7 different interior designers on ingenious ways they use paint to easily elevate a room

The field of interior design has seen a resurgence in the popularity of decorative paint tricks and finishes, moving beyond basic color application to embrace creative and inventive techniques. Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, emphasizes that paint encompasses a broad spectrum of colors, from organic off-whites and subtle petal shades to deep night blues, greens, golds, and reds. She notes that the lockdown period spurred greater creativity in home painting, a trend that continues to evolve. This includes using paint on ceilings, blending colors without strict corner divisions, employing mid-wall splits, and painting kitchen units and furniture in shades that evoke joy, fundamentally altering perspectives on home living. Interior designer Kate Guinness concurs, anticipating continued enthusiasm for paint and pattern. Her firm integrates paint details to introduce additional points of interest within homes. This exploration delves into various paint ideas and tricks, showcasing how color can be integrated into diverse interior design settings to craft entirely new home aesthetics. Expert-backed paint trends are highlighted, offering inspiration for transforming home looks. One technique involves using two-tone paint to enlarge a room. For instance, Irene Gunter, a designer, advocates for blush shades in bedrooms to create a soothing ambiance. She suggests applying a base color on the lower wall and a lighter version of the same color (mixed with 50% white) on the upper wall. This method adds visual interest and blurs room edges, making ceilings appear higher and rooms feel more spacious. Another innovative idea is to create a painted headboard that functions as a piece of art. Designer Sarah Stemp of Sascal Studio achieved this by using canvas fabric and sample pots of green paint, building layers from Farrow & Ball's Vert De Terre to lighter and darker green shades. The resulting textural effect, with visible brushstrokes, adds depth and artistry to the headboard. Additionally, a fireplace can be given a faux marble finish, as demonstrated by Brandon Schubert, who collaborated with Lara Fiorentino of The Paint Effect to create a convincing red marble effect, emphasizing the importance of a smooth finish. Introducing tactile textures to walls, particularly in hallways, is another effective trick. Designers like Chan & Eayrs utilize color pigments combined with various materials, applied with brushes or sponges, to create subtle textures that add depth beyond conventional paint. Paint can also be used to define zones within a room. Andy Greenall from Paint & Paper Library explains that contrasting paint finishes, such as a satinwood finish for a backsplash against a matt finish in the same shade, can segment a space, adding character cost-effectively. Painted borders can emulate expensive inlays, as seen in Louise Roe’s dressing room where a rich maroon paint was enhanced with hand-painted borders. Creating a 3D effect with paint, especially on the 'fifth wall' (the ceiling), can add dimension to a space. Elnaz Namaki Studio used bespoke plastered paint with overlaid paisley stencils to achieve this. Visually expanding walls with clever ceiling paint ideas is also recommended, as interior designer Nicola Harding illustrates by using Farrow & Ball's Stone Blue on a dining room ceiling to make the space feel larger and cozier. Furthermore, paint can conceal flaws; in older homes, white paint on exposed ceiling beams can hide imperfections while creating a softer look. Finally, positioning paler finishes at eye level, especially in kitchens, can enhance spaciousness and prevent wall units from overpowering the room, with Frank & Faber suggesting darker shades at the bottom and lighter tones at the top to optimize natural light and minimize visual clutter. Contemporary paint tricks are sophisticated and tailored, moving past outdated styles like 1970s stenciling. Interior designer Brandon Schubert suggests using unusual finishes like gloss paint on walls, even with dark colors, to reflect light and achieve a smooth finish. For more advanced effects, professional specialist decorators are recommended, or adventurous individuals can try themselves. Kit Kemp, renowned for her use of color, suggests starting with door frames as an easy way to introduce a 'shock of color' or a complementary hue, framing the adjacent room and adding a playful element to the transition between spaces. These modern paint techniques foster a new freedom of expression through color in interiors. #InteriorDesign #PaintTricks #ColorSchemes #HomeDecor #CreativePainting #RoomEnlargement #TexturedWalls #FauxFinishes #CeilingDesign #ZoningWithPaint

Hallways are often the first impression of a home, influencing how residents and guests perceive the space. Despite their typically small size, hallways can be significantly enhanced through thoughtful paint choices and techniques. Tash Bradley, Lick's director of interior design and colour psychologist, emphasizes the importance of not overlooking this transitional space, calling it the first room that welcomes you home. Vicky Yardley, founder of Victory Colours, also highlights the opportunity hallways present for experimenting with paint techniques. When considering hallway paint ideas, experts advise against using pure white. Michael Rolland from The Paint Shed suggests avoiding white to prevent a 'clinical, corridor-like' feel often associated with public spaces. White is also impractical for high-traffic areas due to its susceptibility to scuff marks. Instead, pale shades and neutrals are recommended. Cathryn Sanders of Earthborn explains that pale colours create a fresh, soothing atmosphere and enhance natural light, making a space feel brighter and more welcoming. Soft pastels and light neutrals add warmth that white might lack. Marianne Shillingford, a colour expert at Dulux, adds that receding colours like pale blues and greens can make small spaces appear larger by connecting with nature. For hallways with limited natural light, warm, light-reflecting shades are ideal. Vicky Yardley recommends colours like soft apricots, warm greys, or pale yellows to brighten the space without relying on sunlight. A soft blush pink can also introduce a gentle, inviting glow. Michael Rolland agrees, suggesting pale yellows to mimic sunlight and light-reflective greys with warm undertones for a modern look that prevents the space from feeling dark. The current trend of peach shades, like Pantone's Peach Fuzz, is also suitable for dark hallways, offering warmth and personality. Beyond overall colour, specific techniques can elevate a hallway's design. Making skirting boards stand out with contrasting colours can add character, especially in smaller hallways. Cathryn Sanders suggests painting accents or the inside of cabinets in a bright hue for a surprising pop of colour. The ceiling, often referred to as the 'fifth wall,' can also create impact when painted in a bold or contrasting colour, drawing the eye upwards and making the space feel more expansive, as noted by Vicky Yardley and Cathryn Sanders. Colour drenching, where walls and ceilings are painted the same colour, can create a uniformed, expansive feel, particularly in narrow or dark hallways. Tash Bradley of Lick suggests using a deep, rich green to create depth. Combining light and dark paints offers a compromise for those torn between two ideas, with a lighter colour reflecting light and darker shades adding cosiness. Painting wall panelling in a chosen colour can give a hallway a professionally designed look, transforming it into a chic space. Bold, dark colours, such as charcoal, black, or navy, can create an intimate aesthetic when matched with radiators and doorways. Artwork can further enhance these dramatic schemes. Painting stairs can also be an opportunity to experiment with colour, adding dimension. Striped paint effects, particularly vertical stripes, can make low-ceilinged spaces appear taller. Framing doorways with paint in rustic French country style can turn them into focal points, adding excitement to the entryway. Abstract paint designs can make a striking impression, using chalk to map out designs before painting. A chalkboard wall can add a fun, interactive element for messages and doodles. Half-height painted walls are both visually appealing and practical, with darker shades on the bottom half concealing scuffs and lighter shades above brightening the space. Finally, experimenting with different paint finishes, such as a gloss finish on the lower half of the wall and a matte finish above, can create interesting contrasts while providing durability in high-traffic areas. For hallways, hardwearing, easy-to-clean paints like eggshell are recommended by Martin Waller of Andrew Martin. Emma Coles of Morris & Co. advises considering the flow into other rooms when choosing colours, often opting for light or neutral shades. Sonnaz Nooranvary, an interior designer, suggests that for windowless hallways, either embracing a cosy dark look or brightening with neutrals can be effective, emphasizing that painting the ceiling and skirting in a dark colour can make it feel higher, especially when paired with a mirror. #HallwayDesign #PaintIdeas #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ColourPsychology #SmallSpaces #PaintTechniques #WarmColours #DarkHallways

