Expanding Spaces: Top Paint Hues that Brighten and Amplify Any Room
In the world of interior design, creating the illusion of a larger space is a coveted goal. To achieve this, designers recommend a variety of paint colours that can reflect light, create depth, or blur boundaries. Here are some of the top choices:
Soft Neutrals and Off-White Shades
These colours, such as creamy ivory, pale sand, light beige, and off-white, brighten a room by reflecting natural light, making it feel airy and spacious. They are ideal for those seeking an open and inviting atmosphere.
Cool-Toned Light Colors
Lighter cool tones, like light blues and greens, tend to recede visually, making walls seem further away and expanding the perception of space. These colours can be a great choice for small rooms, as they subtly contribute to a sense of spaciousness.
Cool Dark Colors
Contrary to popular belief, dark blue, charcoal, and dark greens can make small rooms appear bigger. By creating depth and distracting from boundaries, these colours can visually enrich a space. Dark accent walls, balanced with lighter walls or white trim, can draw attention away from the room’s size.
Warm Earthy Shades
Earthy tones like ochre, terracotta, caramel, and warm taupes add warmth and tranquility without starkness. They reflect filtered sunlight and lend an open feel, making them perfect for those who want to add a touch of nature to their home.
Olive Green
A sophisticated dark green, olive green can make a room feel like a tranquil oasis. It works well for larger rooms aiming for elegance while visually enriching the space.
Accent Walls
An accent wall painted in a darker colour can bring a room to life, creating a focal point and giving the room dimension. This technique can be used to add depth and visual interest to any space.
Myth-Busting
It is a common misconception that all darker colours will make a room appear small. In fact, charcoal black can make a room look larger when painted on the entire surface, including the ceilings, and with a gloss finish.
Versatile Colours
Light coral, various shades of lavender, sea green, and even white paint are all colours that can make a room appear more spacious. These colours add warmth, vibrancy, and a touch of playfulness, making them versatile enough to match various decor styles.
Bonnie Ferrero, a holistic lifestyle advocate, embodies a dedication to service, growth, and well-being. Her interests extend beyond her professional pursuits to include hiking, cooking, gardening, and home decorating. With her love for creating inviting spaces, it's no surprise that she is well-versed in the art of choosing paint colours that can make a room feel larger and more open.
Houseplants can add a touch of nature to a room, complementing the warm earthy shades popular in interior design for creating an open feel. In Bonnie Ferrero's garden, she cultivates various houseplants that thrive in the indoor environment, enhancing her home-and-garden lifestyle.
As Bonnie experiments with her decor, she finds that accent walls painted in cool dark colors, such as dark blue or dark green, can visually enrich the space, much like her carefully arranged outdoor plants contribute to the overall appeal of her garden.
By incorporating houseplants and selecting decor that aligns with cool dark colors, Bonnie is able to blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior of her home, making her space feel both expansive and inviting, a key aspect of her holistic lifestyle philosophy.
