About Colors to Create Artificial Space

There are many misconceptions about color and space. One is that walls painted in light shades will make a room appear larger; this is not always true. Another is that it's desirable to make any small room look larger. Also not true! Color in paint and furnishings can create artificial space by making ceilings appear higher, narrow rooms wider or large and impersonal spaces cozier. Split a single space into separate, functional spaces with color, or unify adjoining rooms by picking the right hues in your decorating elements.

Types

Paint color is the first thing that comes to mind when considering types of color elements in decorating. Don't just consider wall color. Choosing your trim paint and ceiling color wisely can make a big difference as well. Your choice in flooring color and type can also make a big impact in creating space, as can window coverings and upholstery fabric. A mixture of fussy patterns can make a room look cluttered or cozy.

Effects

Paint color makes a big difference. A wall color that shows a distinct contrast to the ceiling color may actually make a small room appear larger. Rooms with walls and ceilings painted the same color give little space impact. When the walls are painted a darker color in contrast to a white ceiling, the eye is drawn upward and around the perimeter of the room, thus giving the impression of a larger space. Don't assume that ceilings must be painted white. A ceiling that echoes the floor color--honey beige to match hardwood floors, or a lighter shade of the carpet color--helps unify the room. Narrow hallways or small bathrooms can look taller and wider with a dramatically dark ceiling in contrast to light walls, since dark colors recede. Finally, if you have painted trim, consider painting it a similar color to the walls to avoid a choppy look in a small room. Large rooms can look cozier and warmer when painted rich shades instead of cool off-whites.

Function

The function of a room can be demarcated with color. An open space that serves two purposes, such as a large family room that doubles as an office, can be better defined with rugs and an accent wall. A contrasting throw rug in the office area helps separate the work area from the living area. An accent wall to complement the rug can also unify the space, as can decorating elements like prints or silk flowers in colors to match. A kitchen open to the dining area can similarly be defined by having the wall colors different in the two rooms.

Features

The types of patterns used can make a space look cluttered. Using patterned fabrics in upholstery or window coverings is best if the predominant colors match the other colors in the room. This way, different patterns flow together and unify the room. Another way to add interest without breaking up the color scheme is with textured fabrics and wallpaper, using the same color scheme but different textures like grasscloth, nubby and sheer fabrics or textured throw rugs.

Misconceptions

It is not always desirable to have rooms look larger. Rooms that are already large may look cold and impersonal if all the design elements are in pale tones. Darker, richer colors add interest and encourage the eye to travel around the room. Darker colors recede, so a darker color on an accent wall can create an illusion of greater depth if the accent color is a darker shade than the other walls. Keeping all major color elements in the room--paint, flooring and fabrics--in the same palette and adding contrasting colors with prints and throw pillows for punch will make the room look both larger and more inviting than a medley of different colors and patterns.