Small rooms often feel cramped due to furniture and decor, but painting techniques can create an illusion of greater space without costly renovations. Experts suggest softening visual boundaries and clutter, often by painting furniture or architectural elements the same color as the walls. The choice of paint type, tone, finish, tints, and how colors combine significantly influence how a room is perceived. Lightening colors higher up, using glossy finishes, or incorporating vertical stripes can visually expand a space. One effective tip is to paint the ceiling a paler shade than the walls. This approach, where the ceiling hue is a few shades lighter than the surrounding walls, draws the eye upward, giving the illusion of added height and making the room feel airier. This method prevents the sharp contrast of white ceilings with darker walls, which can disrupt a moody aesthetic and highlight seams, thus creating visual breaks. For maximum impact, choosing a ceiling color approximately 20% lighter than the walls is recommended, maintaining color harmony even in dark color schemes. Color drenching involves painting various room elements, including walls, trim, doors, and the ceiling, in an identical hue. This technique dissolves visual boundaries, making the room feel enormous and expansive. By eliminating contrast between surfaces, edges are blurred, making walls appear to stretch beyond their actual limits. This is particularly effective in rooms with architectural details, where differing shades can cause visual interruptions. When elements merge, the eye glides continuously, making the room appear stretched and more spacious. Dark hues like navy blue or jewel green are suitable for color drenching small rooms, but neutral, earthy tones also work well, especially when relying on natural light. For those who find a single color monotonous, using monochromatic tints of the same color offers an alternative. This involves choosing a color in different tonal intensities (typically no more than three) and applying them across the room. This creates a layering effect and adds visual depth. When walls, trim, and built-ins are in related tones, the space reads as one uninterrupted volume, eliminating hard visual stops and starts. This method is often implemented in small apartments and townhouses for a cohesive, airy look that retains warmth and personality. Incorporating a thin horizontal stripe just below the ceiling can widen a narrow room. Placing the strip about 10 centimeters (4 inches) from the ceiling or using wall molding as a cutoff point directs the eye laterally, giving the perception of a wider room without overpowering the space. If the ceiling is dark, coating the stripe in white or light colors can make it a focal point, bounce light, and make the space look taller. The ombré effect, applying a soft gradient or tonal shift on one feature wall (darker at the bottom and lighter moving upward), can add depth to cramped rooms. This technique makes ceilings appear higher and adds dimension, while the darker bottom keeps the space grounded. This encourages the onlooker to look upward, following the smooth transitions of the gradient, and avoids physical architectural tricks. Selecting a reflective paint finish, such as eggshell or satin, is crucial because it bounces more light. Unlike matte finishes that absorb light and constrict space, glossy or reflective surfaces brighten corners and reduce visual 'dead zones,' making a room feel less cramped. The reflected light minimizes visual fragmentation, adding fluidity. While a semi-gloss or satin paint on the ceiling or accent walls can create a livelier, more dynamic environment, a high-gloss finish should be avoided on all walls due to its tendency to highlight imperfections. Coordinating the color of bulky furniture with the walls helps reduce its visual mass. Painting large pieces like wardrobes or cabinets the same color as the walls visually minimizes their bulk, making them 'disappear' into the background. This keeps the space feeling less cluttered and more expansive by preventing these items from popping and fragmenting the space. This tip works across various color schemes, including white, warm neutrals, and cool blues. Color-blocking, carefully applied, can also create an illusion of more space. Dividing a wall horizontally with a deeper tone on the lower half and a lighter shade on the upper half can make ceilings feel higher. This effectively tricks the brain into perceiving greater vertical space. Horizontal divisions can also stretch a space wider, which is beneficial for narrow rooms and hallways. The key is to envision the desired visual effect and guide the paint strategy accordingly. Opting for a bold paint shade for the ceiling can add a sense of vertical volume, particularly in rooms with otherwise basic hues. Painting ceilings in deep shades like velvety black or ruby red in mostly-white rooms can create drama and tension while visually raising the room's height. This technique is especially effective in transitional spaces like entryways or powder rooms, where creative liberties can be taken. Going dark on one wall can make an area feel deeper. By painting the wall most distant from the entry a few shades deeper than the surrounding walls, the dark wall appears to retreat, giving the impression it is farther back than its actual position, thus enhancing the room's depth. This technique relies on subtlety; a wall that is too deep might appear closer. The room's shape and configuration should dictate the efficiency of this approach. Finally, selecting light, cool-toned paints keeps the space bright. Soft blues, pale grays, and crisp whites reflect natural and artificial light, charging the room with an airy, expansive feel and adding calm. These cooler undertones visually push walls outward, making the room feel more open. It is important to watch for warm undertones in blues and grays that might counteract the desired cooling effect. This tip is ideal for small bedrooms or playrooms where breathability is paramount. Using paint to create vertical lines, such as stripes or faux picture molding, is another effective trick for making ceilings feel taller. Vertical lines draw the eye upward, elongating the top. This is especially useful in low-ceiling rooms or those with cross beams. After preparing the area, painter's tape can be used to demarcate sections for stripes, which can vary in width or even achieve a pinstriped look. For a subtle effect, two similar colors or different sheens of the same color can be used for a tonal look, still creating that vertical lift. #SmallRoomDesign #PaintTips #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #ColorDrenching #MonochromaticPalette #ReflectivePaint #VerticalLines #OmbreEffect

