, closer to the floor, while the darker shade should be applied to the upper walls and ceiling, creating an updated ombré effect. The application of color capping can vary depending on the architectural style of the space. In traditional designs featuring ornate crown molding, it may be appropriate to extend the darker ceiling shade onto the molding. In contrast, more modern spaces might benefit from confining the darker shade solely to the ceiling. Alternatively, the ceiling color can be extended a few feet down the top of the walls, even in the absence of crown molding, to achieve a more encompassing effect. The key to successful color capping lies in thoughtful and intentional execution, with each decision influencing the room's overall aesthetic and feel. Beyond color capping, the interior design world is embracing other color trends for 2026, with a particular focus on earthy, dramatic hues. These palettes are seen to foster a connection to nature, comfort, and well-being. Anticipated color trends include deep, moody eggplant shades that incorporate warm browns, offering significant dimension and grounding effects. Moss greens are expected to create drama, particularly in dining or reading rooms. Muted terracottas will bring warmth and coziness, while mineral-inspired blues, known for their timeless appeal, will add drama and depth to any interior design style. These trends collectively highlight a shift towards richer, more natural color schemes in home decor. #ColorCapping #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintTrends2026 #HomeDecor #RoomExpansionTechniques #EarthyColorPalettes #DesignersRecommendations #ArchitecturalDetails #ColorDrenchingAlternative

This article explores six designer-approved paint colors that can instantly brighten up any dark room, addressing the common challenge of maximizing natural light in spaces that are inherently dim due to their position, shape, or number of windows. Interior designers Emily LaMarque, Soni Mehra, and Nina Lichtenstein provide their expert recommendations, emphasizing the importance of light-reflecting qualities and warm undertones. Warm white is presented as a top choice for brightening dark rooms. While white is effective at reflecting light, the article stresses the importance of selecting softer, warmer variations over stark or cool-toned whites. Emily LaMarque explains that warm undertones prevent spaces from feeling cold and clinical, especially in northern-facing rooms or those with limited natural light, helping the light bounce around the room effectively. For those seeking a balance between a brighter space and embracing a room's natural ambiance, cozy beige is suggested. Soni Mehra notes that warm neutrals and muted earth tones in the beige family can create a cozy, cocooning effect while still reflecting some light. This approach acknowledges the inherent moodiness of certain rooms and leverages it to create a comforting atmosphere rather than forcing an overly bright one. Blush pink is introduced as a more saturated yet gentle option. Both Mehra and Nina Lichtenstein endorse this color for its ability to bounce light and create an open, airy feel without the heaviness of highly pigmented hues. It acts as a versatile, nearly-neutral shade that brings warmth and a subtle vintage-inspired touch to a space, making it ideal for those who enjoy a hint of color. Light greige is another recommended chameleon color, appreciated for its light-amplifying properties and adaptability. Lichtenstein highlights that greige's undertones can shift between warm and cool depending on the room's decor, lighting, and orientation, making it suitable for various design styles in living rooms and bedrooms. Soft blue is suggested for its ability to mimic the sky, creating a sense of openness and tranquility. Lichtenstein, who often considers natural surroundings in her designs, notes that light pastel blues can enhance brightness and add personality, providing a refreshing atmosphere even in the absence of constant sunlight. Finally, gentle green, particularly a soothing sage, is recommended for low-light bathrooms and bedrooms. Despite being a cool color on the traditional wheel, sage's yellow undertones provide warmth and comfort. Lichtenstein explains that soft greens rejuvenate dim spaces, promote a connection to nature, reflect light effectively, and instill a sense of balance and calm. The article concludes with a practical tip: always test paint samples to observe how they interact with both natural and artificial light in the specific room. #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RoomBrightness #LightReflection #WarmWhites #CozyBeige #BlushPink #LightGreige #SoftBlue #SageGreen #DesignerTips

Joanna Gaines, known for her modern farmhouse designs on HGTV's "Fixer Upper," recently shared her admiration for high gloss Venetian plaster, showcasing it in a sneak peek of the historic Hotel 1928 renovation in Waco, Texas. The designer posted a glimpse of shiny, reflective walls, likening their appearance to black marble in a corridor of the boutique hotel. Gaines highlighted this distinctive wall plaster as one of her favorite elements of the 20th-century-inspired project, even being seen interacting playfully with the luxurious surface. Venetian plaster is an ancient Italian finish composed of lime slake, marble dust, and other natural minerals. When burnished onto surfaces, it produces a brilliant shine. The material, which is a workable putty when mixed with water, can be applied to various substrates like drywall, wood, and brick. After polishing and drying, it transforms into a shimmering, limestone-like surface. The amount of marble powder in the plaster influences its shine, with marmorino being a type known for its authentic marble appearance and intense glistening effects. The exact type of plaster Gaines used for Hotel 1928's interior walls remains unspecified. Achieving a similar glossy Venetian plaster look in one's own home is possible with the right tools and materials. Gaines' preference for this lavish finish may stem from its ability to brighten and enlarge a room visually. Additionally, Venetian plaster is highly durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications. A reflective sheen can accent specific areas, such as a kitchen backsplash or fireplace, or enhance everyday living spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, dens, or foyers. The classic Venetian plaster technique has become more accessible over time. Applying high gloss Venetian plaster is a multi-layered process that requires careful attention. The first step involves preparing and smoothing the surface with a sander, followed by brushing or rolling on one to two coats of quartz primer. Even layers of plaster are then applied using a trowel or mud knife, with gentle back-and-forth movements. After allowing it to dry for a day, a second coat is applied using varied textured strokes to fill any cracks. Once completely dry, the plaster is burnished or polished with a trowel, applying firm, repetitive movements across the wall. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, plaster also provides insulation. Additional layers can be applied as needed, including a top coat for increased wearability. The result is an elegant and brilliant finish that can be admired, much like Joanna Gaines' design choices. #JoannaGaines #VenetianPlaster #Hotel1928 #InteriorDesign #WallFinishes #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #LuxuriousWalls