When it comes to designing small rooms, choosing the right paint color can make all the difference. A carefully selected palette can create a sense of space and add depth to even the narrowest of spaces.
According to Irene Studholme, one of the designers, it’s important to consider the conditions of the room before making a choice. “If you have a room with limited natural light, using bold, powerful colors can actually make the space feel bigger,” she says. “For those looking to create a cozy atmosphere, muted tones and warm hues are usually the way to go.”
The latest trends in paint colors also play a significant role in determining the right palette for small rooms. “Blues are definitely having a moment right now,” says color curator, Karen Bulmer. “They’re versatile and can be used to create both a sense of calm and a vibrant, energizing atmosphere.”
Another creative approach to painting small rooms is to use a “double palette” technique. “By painting the walls one color and the ceiling another, you can create a visually interesting space that feels bigger,” says Studholme. She suggests using a light color on the ceiling to complement the walls and make the room appear taller.
Adding a bold pop of color to a small room can also have a direct impact on how it feels. “In tight spaces, a bold accent color can make a strong statement,” explains Bulmer. “It adds a sense of depth and personality that can really transform a room.”
For those who prefer a more timeless look, the experts recommend using a traditional palette. “Aged colors inspired by historic buildings and gardens are always a good choice,” advises Studholme. “They have a comforting and familiar feel that can make any small room feel cozy and inviting.”
“The key is to experiment and find the colors that work best for your space,” says Studholme. “Don’t be afraid to be bold and take risks – after all, it’s just paint! And remember, when it comes to small rooms, a powerful palette can make all the difference.”
Paint tricks for small rooms
When it comes to small rooms, the right paint trick can make all the difference in creating a sense of space. In this article, we’ve gathered insights from 7 designers and color curators who discuss the benefits of a ‘powerful palette’ for making small rooms feel bigger and more open.
1. Light colors
One popular approach is to use light colors on the walls. Farrow & Ball’s Joa Studholme says, “Light colors reflect more light and can make a room feel more spacious and airy.”
2. Contrasting colors
Contrasting colors can also create a sense of depth and dimension in small rooms. Studholme adds, “Using a bold, contrasting color on a feature wall can add interest and make the room feel larger.”
3. Ceiling color
Consider painting the ceiling the same color as the walls to create a continuous flow and avoid drawing attention to the height of the room. Studholme advises, “By painting the ceiling the same color as the walls, you create a seamless effect that makes the room feel bigger.”
4. Dark colors in the right conditions
Irene Bulmer of Bulmer & Associates suggests that dark colors can work in small rooms if the conditions are right. “For cozy spaces like a bedroom or a kitchen, adding a dark, rich color to the walls can create a warm and intimate atmosphere,” she says.
5. Age the paint
Choosing an aged or distressed paint finish can also add depth and character to a small room. Bulmer recommends considering this approach, as it can make the space feel more interesting and visually captivating.
6. Complement with furniture and decor
To make the most of a small room, it’s important to consider how the paint colors will complement the furniture and decor. Bulmer advises, “Choose colors that work well with the existing elements in the room to create a cohesive and harmonious space.”
7. Stay creative
Irene Bulmer believes that small rooms are the perfect opportunity to be creative with your paint choices. Bulmer suggests, “Don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder colors and unexpected combinations. Small spaces can be the perfect canvas for creativity.”
In conclusion, the key to painting small rooms is to choose colors that will create a sense of space. Whether it’s through light colors, contrasting shades, or a creative approach, the right paint trick can transform a small room into a cozy and inviting space.
1 Color drench a small room
When it comes to painting a narrow or small room, a creative and bold approach to color can have a powerful impact. According to Irene Bulmer, a color curator and founder of a renowned paint brand, choosing a strong, saturated shade for the walls can add depth and make the space feel larger.
“If you’re looking to make a small room feel bigger, don’t be afraid to go bold with your paint choice,” says Bulmer. “A color-drenched room can create a sense of coziness and intimacy while making the space appear more expansive.”
Emma Studholme, another designer and color expert, also agrees that using a powerful palette can make a small room feel more substantial. “Using a vibrant, blue hue on the walls of a narrow space can create the illusion of a wider area. It adds a sense of depth and makes the room more visually interesting,” she says.
Studholme advises that the same color can be used on both the walls and the ceiling of a small room to make it feel more unified and open. “By painting the ceiling the same color as the walls, you can create a seamless flow that blurs the boundaries of the space. This trick can make the room feel more spacious and cohesive,” she explains.
Both experts suggest that when choosing colors for small rooms, it’s essential to consider the lighting conditions within the space. Natural light can change the look and feel of a color, so it’s vital to test samples and observe how they appear throughout the day.
“If you have a small kitchen or bedroom with limited natural light, it may be best to opt for warmer, more saturated colors,” advises Bulmer. “These shades can bring warmth and depth to a room and make it feel more inviting.”