This article explores fourteen expert painting tricks to visually expand small spaces, offering practical advice on how to use paint strategically to create the illusion of larger rooms and higher ceilings. Drawing on insights from color marketing professionals at Benjamin Moore, BEHR, and Sherwin-Williams, the article emphasizes that while actual square footage cannot be changed, paint can dramatically alter perception. The first trick involves sticking to soft neutrals, which reflect light rather than absorbing it, creating an expansive and calming atmosphere. The article suggests incorporating bolder hues through accessories to draw attention to the foreground, making walls appear to recede. For rooms with low ceilings, painting the trim the same color as the walls is recommended to maintain continuity and prevent a choppy look, thereby making the space feel taller. Sharp color contrasts are advised against, as they can enclose a room and disrupt flow. Instead, a balanced and cohesive color palette is preferred to promote openness. Cool-toned colors like soft whites, light grays, pale blues, and gentle greens are highlighted for their ability to make walls recede and reflect light, contributing to a fresh and spacious feel. For those desiring warmth, muted light beige or warm taupe tones are suggested. In spaces with limited natural light, pale yellow paints such as Windham Cream or Crisp Linen are effective in brightening the room and adding an optimistic energy. The article also introduces the LRV (Light Reflective Value) rule, explaining that higher LRV colors are beneficial for rooms with low natural light, while lower LRV colors work well in well-lit spaces. Serene blues, like Aerial View or Sherwin-Williams' Upward, are presented as excellent choices for walls or ceilings to create a calming, open, and airy ambiance, mimicking the effect of a blue sky. White paint, in its various warm and cool tones, is a classic choice for reflecting light and making rooms appear larger due to its recessive nature to the optic nerve. Painting the ceiling a shade lighter than the walls is another effective technique to create an airy effect and visually elevate the ceiling without disrupting the overall color scheme. The paint finish also plays a crucial role; a higher gloss finish can reflect more light, making a room feel more spacious, provided the surface is properly prepped to avoid highlighting imperfections. Conversely, a bold, dark statement ceiling can draw the eye upward, creating an interesting focal point and visually raising the ceiling height when balanced with light, reflective tones elsewhere in the room. The popular trend of color drenching, while cozy, is cautioned against for small spaces, as it can make rooms feel more enclosed. Instead, incorporating vertical stripes or elements like shiplap is recommended to draw the eyes up and add height. Finally, even deep and rich colors can be used in small rooms to blur wall edges and create an illusion of expansiveness, provided they are balanced with plenty of light-toned furniture, linens, and artwork. #PaintTricks #SmallSpaceDesign #InteriorPainting #ColorPsychology #HomeDecor #LightReflection #CeilingHeight #NeutralColors #CoolTones #PaintFinish

The article explores ten expert tips and techniques that leverage paint to create the illusion of larger, more spacious rooms. It highlights that paint is more than just a color application; it can be a powerful tool for visual transformation. One key strategy discussed is "color drenching," which involves painting walls, woodwork, and even ceilings in a single shade or closely related colors. This technique, according to Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene and Justyna Korczynska of Crown, helps to visually extend the space by blurring boundaries and making walls appear endless, resulting in a contemporary, monochromatic look. Painting skirting boards the same color as the walls is also recommended, as contrasting white skirting can visually shorten a room’s height, especially with darker wall colors. The article also emphasizes the use of soft, receding shades like organic greens and sky blues, as suggested by Marianne Shillingford of Dulux. These colors reflect natural light and make walls appear further away, effectively opening up small or awkward spaces without resorting to stark whites. For those seeking to add perceived height, a two-tone paint effect is introduced, where the lower third of the walls is painted in a richer shade and the upper two-thirds and ceiling are in a subtle off-white. This off-center division tricks the eye into perceiving greater vertical space. Additionally, breaking from the tradition of white ceilings by painting them in a soft, complementary color, such as a breezy blue, can create a sense of limitless sky, preventing the room from feeling "hemmed in." Strategic painting of storage units is another valuable tip. By painting bookshelves and other storage in the same color as the walls, they blend seamlessly into the background, reducing visual clutter and making the room feel more expansive. This is particularly effective in small living rooms where numerous items need to be stored. Similarly, softening the color above a picture rail, instead of using stark white, helps to create a gradual fade of color that prevents abrupt visual breaks and enhances the feeling of height. The article further suggests painting floorboards in a light shade to create a sense of openness by visually pushing the floor away from the ceiling and walls. Metallic finishes are highlighted for their light-reflecting properties, which can make smaller spaces appear brighter and more luxurious. Justyna from Crown suggests layering metallic paint with flat matt emulsion or even painting the ceiling with it to add depth and make rooms like guest toilets feel larger. Incorporating doors into the wall color, following the color-drenching principle, allows them to disappear visually, extending the wall area and making the space seem bigger. Finally, the article encourages embracing dark shades, particularly in small rooms, to create character. Helen Shaw of Benjamin Moore explains that dark colors absorb light, blurring the division between walls and making the space feel deceptively larger, especially with shades like almost-black green or blue, or a warm terracotta red. The article concludes by reiterating that lighter colors, such as pastels like lilac or subdued sage green, generally make rooms feel bigger due to their light-reflecting qualities. However, bold, dark colors used with a color-drenching technique can also achieve a similar effect by blurring boundaries. For long, narrow rooms, combining a light shade on adjacent walls with a darker shade on the end wall can create a lengthened effect, or vertical stripes in subtle shades can add height and elongate the space. #InteriorDesign #PaintTips #SmallSpaces #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #SpaceMaximization #RoomEnlargement #DecorAdvice

Low ceilings often present a design challenge, making rooms feel cramped and less inviting. However, strategic paint choices can transform these spaces, creating an illusion of height and openness or fostering a cozy, intimate atmosphere without feeling claustrophobic. One effective method involves using reflective paint on the ceiling. Gloss paints, for instance, are excellent light bouncers, enhancing brightness and making the room appear larger. This not only adds aesthetic value but also simplifies maintenance. Alternatively, for a more opulent touch, gold leafing can be applied to the ceiling. This refined technique imbues a room with a brighter, warmer glow by reflecting light, simultaneously elevating the space with a decorated feel. Barbra Bright, a renowned interior designer, highlights the use of gold leafing in small, low-ceilinged areas to introduce luxury and create a radiant warmth that permeates the room. Embracing the low ceiling as a design feature rather than a limitation is another creative approach. Utilizing darker, impactful colors can create a 'canopy effect,' enveloping the room in a cocoon-like ambiance. Jane Lockhart, founder of Jane Lockhart Design, suggests that wallpapering or painting ceilings in dark tones can turn them into a distinctive feature. Color blocking, a long-standing interior design technique, also offers a solution. Juxtaposing clashing colors on walls and ceilings can divert attention from the room's dimensions, injecting energy into the space. Juliette Thomas, founder of Juliettes Interiors, advises pairing neutral walls with earthy tones or monochrome schemes on the ceiling, complemented by metallic accents like brass or gold. For a visually elongating effect, painting stripes on the ceiling can effectively create an illusion of increased height or width, particularly beneficial in narrow rooms. Jeff Andrews, founder of Jeff Andrews Design, cautions against overly narrow stripes to avoid a 'circus' appearance, recommending wide, horizontal stripes for a dramatic impact. Color drenching, where walls and ceilings are painted the same color, blurs the boundaries between them, fostering a seamless look that makes a room feel more open and spacious, according to Athina Bluff of Topology. Adding interesting, non-overwhelming patterns to the ceiling, such as light geometric designs or polka dots, can also distract from its low height while adding sophistication. Interior designers Jenna Choate-James and Mariana Ugarte of Interior Fox suggest using bold color pops in small spaces to add depth. Textured paints, like limewash, introduce depth and movement, extending beyond mere color to offer exclusivity. Kristen Pena, founder of K Interiors, describes using layered shades of Benjamin Moore Silver Half Dollar to evoke a cloud-like sensation, making the room feel expansive. To optically widen a narrow room, extending wall paint slightly onto the ceiling creates an impression of a longer, wider ceiling and proportionate room dimensions. Melissa Frederiksen of Atmosphere 360 notes that darker colors recede, effectively widening a space and guiding the eye along the paint's boundaries. Finally, painting only the ceiling borders or trims can transform the ceiling into a focal point, creating an 'umbrella effect' that energizes the room, as demonstrated by artist Luke Edward Hall’s use of contrasting colors for a vibrant yet balanced scheme. For low-ceilinged rooms, choosing a radiant white, soft cream, or pastel tone for the entire room is often recommended. These colors enhance light reflection, making the ceiling appear higher and the space feel more open. Beyond paint, effective lighting strategies are crucial. Flush mounts and recessed spot lights provide ambient illumination, visually expanding the room. Maximizing natural light by keeping curtains drawn back during the day also significantly brightens and opens up the space. #PaintTricks #LowCeilings #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #ColorBlocking #ReflectivePaint #GoldLeafing #TexturedPaint #LightingTips

