July 3, 2009

Why Paint Ceilings?

Thankfully gone are the days of everyone feeling like they have to paint all of their ceilings only white or for that matter a shade of white.  The white ceilings, white doors and white trim “rules” of painting are not longer a must have today.  Who wrote these rules anyhow?

I am a big proponent of selecting a home’s color palette not only for the walls but for the ceilings as well.  The ceiling is your fifth wall and MUST be incorporated in to the entire color palette.  Painting the ceiling a complementary or contrasting color to your wall color provides cohesiveness to the overall flow of the room.  The unexpected “wow” factor can be achieved by painting the ceiling and brings completeness to room’s feel.  For example if a dining room walls are painted in a deep warm red color and the ceiling are painted white, your eye would immediately go to the white ceiling color upon entering the room instead of looking eye level and the red walls and the rooms accessories.  Now image the deep warm red dining room walls and a warm brown taupe ceiling color with a brushed bronze chandelier hung over a warm mahogany table with red, green, taupe and gold colors in the drapery fabrics. The room looks and feels complete. If the ceiling was painted white in this scenario, the ceiling would become the focal point and not the beautiful décor.

Adding color to an often large horizontal space not only completes a room’s look and feel it also compliments the opposite horizontal space which is the floor.  For example a white ceiling provides a strong impact of color and often fights against a warm golden oak floor color.  A warm off white, taupe or soft camel color on the ceiling compliments the oak flooring and brings warmth and unity to the space. I often have clients, who are fearful of painting ceilings go to the entry of the house and pretend they are guests entering in their own home. I have them close their eyes and tell me what they see.  Not only do we discuss the wall color but the ceiling and floor colors. The ceiling and corresponding floor colors must complement each other and play a critical role in achieving the feeling and flow for your home. 

There are times when painting ceilings in a white color are a good thing.  Examples include if you are getting ready to sell your home and are freshening up with new paint.  Painting the traditional “white” ceilings is an easier sell than painting the ceilings in different colors. Also a contemporary home style often has cleaner lines and a clean fresh white color on the ceilings and or walls look great. Now that is not to say that you couldn’t use other clean colors on the ceilings. It all depends on the style of the home and overall feel you want to achieve.

Listen to your intuition; it will guide you in creating your own Authentic Home. Be Relaxed. Be Daring.  Be Yourself.