Studholme adds that colors should also be chosen to complement the function of the room. “If you’re painting a small home office or study, a bold, energetic color palette can inspire creativity and productivity. On the other hand, for a bedroom, a soothing and calming color scheme is usually more desirable,” she says.
Overall, the key to painting small rooms is to embrace bold and powerful colors that add depth and make the space feel more significant. Whether you’re looking to make a narrow hallway feel wider or a tiny bedroom feel more cozy, using a strong color palette can have a transformative effect.
2 Take a bold approach in a narrow space
When it comes to small rooms, a narrow space can pose a challenge. However, with the right paint choices and a bold approach, you can make the room feel bigger, cozier, and more inviting.
Irene Studholme, a color curator, suggests using bold colors to create an impact in a narrow space. She says, “Choosing a powerful palette for a narrow room can make a big difference. Use strong colors on the walls and ceiling to create a sense of depth.” This approach draws the eye and helps to elongate the space, making it feel larger and more open.
Emily Bulmer, another designer, adds that painting the walls and ceiling the same bold color can also help to create a cohesive and enveloping effect. “When you paint the walls and ceiling the same color, it blurs the boundaries and makes the room feel like a cozy nest,” she says.
For those looking to be more creative with their color choices, Studholme recommends using a double complementary palette. This means choosing two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, and then combining them with their respective harmonious colors. For example, you could pair a bold blue with its complementary color orange, and then add in harmonious colors like yellow and green.
Studholme emphasizes the importance of considering the conditions within the room when making color choices. “If you’re painting a narrow space, you want to choose colors that will enhance the lighting conditions,” she explains. “Lighter, brighter colors will reflect more light and make the room feel more open and airy.”
In addition to paint color, Studholme suggests using other techniques to create a sense of space in a narrow room. “Mirrors and reflective surfaces can help to bounce light around and make the room feel bigger,” she says. “You can also use strategic lighting to create different zones within the space.”
By taking a bold approach and using powerful colors in a narrow space, you can transform what might feel like a cramped and confined room into a cozy and inviting haven.
3 Go for color contrast
When it comes to making a small room feel bigger, choosing the right colors can make all the difference. One approach that many designers and color curators recommend is to go for color contrast on the walls.
Creating a powerful palette
Irene Bulmer, a color expert, suggests that using contrasting colors on the walls can create a powerful palette that makes a space feel larger. She recommends choosing a bold color for the walls and a complementary color for the ceiling.
“By choosing a bold color for the walls, you can create a sense of depth and make the room appear bigger,” says Bulmer. “Pairing it with a complementary color for the ceiling adds contrast and makes the space feel expansive.”
Choosing the right colors
When it comes to choosing colors for a small room, there are a few things to keep in mind. Farrow & Ball’s Joa Studholme suggests considering the natural light conditions of the space.
“If you’re painting a small bedroom or kitchen with limited natural light, choosing lighter colors can help to open up the space,” says Studholme. “However, if you have a narrow room with high ceilings, using bold, saturated colors can give the illusion of width and make it feel wider.”
Playing with color combinations
The color experts also suggest playing with different color combinations to create the desired effect. Bulmer recommends using contrasting colors, such as pairing a deep blue with a warm, aged white.
“The contrast between the bold blue walls and the aged white ceiling creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere,” explains Bulmer. “It’s a creative way to make the space feel bigger while still adding a sense of warmth and comfort.”
Following the latest trends
Following the latest color trends can also be a good guide when choosing colors for small rooms. Bulmer suggests that if you’re unsure about which colors to use, you can look to the latest design trends for inspiration.
“Keep an eye on the latest color palettes used by designers and color curators,” advises Bulmer. “These trends often reflect the current preferences and can give you ideas on how to use color to make your small spaces feel bigger and more stylish.”
Overall, when it comes to painting small rooms, choosing contrasting colors can have a big impact on how the space feels and looks. By playing with color combinations and following the latest trends, you can create a powerful and visually appealing palette that makes your small room feel bigger.
4 Paint the ceiling the same color as the wall
One approach that designers and color curators would recommend for small spaces is to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. This technique can create the illusion of a larger, more open space.
Irene Bulmer, a design expert, suggests using this approach in narrow rooms. By painting both the walls and ceiling the same color, the room feels less boxed-in and more expansive. This creates a sense of continuity and eliminates any visual barriers that a contrasting ceiling color might create.
Studholme adds, “This technique can also be used to great effect in bedrooms, making them feel cozy and intimate. By choosing a bold color palette and extending it to the ceiling, you can create a sense of depth and warmth within the space.”
According to Bulmer, painting the ceiling the same color as the walls can also have a direct impact on how a room feels. She suggests using light colors, such as blue or cream, to create a sense of openness and airiness. On the other hand, bold colors can make a statement and add character to the space.