While color drenching, the technique of painting walls, trim, and ceilings the same color, is a popular trend, it's not always the best choice for every space. There are specific situations where this monochromatic approach can be detrimental to a room's aesthetic. Designers have identified four key instances where opting out of color drenching can significantly enhance a room's design and functionality. First, consider foregoing color drenching when the goal is to make a statement with the 'fifth wall' – the ceiling. Instead of blending the ceiling into the overall color scheme, utilizing it as a focal point offers a unique opportunity for design expression. Painting the ceiling a contrasting or unexpected color can elevate the room's uniqueness and provide an additional 20% of design space, transforming it into a modern and eye-catching feature. This approach allows for a more dynamic and personalized aesthetic, moving beyond a single-color palette. Second, rooms with low natural light are generally not suitable for color drenching, especially with dark hues. While dramatic color palettes are currently trending, applying dark shades to both walls and ceilings in a dimly lit room can create a cavelike and constricting atmosphere rather than a cozy one. To brighten such spaces, designers recommend painting the ceiling a shade or two lighter than the walls, which introduces dimension and visually increases the room's height. Alternatively, if a cocooning effect is desired, a 'double-drenching' technique, where different colors are repeated across walls and ceiling, can add depth without the unwanted confinement, particularly in less-used spaces like libraries or studies. Third, open-concept rooms present challenges for color drenching. The expansive nature of these layouts makes it difficult to achieve the enveloping effect characteristic of color drenching. Applying a single color throughout a large, open space can result in a flat and one-dimensional appearance. Instead, using different paint colors for ceilings and walls can help define and zone different areas within an open plan. Painting the ceiling a slightly darker, non-white shade, such as a dusty pink, light blue, or soft tan, can subtly bring the room in, making the open concept feel cozier and adding character through varied elements. Finally, color drenching should be avoided in rooms featuring significant architectural details, such as crown molding or beams. These intricate elements are designed to be celebrated and highlighted, not to disappear into a uniform color scheme. Painting them the same color as the walls and ceiling can diminish their visual impact, leading to a flat and less dynamic space. Introducing contrast through different colors for these architectural features, even if the wall and ceiling colors are similar, allows them to stand out and contributes to the room's depth and intentional design. The key is to decide which aspects of the room are most important to emphasize and to use color strategically to achieve that goal, remembering that contrast is vital for creating depth. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #ColorDrenching #HomeDecor #CeilingDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #LowLightRooms #OpenConcept #PaintTechniques

Paint is one of the most effective and affordable methods to rejuvenate any room, offering numerous creative possibilities to infuse character into a home. This blog post explores 36 innovative paint ideas suitable for various spaces, emphasizing that a complete room repaint isn't always necessary; often, a subtle touch can create a striking feature. The article begins by advocating for experimentation with paint, citing Marianne Shillingford, creative director and color expert at Dulux, who encourages homeowners to embrace new techniques. It highlights that paint is not permanent, allowing for changes if desired. One such technique is color washing, which differs from color drenching by creating a textured, weathered finish using thinned paints of varying shades and glazes, adding depth and texture to a room, as noted by Caroline Woolmer, head of product design at Lucie Annabel. Another trend involves painting the ceiling, transforming it from a neglected white surface into a focal point with contrasting or standout shades. Marianne Shillingford suggests creative applications like painted skies or yellow circles around light fixtures. The blog also introduces “double drenching,” an advanced form of color drenching where two or more related, yet distinct, colors are used to drench an interior, creating both contrast and harmony through shared pigments and varying undertones, according to Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. For color inspiration, the color wheel is recommended for identifying complementary or surprising combinations. Jordan Larmour, an interior designer, explains how to use the color wheel to create bold contrasts with opposite colors, harmonious gradients with adjacent colors, and lively triadic combinations. Painting wall patterns or murals is also suggested as a fun, expressive way to personalize a home, especially with the rising popularity of dopamine decor. Hand-painted details and folk art techniques are encouraged, with Marianne Shillingford emphasizing that perfection isn't the goal. Updating kitchen cabinets is presented as a cost-effective alternative to a full renovation, allowing for a refreshed look without significant expense, as stated by Jimmy Englezos from Ronseal. Creating painted frames for art or architectural features like windows adds an interesting visual element, drawing attention to specific details or light sources. Catharina Björkman, an interiors expert, suggests painting window frames the same color as walls to enhance the connection with the outdoors. Limewashing, an ancient technique using limestone, pigments, and water, is highlighted for its ability to add a chalky texture and soften colors, providing warmth and a natural finish. Emma Cottrell, marketing manager at BoConcept, notes that layering limewash coats can create deeper color and texture, potentially aiding sleep. Painting the inside of shelves and cupboards offers a subtle pop of color and can define practical areas, especially when contrasted with neutral room designs. Embracing the full color drenching trend involves painting all surfaces, including walls, skirting, woodwork, and ceilings, in a single hue, creating an immersive and cohesive effect. Lucy Steele, Valspar's expert, explains its effectiveness in small spaces by minimizing visual boundaries. Painting tiles in kitchens and bathrooms is offered as a budget-friendly way to update these spaces, with Looeeze Grossman of The Used Kitchen Company noting its transformative power and growing popularity. Matching woodwork to wallpaper, particularly with rich, deep colors, creates an opulent and curated feel, especially beneficial for making smaller rooms cozier, according to Ryan McDonough, interior design expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk. The ombre paint trend, involving a subtle shift from light to dark or vice versa, provides a calming and inviting atmosphere, ideal for feature walls. Maximizing ceiling height in period properties can be achieved by extending two-tone paint upwards, accentuating the room's verticality. Functional paint ideas include creating memo boards with chalk paint in kitchens or children's rooms for personalization, and painting doors or radiators to add feature shades or blend them with the walls. Zoning off a work-from-home space with paint, particularly dark colors, helps visually separate it from other living areas. Painting furniture is suggested for quick refreshes or for renters who want to add color without altering walls. More advanced techniques include tricolor panelling, vertical color blocking for uplifting effects, and creating a painted fireplace focal point. Ombre stripes on shelving, painting canopies over beds for a cocooning effect, and framing vanity areas with painted arches are also detailed. Highlighting architectural details with color blocks and using scallop stencils for patterned walls offer further creative avenues. The article concludes by discussing the cost-effectiveness of paint versus wallpaper and the optimal tools for painting walls, emphasizing that there's an imaginative solution for every room. #HomeDecoration #PaintIdeas #InteriorDesign #DIYHomeDecor #ColorTrends #RoomRefresh #CreativePainting #WallDecor #HomeImprovement

