More Tips From Our Colour Consultants

Written on 11th November 2021

Walls: Bancha No.298 in Modern Emulsion; Ceiling: Bancha No.298 in Full Gloss

You might have heard us mention (on more than one occasion, no doubt) that our Colour Consultants are positively fizzing with excellent advice. In fact, that’s what our last blog was all about, and we’ve still got plenty more where that came from.

In this second instalment of top tips from our experts, we’re starting with a close look at a surface that often gets last dibs on our attention when it comes to redecorating a room.

“Most clients default to white or a light neutral on the ceiling” says Lawrence Salazar, a Colour Consultant in Pasadena, “so sometimes I recommend a different colour for one room to mix things up.

“I find that you can entirely change the feel of a room by adding an unexpected pop of colour on the ceilings, and you really don't notice it until you walk into the room. This works well in small rooms like a vestibule or powder room, as well as in a larger dining room or bedroom.”

Ceiling: Sulking Room Pink No.295 | Design: Jean Liu; Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

“Ceilings are the forgotten fifth wall!” agrees Alyssa Gray, a Colour Consultant in the Greater Boston area. “It is so important to continue your colour scheme by incorporating your ceiling, and it can even be an opportunity to add some interest with a fun finish, like Full Gloss. In a dining room, for example, the lighting from a chandelier can glisten off a Full Gloss ceiling, adding drama to the room.”

Walls: De Nimes No.299 in Modern Emulsion; Ceiling: De Nimes No.299 in Full Gloss

Walls: Bancha No.298 in Modern Emulsion; Ceiling: Bancha No.298 in Full Gloss

If you’re stuck on a new shade for your ceiling, or for any other surface, be sure to bear in mind this tried-and-tested tip from Nicole Collado.

“The way to make sure your home flows together while having a dynamic palette is to make sure that the colours you choose have similar undertones,” says the New York City Colour Consultant. “For example, colours like Dimity and Setting Plaster can be paired in the same home because they share a red undertone. This is a great combination if you’re looking to add some warmth.

“On the other end of the spectrum, you have colours like Inchyra Blue and Green Smoke – because they are both cool colours with grey undertones, they flow nicely together despite not being in the same colour family.”

Walls: Light Blue No.22 in Modern Emulsion; Woodwork: Green Smoke No.47 in Modern Eggshell

Walls: Inchyra Blue No.289 in Modern Emulsion and Full Gloss; Woodwork: Railings No.31 in Modern Eggshell

Common undertones notwithstanding, bold room colours like Green Smoke and Inchyra Blue aren’t for everyone. If you prefer a more neutral wall, but don’t want to forgo colour completely, try this trick from Sunningdale and Windsor Colour Consultant Sarah Blythe.

“I absolutely love colour, but sometimes we don’t want to be faced with it so intensely every day,” she says. “Wooden window frames and doors can be a great way to inject colour into a space without overwhelming the room. Go bold and use accents such as Babouche, Charlotte’s Locks or Arsenic to lift a muted palette of greiges.”

Door and Frame: Green Smoke No.47 and Charlotte’s Locks No.268 in Estate Eggshell and Estate Emulsion

Walls: Light Blue No.22 in Modern Emulsion; Window Frame and Sill: Babouche No.223 in Modern Eggshell



Looking for advice that’s tailored to you?


Our experts can help you there, too. Find out how our in-home and virtual colour consultancy appointments can take the stress out of choosing colours and finishes.

FIND OUT MORE

Related Articles

Expect the Unexpected: The Power of Colour and Finish

Read the article

Forgotten Farmhouse to Home Sweet Home

Read the article

The Wallpapers of Carte Blanche

Read the article

Carte Blanche Behind the Scenes: When Christopher Came to Visit

Read the article