By following this trend of painting the ceiling the same color as the walls, you’re not only making a creative choice but also aligning with current design trends. This technique allows for a cohesive and visually pleasing color palette, making the room feel bigger and more inviting.
5 Use colors on the opposite end of the color wheel
When it comes to making a small space feel bigger, the paint palette you choose can have a big impact. One approach that many designers and color curators recommend is using colors on the opposite end of the color wheel.
Irene Studholme, a color consultant, says that using colors from the opposite end of the color wheel can create a sense of depth and make a space appear larger than it actually is. “If you’re used to painting your walls in light, neutral colors, try going bold and choosing deep blues or purples. It adds a sense of drama and makes the room feel more expansive,” Studholme suggests.
Sarah Bulmer, who specializes in color psychology, agrees with this approach. She says that using colors on the opposite end of the color wheel can also create a sense of coziness in small spaces. “If you have a small, narrow room, painting the walls in warm, aged colors like browns or oranges can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere,” Bulmer explains.
Both Studholme and Bulmer caution that when choosing colors on the opposite end of the color wheel, it’s important to consider the conditions of the room. For example, if you have a small bedroom with a low ceiling, using dark colors on the walls may make the space feel even smaller. Bulmer suggests using lighter, complementing colors on the ceiling to balance the space.
This approach to choosing colors can also be applied to other areas of the home. For example, if you have a small kitchen, using bold colors on the cabinets or backsplash can add a creative and unique touch. “Don’t be afraid to experiment with color. It’s all about creating a space that feels personal and reflects your style,” says Studholme.
Overall, using colors on the opposite end of the color wheel can be a powerful tool when it comes to making small spaces feel bigger. Whether you’re looking to add a sense of depth or create a cozy atmosphere, this approach to painting can help transform your space.
6 Go for an earth-toned color to create depth
When it comes to painting a small room, choosing the right color can make all the difference. One approach that many designers and color curators recommend is going for an earth-toned color to create depth and make the space feel cozy and inviting.
Irene Bulmer, a color expert, suggests that earth-toned colors are usually used to create a sense of warmth and comfort in a room. These colors, such as warm browns, deep greens, or rich terracottas, can be used on the walls, ceiling, or even on furniture to add depth to the space.
“When you use earth-toned colors, it’s like bringing the outdoors inside,” says Bulmer. “They can make a small, narrow room feel bigger and more open.”
If you’re looking to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom, choosing an earth-toned color palette can be a great choice. By using warm browns or deep greens on the walls and complementing them with softer, neutral tones for the bedding and curtains, you can create a space that feels grounded and peaceful.
For those who are more adventurous with color, a kitchen painted in earth-toned colors can make a bold statement. Imagine a kitchen with aged blue cabinets and warm terracotta walls. This combination can create a sense of rustic charm while still feeling modern and stylish.
According to Farrow & Ball’s color curator Joa Studholme, earth-toned colors are also the latest trend in gardens. “More and more people are painting their garden walls in rich earthy browns or deep green tones,” she says. “It’s all about creating a sense of nature and tranquility in outdoor spaces.”
So, whether you’re looking to paint a small room or spruce up your outdoor space, consider going for an earth-toned color to create depth and make a powerful visual impact. Not only will it complement your existing decor, but it will also create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that you’ll love.
7 Double up to make a room look bigger
One trick to make a small room look bigger is to use the concept of doubling up. By choosing the right colors and applying them strategically, you can create a sense of spaciousness in even the most cramped spaces.
- Double up on light colors: Using light colors on the walls and ceiling can make a room feel more open and airy. Pale blues, whites, and creams are particularly effective in creating this illusion.
- Double up on mirrors: Placing mirrors on opposite walls can create the illusion of depth and make a room appear larger. Mirrors also reflect light, further enhancing the sense of space.
- Double up on windows: If you have the option, consider adding another window to a small room. Natural light can make a space feel larger and more inviting.
- Double up on furniture: Opting for multi-functional furniture can help save space and make a room feel less cluttered. For example, a bed with built-in storage or a coffee table with hidden compartments.
- Double up on vertical lines: Using vertical lines in your decor, such as striped wallpaper or floor-to-ceiling curtains, can draw the eye upward and make a room look taller.
- Double up on plants: Indoor plants not only add a touch of color and life to a room but can also create the illusion of depth and make a space feel more vibrant.
- Double up on paint techniques: Consider using paint techniques, such as ombre walls or a gradient effect, to add visual interest and make a room feel larger. This creative approach to painting can have a big impact on the overall aesthetics of a space.
By doubling up on these design elements, you can make a small room look bigger and create a more open and inviting space. Whether you’re looking to make a narrow hallway feel more spacious or want to transform a cozy bedroom into a bright and airy retreat, this approach to painting and decorating can work wonders.