Frances Merrill, an acclaimed interior designer based in Los Angeles, known for her vibrant use of color and pattern, undertook the transformation of a turn-of-the-20th-century Craftsman-style house for a family of five. With a background rooted in Greenwich Village and professional experience at Commune Design, including work on projects like the Ace Hotel Palm Springs, Merrill established her own firm, Reath Design, in 2009. Her design philosophy emphasizes decorating with vivid colors and lively patterns. The primary challenge of this project involved addressing the home's low-lying and slanted ceilings, which contributed to darker interiors. Merrill strategically utilized a rich and glowing palette of pigments to introduce light and brightness. For instance, the entryway was painted in a violet tone, the powder room in a peachy pink, and the living room in a sea glass blue. This approach ensured that, with the exception of the naturally well-lit sunroom and kitchen, every room in the house received an illuminating shade. Merrill noted that this bold use of color was both liberating and daunting, serving to compensate for the lack of natural light with a boost of spirit. A distinctive aspect of Merrill's design is her confident application of varied patterns and her skill in combining unexpected textiles. This is evident in her choice of Fornasetti floral wallpaper for the playroom and a fresh flora-and-fauna print for the master bedroom. Her design mastery is particularly highlighted by her ability to layer even more audacious art and textiles, such as faux bois upholstery, motion photography, and deep-hued fabrics, without overwhelming the space. She advises a balanced approach to patterns, suggesting a mix of florals, graphics, unexpected textures, and stripes. Merrill also humorously noted that interiors tend to look better after being lived in, suggesting a relaxed approach to perfection. Through her innovative use of color to brighten dim spaces and her adept layering of diverse patterns, Merrill successfully modernized a historic Craftsman home. The project demonstrates how strategic paint choices can counteract architectural limitations like low ceilings, making spaces feel more open and vibrant. The home, originally featured in the Spring 2016 issue as "Color Shift," stands as a testament to Merrill's ability to infuse historical homes with contemporary flair and personal character. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ColorPalette #CraftsmanHome #TextileMixing #PatternPlay #LosAngelesDesign #FrancesMerrill #DesignInspiration

High ceilings are often seen as a luxurious architectural feature, providing a sense of spaciousness and ample room for grand decorative elements like large artworks or statement lighting. However, decorating a room with high ceilings can be a challenge. If left bare, the expansive walls can make a room feel cold, empty, and cave-like. Conversely, over-decorating can lead to a cluttered and overwhelming aesthetic. Designers featured in the Kips Bay Show House in Dallas offered several strategies to balance these extremes, making high-ceilinged spaces feel both grand and inviting. One effective technique involves integrating unexpected art and window treatments to visually break up the vertical expanse. Designer Jean Liu, for example, used a rust-colored patterned wallpaper on a portion of the wall, contrasting it with a blue-gray paint color on the ceiling and upper walls. To draw the eye upward and add dramatic texture, she installed a 13-foot macrame sculpture. Additionally, floor-to-ceiling window treatments were employed to emphasize the architectural beauty of the windows, ensuring they contributed to the room's overall drama rather than being dwarfed by the height. For those seeking to replicate this look, tall sculptures can effectively create a focal point that highlights the ceiling height. Another approach is to use bold wallpaper to add visual interest and warmth to the walls. Alessandra Branca transformed a high-ceilinged living room by using a custom color and dégradé version of her 'Foglia' wallpaper, which features a large-scale vine pattern. This design made the room feel like a lush garden, effectively preventing the walls from appearing sterile. When choosing patterned wallpaper for such spaces, it is important to select designs with a sufficiently large scale to avoid a busy or cluttered appearance. Smaller patterns can get lost in the vastness, whereas larger motifs help fill the space more effectively. Matching furniture scale to the room's proportions is crucial for creating a harmonious environment. Natasha Baradaran’s design for a primary bedroom with high ceilings exemplifies this by featuring an oversized, color-blocked headboard. This piece not only complements the room's grandeur but also adds a dramatic touch. She further enhanced the ceiling's height by using a feminine wallpaper that stopped just above the bed, and incorporated contemporary panels on the ceiling to juxtapose with the floral wallpaper, creating a layered and sophisticated look. Utilizing extra-tall furniture and experimenting with contrasting elements can achieve a similar effect. Dramatic light fixtures and ceiling designs can also play a significant role in decorating high-ceiling rooms. The Fisher Weisman team designed a custom, enormous chandelier for a dining room, complemented by four cylindrical pendants in the corners, drawing attention to the immense height. They also introduced a coffered ceiling painted in a bold red hue, adding another layer of visual interest above the gilded light fixtures. Incorporating large-scale artwork, such as a triptych, further helps to balance the room's symmetry and colors, unifying the various design elements. Oversized lighting and vibrant art pieces can transform a large space into a captivating area. Finally, a creative paint treatment can dramatically alter the perception of a high-ceilinged room. Lance Scott of LC Studio addressed a 15-and-a-half-foot ceiling by darkening it to make the space feel less cavernous. He painted the moldings a rich, midnight blue lacquer and applied an ombré effect on the walls, transitioning from navy at the top to a beigey-gray at the bottom. This technique visually lowers the ceiling and adds a unique aesthetic. For those hesitant to commit to a full ombré, simply painting the ceiling a darker color can create a similar illusion of a lower, more intimate space, making the room feel cozier and less overwhelming. #HighCeilings #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerTips #WallpaperTrends #FurnitureScale #LightingDesign #PaintTreatments

