Hello Dear Readers,

I just received a new/old question which has come up so often, and is so fundamental, that I feel compelled to share it with you:

“Should the color on my ceiling always be lighter, or even white, in relation the the walls?”

Thank you kind reader, for this is one of those questions which comes up so frequently, and for so long that it just won’t seem to die.  So let’s get it answered and put it to rest…..  No.  The answer is no, unequivocably.  No.  But now, here is the why…  Firstly, no paint color has the infinite power to expand space.  Yes some shall highlight certain inclinations, and influence existing elements, but not to raise a ceiling. 

Firstly, this notion probably came into being during the 50’s and 60’s when, in our country’s newfound romance with “modern” architecture, we dropped our ceilings and did away with crown molding too.  So what we were left with were squat boxes which were often treated to a lovely dusting of “sparkly” cottage cheese or “popcorn” by our friends in the construction industry who discovered the spray gun.  Thrift aside, those rooms have now seen their Reinessaince but, as with so many fashion flipping trends, we have gone too far in the opposite direction.  The prosperity of the 80’s and 90’s were manifest in the resurgence of galloping ceiling heights which came, unfortunately, without their former accoutrements.  So now we often are left living in cavernous spaces with little trim.  What to do?

“How can I warm up my space?”…. is another lament I hear quite often. Paint it a color on the warm (i.e. red/orange side of the color wheel).  “But mustn’t I leave the ceiling white?”  Well, again, no.  Paint the room whatever color you choose.  Take it up and over the ceiling, irreguardless of the color’s depth.  By doing so, one solves the problem of  lack of trim delineation.  You also unify the space and therefore INCREASE the size visually by NOT cutting it in two horizontally, with a sharp, wall-meets-ceiling line around the upper edge. If this idea is simply too radical for you, then try toning the wall color back with just a bit of white, thereby giving the illusion of similarity while showing it in a lighter form.  The edge line, at ceiling-hits-wall,will be less harsh. 

Another concept for dealing with VERY small spaces is to allow them to be small in a charming way…..  which I call “the jewel box” presentation.  Paint the ceiling DARKER (by a slight degree or substantially) than the walls.  Then sit back and enjoy the cozy feeling and architectural duplicity!  That color can also jump over to the “complimentary” side (opposites on the color wheel) for a true contrast.  But keep your selections well toned with colors knocked back by the addition of their compliments (green added to orange will produce a softer, grey-green which has more dimension than one blended with just black).

Two different solutions to the same old problem with vastly different results.  Do let me know how it turns out!

Best regards,

Your “Daring Decorette”

Gisele

Question:

“My windows” -  ”My brand new home was designed to take advantage of fantastic waterfront views.  I don’t want to cover the views but something looks unfinished.”

Response:

    “Yes - something is unfinished.  In contemporary construction, windows have even less interest and integrity than they did “back in the day” when wood was king.  Modern materials (vinyl, aluminum, etc.), though structurally convenient and lasting, often lack the loving warmth of wood.  Having said this, there is much that can be done to provide integration with the surrounding architecture, landscape and concept of marrying the two. 

    Window “treatments” do not nececcesarily mean “covering” our coveted views.  On the contrary, they can enhance what is naturally available, and draw attention to the views in the distance by muting interior colors and materials.  How is this accomplished?  It is not a complicated process; just one which requires skill, and a gentle, considered approach. 

     Color is one fundamental element in availing the designer of the element of receding and approaching subjects.  White vinyl is often”doer rigueur” to modern architecture, as though builders open the catalog of availability to the page of prospects and see only one choice - WHITE.  Why is this?  Because of a misguided notion that white is neutral.  Nothing is farther from the truth.  White is seldom found in nature, certainly not in it’s purest form.  When used in architecture it serves as a brilliant accent; popping forth as if to say “look at me - I am bright, and upfront, and more important than any other element in this palette.  White projects - black recedes.  Recall these fundamental truths when selecting colors for both exterior and interior elements.

    Interior window treatments require a gentle touch but one which loves a bold, and fearless approach with foolproof materials, and balance.  There are so many fantastic products from which to choose that instead of encouraging the upcoming homeowner/design maven, they can, often, intimidate.  From a design perspective, however, it is most invigorating, to have such a wide, varied and enticing palette from which to select.  Do not be afraid!  This is all good - a good thing in terms of the marvelous possibilities.  Let them venture forth!….

    Remember that most window treatments, in the form of draperies, blinds, (with the exceptions of shutters) fall outside of the perimeters of the actual window’s architecture, and thus can been drawn back from the “view” area.  Their purpose is also to fool the eye into thinking the window higher than it actually is, and therefore, creating a higher ceiling profile. 

    Also, recall that windows and their accompanying drapery, can be considered background.  And therefore not “worshipped” as an island of hallowed ground but one which can be covered, in part.  Thus, if one has a sofa which is long enough to cover a portion of a window, then let it be thus.  Breaking up a windows symmetry by allowing a piece of furniture to partially cover a portion of it can be a welcome break.  Really.  Try it.  Pull a dresser, sideboard, sofa, chair, etc.  in front of your beloved picture window and be awakened to the realization that pouf!, the view is still there.  In fact, it is now “framed” by your lovely furniture.  Asymmetrical configurations are satisfying, especially when ornamented by a group of elements such as sculpture, candles, a vase, etc.  Try it.  Do not be afraid!  And Enjoy the View!

    Recall that when allowing darks to recede, they will die into your room