Melissa Alvarado Sierra
I'm a bilingual writer based in the Caribbean. I specialize in interior... More »
Reshape Your Room With Color
See how a few visual tricks can give your room a whole new look and feel
Bookmark
Email
Print
Embed
Share:
The eye can be fooled in many ways when it comes to home décor, and one of the most vital techniques for producing visual effects is the use of color. Color, with its power to conceal and enhance, can help you create a dramatic impact without the need for structural alteration.
In this ideabook, I'll show you how to use color to change your room's proportions, camouflage or enhance an area, or make a ceiling seem higher or lower. Let's explore color combinations that make all the difference.
contemporary bedroom by Interior Designer -Mark Cravotta
Add to Ideabook
by Interior Designer -Mark Cravotta
by Interior Designer -Mark Cravotta
Lower a ceiling. The height of a ceiling can affect the feeling of a room, making it seem less intimate. By painting a ceiling, you can fool the eye by visually changing the height. Paint your ceiling in a warm color, like the rich taupe color featured in this image, then paint the walls in a cool contrast shade.
contemporary kitchen by John Lively & Associates
Add to Ideabook
by John Lively & Associates
by John Lively & Associates
Add height to a ceiling. If your ceiling feels too low, there are several ways of making it seem higher. One of these is painting it in a light, receding color, such as a pale blue. Another trick is using paint with a light-reflecting finish. The ceiling of this kitchen was painted that way; the light's reflection creates a sense of space.
traditional kids by Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers
Add to Ideabook
by Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers
by Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers
In this room, a ceiling imitating the color of the sky added space and height. Simple prints, cushions, curtains and other accessories add subtle splashes of color.
traditional bedroom by The Lettered Cottage
Add to Ideabook
by The Lettered Cottage
by The Lettered Cottage
Add width. A narrow room can benefit from horizontal lines that create space and continuity. To achieve this effect, use the same tonal value for both colors, but make sure one is visibly lighter than the other.
traditional bedroom by Catherine Dolen & Associates
Add to Ideabook
by Catherine Dolen & Associates
by Catherine Dolen & Associates
In this case, horizontal lines create the impression of more space by drawing the eye to the windows