The article explores the growing trend of painting ceilings in a contrasting color to the walls, moving beyond the traditional white or monochromatic approach. Interior design experts advocate for this practice, highlighting the ceiling as an often-overlooked "fifth wall" with significant creative potential. Amy Holton, head of creative at Lucie Annabel, and Tim Dixon, managing director of Beautiful Walls, emphasize that a differently painted ceiling can transform any space, offering a unique and eye-catching element. Chelsea Clark, head of brand at I Love Wallpaper, points out that unlike walls, which often need to complement furnishings, the ceiling can stand as an accent or a standalone statement, allowing for bolder color choices. The article notes that even prominent figures in the interiors world, such as Laura Jackson, have recently mused about painting their ceilings, signaling a shift in decorating norms. This trend encourages homeowners to consider fresh paint ideas to update their homes and to be less conservative with their ceiling color selections. The experts provide guidance on how to choose the right color for a ceiling, emphasizing the impact of color on perceived room dimensions and atmosphere. Lighter ceiling shades are recommended for creating an illusion of height and spaciousness, making a room feel taller and more open. Conversely, darker ceiling tones are suggested for achieving a cozier, more intimate ambiance, as they can make a room feel smaller and more enclosed. Michael Rolland, a paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed, cautions against using dark ceiling shades in already small or dark spaces, as this can lead to an overwhelming and confined feeling. Beyond just altering perceived proportions, a contrasting ceiling draws the eye upwards, which can highlight architectural features and add a dynamic and captivating visual interest to the room. The article encourages readers to embrace this decorating approach, assuring them that it will add depth, visual intrigue, and personality to their living spaces. By treating the ceiling as a canvas, homeowners can introduce an unexpected element that enhances the overall design and creates a distinctive focal point, moving beyond conventional decorating constraints to express individual style. #CeilingPaint #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #PaintIdeas #RoomTransformation #DecoratingTips #CreativeInteriors

Living room wall decor extends beyond mere color, encompassing texture, display, and integrated storage to elevate a space. As living rooms increasingly serve as central hubs for various activities beyond eating and sleeping, homeowners are prioritizing their design. The guiding principle for wall decor is personalization, with choices reflecting the unique habits and style of the inhabitants. While framed art remains a classic option, designers are exploring more creative approaches, including murals, maximalist wallpapers, and textured walls, where the wall itself becomes a decorative element. This approach moves beyond simply hanging items to considering the intrinsic properties of the wall. One popular strategy is the gallery wall, a versatile design choice that can range from structured grids to informal arrangements. This method alleviates the pressure of finding a single perfect art piece, allowing for a collection of diverse items such as oils, photography, and watercolors. Designers often recommend mixing genres and incorporating both heirloom pieces and new acquisitions. To effectively create a gallery wall, it's suggested to arrange pieces on the floor first before hanging, starting with a centerpiece and expanding outwards. Another significant aspect is utilizing textural paint effects to add depth and warmth to walls, especially in newer constructions that may lack detail. Techniques like limewash paint or hand-applied plaster treatments can introduce movement and an organic quality. For instance, a Roman Clay wall treatment can transform a blank canvas into a considered focal point, particularly when paired with complementary elements like rattan sconces and art. Expanding beyond traditional framed art, designers encourage thinking outside the box for decor above sofas. This can involve an eclectic display of objects, collectibles, and curiosities that are meaningful to the clients or reflect their personalities. An example includes creating a wall of woven baskets, which adds texture, dimensionality, and color. Accent walls also play a crucial role in adding personality through contrast. Beyond paint, accent walls can incorporate bookshelves or millwork, creating three-dimensional texture and drawing the eye upward to enhance the perception of space and height. Lighting fixtures like wall sconces offer both practical illumination and decorative appeal. When placed strategically, sconces can add ambient light and style without overpowering other decor. Consideration for placement depends on whether the sconce is primarily for decoration or illumination, and its scale should be proportionate to the room's height. Additionally, integrating technology, such as disguising a television screen, can turn functional items into smart wall decor. The Frame TV, for example, can be blended into a gallery wall to appear as a framed print, effectively hiding it in plain sight. Mirrors are another powerful tool, making rooms feel brighter and larger by reflecting light and creating an illusion of expanded space. They can also serve as significant design elements, grounding a room and acting as a focal point. Wallpaper offers a way to introduce striking patterns and colors without hanging anything. It can be used to create depth and layers, particularly in maximalist designs where bold patterns are combined with complementary decor. Floating shelves provide functional storage and display space, adding character and visual levels to a room. They are particularly suitable for modern interiors, emphasizing a minimalist aesthetic when objects are limited. Finally, window treatments can function as significant wall decor, especially in spaces with limited wall area or ample vertical space. Floor-to-ceiling drapes can introduce bold color, pattern, and texture, adding softness and warmth to a room. This approach leverages architectural features like high ceilings to make window treatments a central decorative element. #LivingRoomDecor #InteriorDesign #WallDecorIdeas #GalleryWall #TexturalPaint #AccentWalls #WallSconces #MirrorDecor #WallpaperTrends #FloatingShelves #WindowTreatments

Hallways serve as the initial impression of a home, greeting both residents and guests upon entry and offering the final view upon departure. Given their significant role, these often-compact spaces warrant thoughtful decoration, with paint being a particularly effective tool for transformation. This article presents 19 distinct paint ideas to enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of any hallway, addressing challenges such as brightening dark entryways or visually expanding narrow corridors. Experts emphasize the importance of not overlooking the hallway, considering it the first room that welcomes one home. They advocate for experimenting with various paint techniques to maximize the impact of this transitional space. A primary recommendation is to avoid white paint, which can make hallways feel clinical and uninviting, akin to public corridors, and is impractical due to high traffic leading to scuff marks. Instead, pale colors and neutrals are suggested as alternatives to create a fresh, soothing, and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing natural light. Soft blues and greens, linked to nature, are highlighted for their ability to make small spaces appear larger and less claustrophobic. For hallways with limited natural light, the advice shifts towards soft, warm shades. Colors like apricots, warm greys, pale yellows, and blush pinks are recommended to add warmth, brighten the space, and mimic sunlight, thereby making the hallway feel more cheerful and less enclosed. Examples include Dulux Easycare Soft Peach, Lick Yellow 07, and Farrow & Ball Estate Calamine. Creative techniques are also explored to inject personality and style. Making skirting boards stand out with contrasting or bold colors adds character and charm, moving beyond traditional white. Similarly, painting the ceiling in a bold or contrasting color, referred to as the “fifth wall,” can draw the eye upwards and make the space feel more expansive. Color drenching, where walls and ceilings are painted the same hue, is presented as a method to create a uniformed, cohesive look that can visually enlarge a narrow or dark space by creating a sense of depth. The article also delves into more playful and artistic approaches. Painting walls all the way up to the ceiling and architrave can enhance dimensions and create a playful aesthetic. Combining light and dark paints offers a compromise for those torn between preferences, allowing for a balance of coziness and spaciousness. Utilizing wall paneling and painting it to match a chosen color scheme can provide a professionally designed look. Going bold with dark colors like charcoal, black, or navy, and matching radiators and doorways, can create a purposefully intimate aesthetic, especially when paired with artwork to lead the eye and add individuality. Further ideas include painting staircases, which are described as dynamic spaces ideal for color experimentation. Creating striped paint effects, particularly vertical stripes, can make low-ceilinged spaces feel taller. Framing doorways with paint in contrasting shades can channel a rustic French country style, transforming them into focal points. Abstract painting techniques, using chalk and decorator's tape, offer a striking and personalized touch. Converting a wall into a giant chalkboard provides a fun, interactive element for messages and doodles. Combining paint with wallpaper by matching paint colors to accents in the wallpaper creates a cohesive look, with matte varnish suggested for protection. Lastly, painting and stenciling floorboards can revamp worn flooring, while experimenting with different paint types, such as combining gloss and matte finishes in the same color, offers a subtle yet impactful contrast that is also practical for high-traffic areas. The discussion concludes by addressing practical considerations for hallway paint, such as using hardwearing, easy-to-clean finishes like eggshell, and the relationship between hallway and living room paint colors to ensure a cohesive flow throughout the home, especially when windows are absent, where light or darker, impactful colors can be strategically used with mirrors to enhance the space. #HallwayPaintIdeas #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PaintTechniques #ColorPsychology #SmallSpaceSolutions #WallTreatments #DIYPainting #ColorDrenching

Ceilings, often referred to as the 'fifth wall,' are frequently overlooked in home design, yet painting them offers an accessible and impactful way to enhance any room. This article explores 22 diverse painted ceiling ideas, demonstrating how a simple coat of paint can elevate a space from ordinary to stylish. The concepts presented range from subtle to bold, providing inspiration for various aesthetic preferences and room functions. One approach is to treat the ceiling as an accent wall, using a bold, contrasting color to draw attention upward. Alternatively, painting the ceiling the same color as the walls and trim can create a cohesive look that makes a room feel more spacious and unified. A third option involves introducing subtle variation by choosing a slightly different shade for the ceiling than the rest of the room, adding depth without stark contrast. The article showcases practical examples of these techniques. For instance, a stately gray ceiling can be matched with large scrolling leaf wallpaper, with white crown molding providing a crisp separation. In a child's room, a playful blue-and-white striped ceiling can evoke a circus tent, adding a whimsical touch. Black ceilings are suggested for a bold, luxurious, and modern feel, especially when paired with light-colored walls to prevent the room from feeling small or the ceiling from appearing low. Textured finishes, such as a faux stone paint treatment with a high-gloss finish, can add architectural interest and reflect light. Adding vivid contrast is achieved with a bold teal ceiling against bright white walls in a Scandinavian-inspired living room, featuring a beadboard ceiling painted in Vardo by Farrow and Ball. For a classic, cohesive feel, soothing gray paint can be extended from the walls to the ceiling, as seen in a primary bedroom painted with Horizon by Benjamin Moore. The design principles also extend to architectural features, such as matching the ceiling color to existing beams to guide the eye through a space or painting beams in a contrasting color to highlight them. To create the illusion of height in rooms with standard eight-foot ceilings, dark gray paint can be combined with lighter silver-gray patterned wallpaper. Conversely, a bold navy ceiling can make a small twin bedroom feel extra cozy when paired with white walls and coordinated bedding. Creative decorative elements include using inexpensive leaf decals to create a temporary 'wallpaper' effect on the ceiling and corners, mimicking leaves blowing in the wind. Bringing the outdoors in is another theme, with sky blue paint recommended for ceilings, particularly in rooms with slanted ceilings, to evoke the feeling of a clear day. For the free-spirited, color blocking with a tricolor wavy pattern on walls and a dark gray ceiling in a narrow hallway can create an eye-catching feature and the illusion of height. Matching the ceiling color to a darker shade present in the wallpaper can provide a subtle yet continued decorative element. The article also covers unique applications like emphasizing a coffered ceiling with an earthy green paint in a dining room, making it feel moody and chic. A cheerful lemon yellow ceiling can mimic the sun, energizing a white kitchen. A starburst-inspired design in a nursery with neutral gray walls allows the ceiling to be the focal point. Vibrant Caribbean Blue Water by Benjamin Moore can enliven a 1970s-inspired kitchen. Definition can be added to coffered ceilings by painting the moldings in a soft gray, complementing a gray-and-white color scheme throughout the room. For a striking statement, walls and ceilings can be drenched in the same bold shade, such as high-gloss royal blue, which reflects light from chandeliers and lamps to prevent the saturated color from overwhelming the space. Painting only a corner or a curved edge of the ceiling in a color pulled from the room's decor, like a carpet, creates a unique conversation piece. Lastly, adding old-world charm through a painted folk art mural on a rustic exposed ceiling can provide a colorful, fanciful, and one-of-a-kind focal point, as demonstrated by the restoration of a Scandinavian-inspired floral mural in a dining room. The article also addresses common questions, explaining that painting a ceiling a bright or bold color can create an accent, while a dark shade can make tall ceilings feel cozier. Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls creates a cohesive effect and can make rooms with low ceilings feel loftier. Regarding paint finishes, matte paint is recommended for concealing imperfections, while satin subtly reflects light and covers minor inconsistencies. High-gloss paint provides a glam feel but highlights imperfections. A modern space can use the same finish on both walls and ceilings, or pair matte walls with a satin ceiling for more light reflection. #PaintedCeilings #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #AccentWall #ColorTheory #RoomElevation #PaintFinishes #DIYHome #CeilingDesign

Achieving a sense of increased height in a bedroom with low ceilings can significantly enhance the room's overall feel, making it appear calmer, less cluttered, and brighter. Interior design experts employ several clever techniques to create this illusion. One fundamental approach involves the strategic use of color. Painting the ceiling a brilliant white is a primary method, as it reflects light and visually expands the space upwards. If a cozier wall color is desired, pairing a soft, muted tone with a stark white ceiling creates a pleasing contrast that still emphasizes height. For a minimalist aesthetic, painting both walls and ceiling white transforms the room into a light-filled expanse, though adding pops of color through soft furnishings is recommended to prevent sterility. Another effective visual trick involves incorporating vertical elements. Vertically striped wallpaper is a straightforward way to draw the eye upwards, creating an impression of extra height. This doesn't necessarily require bold stripes; even subtle floral or modern vertical patterns can achieve the desired effect. Clara Ewart, Head of Design at Kitesgrove, notes that vertical lines lift the eye and create the illusion of height, making them ideal for rooms with low ceilings. This approach can be applied to an entire room or even a single accent wall, such as behind a bed, to simulate a headboard that extends the perceived height. Lighting and décor also play crucial roles in this optical illusion. Utilizing tall table lamps, particularly on bedside tables, helps frame the bed and draws attention to the vertical dimension of the room, as explained by Laura Hadad of Arteriors London. Choosing lamps with white shades and light or metallic bases can further accentuate this effect, especially in darker schemes. Similarly, hanging full-length drapes allows the eye to flow upwards, contributing to the sense of height. Patterned or colorful drapes that gently contrast with the wall treatment can enhance this upward movement. Penny Morrison, a London-based interior designer, suggests that using patterns on rugs and carpets below eye level can also make ceilings feel higher by directing focus downwards, allowing the upper, plainer parts of the room to appear more spacious. Careful consideration of lighting fixtures is also important. Overhead lighting in low-ceilinged rooms can visually drag the ceiling down if fixtures are bulky or hung too low. Opting for glass ceiling lights, which are less visually obtrusive and reflect light, or layering lighting with table and wall lamps in the lower parts of the room, can circumvent this issue. Lastly, dividing the room horizontally with color can be highly effective. This involves using a deeper shade on the lower portion of the walls, such as a painted wainscoting or paneling, and a progressively lighter shade on the upper walls and ceiling. For instance, using a deep color to ground the scheme and then transitioning to a slightly paler shade on the ceiling than on the upper walls, creates a subtle yet powerful illusion of increased height, making the ceiling appear taller than it is. #BedroomDesign #LowCeilingSolutions #InteriorDesignTips #SmallSpaceDecorating #VerticalElements #LightingTechniques #ColorPsychology #HomeImprovement #DesignIllusions

Color drenching, a popular paint trend involving the application of a single paint color throughout a room, including walls, ceilings, and woodwork, is presented as an effective method for creating the illusion of larger, more expansive spaces. This technique eliminates harsh contrasts between different surfaces, fostering a continuous flow that enhances a room's proportions and mitigates the limitations of small square footage. This approach is particularly beneficial for small rooms, making them appear more generous in size and is expected to remain a significant design trend in 2025. Several examples illustrate the diverse applications and benefits of color drenching. A neutral hallway in a Grade II listed home, designed by A New Day Design, demonstrates how color drenching in a pale shade can blur the lines between surfaces in a tall, narrow space, making it feel more expansive. This technique allows for a seamless transition from traditional period detailing to more contemporary proportions. Marie Flanigan Interiors showcases a lacquered burgundy living space where a gloss finish, combined with a bold, color-drenched palette, reflects light to create depth and a mirror-like effect, visually expanding the room. The reflective quality of the lacquer enhances both natural and artificial light, contributing to a cozy yet spacious feel. Cindy Rinfret of Rinfret, Ltd. Interior Design highlights the use of bright orange in a 'Coral Bar' within Tommy Hilfiger's Palm Beach home, emphasizing how color can inject personality and a 'sexy feel' into a small space. The lacquered finish in this instance is noted for its flattering reflective quality, fostering a festive mood. For home offices, which are often compact, Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design used Farrow & Ball's Stiffkey Blue to color-drench a study. The designer noted that painting walls, bookcases, and trims in a cohesive dark blue creates a cozy and unified feel, with a lighter blue on the ceiling providing visual relief and preventing the room from feeling too dark. Nadia Watts Interior Design employed a maximalist approach by color-drenching a living room with wallpaper on the ceiling in a similar hue to the walls, demonstrating how this method can quickly expand the feeling of a space through a cohesive and playful look. Colleen Simonds Design utilized Farrow & Ball's Dix Blue (a green-blue) to create a calming home office, explaining that painting all surfaces the same color eliminates visual breaks, making the room feel cozy, enveloping, and larger. Black Salt Home Design's dark green snug illustrates how color drenching can reduce visual clutter, especially when incorporating built-in cabinetry, by painting them the same dark color as the walls and ceiling. Finally, Alexis Warren Designs applied Farrow & Ball's Yeabridge Green to a breakfast room, noting that the continuous sightline from baseboards to ceiling tricks the eye into perceiving an extended space, making rooms appear taller and larger, particularly with saturated or dark colors. SPACES by Hollie Velten introduces 'double-drenching' in a pale pink powder room, where two similar tones are used to add interest while still achieving an expansive feel. These examples collectively demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of color drenching, whether with subtle neutrals or bold hues, in enhancing the perceived size and flow of various small rooms. #ColorDrenching #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions #PaintTrends #HomeDecor #RoomExpansion #PaintFinishes #DesignTechniques #HomeOfficeDesign

Colour drenching, a technique involving painting every surface of a room—walls, ceiling, and woodwork—the same color, has become a prominent trend in interior design. Proponents argue that using dark colors creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while lighter shades can brighten a space. A significant practical advantage highlighted by many is the elimination of the need for precise 'cutting in' and the laborious task of taping, which often leads to paint bleed-through or peeling. This simplification of the painting process makes it an appealing option for DIY decorators seeking efficiency. While some might view colour drenching as a 'lazy' approach due to its reduced technical demands, others strongly disagree. It still requires painting every inch of a room, which is a considerable effort. However, the technique allows for a bit more leniency with precision. The author of the article, Leah Hodson, personally appreciates colour drenching for its practicality, especially when using off-white shades on both walls and ceilings, as it streamlines the painting process. To address the common hesitation around using dark colors for colour drenching, the article includes insights from two content creators who have successfully implemented this style in their own homes. Sue from @oureclecticwonderland describes her dark brown, colour-drenched bedroom as a “big hug” and has remained enamored with it a year after completion. She refutes the idea that it's lazy, emphasizing the significant effort involved in painting an entire room. Laura from @no.13luckyforsome finds colour drenching particularly effective in rooms with unconventional architectural features, such as awkward walls or angled ceilings. She notes that it blurs edges, making spaces feel more cohesive and appear taller, contributing to a luxurious, hotel-like ambiance. To prevent a monochromatic room from appearing one-dimensional, she advises incorporating varied furniture and fabrics to add visual interest. Laura also shares a humorous anecdote, mentioning that the only drawback of her dark, colour-drenched bedroom is the difficulty of applying makeup without feeling like "Princess Fiona," highlighting a practical consideration for those contemplating darker shades. For individuals who find full colour drenching too bold, an alternative suggestion is painting only the ceiling a contrasting color. This approach, exemplified by the author's guest room with textured herringbone wallpaper and an army green ceiling, adds depth and interest without overwhelming the space. A dark ceiling can create a cocoon-like effect at night, while remaining subtle during the day. The article ultimately challenges the traditional notion of white ceilings, proposing that treating the fifth wall with color or even wallpaper opens up endless decorating possibilities, adding new dimensions to interior design. Instead of viewing colour drenching as a transient trend, it suggests a paradigm shift where white ceilings are considered a practice of the past, encouraging more creative and integrated approaches to room aesthetics. #ColourDrenching #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintingTechniques #DIYDecorating #ColorSchemes #CeilingDesign #InteriorTrends