Color is a powerful tool in interior design. It is capable of altering not just the mood of a space but also its visual shape and size. By strategically using color, you can make a room feel bigger, smaller, taller, or shorter. Understanding how different shades and undertones can affect your perception of a space can help you create the feeling you want in any room!

Expanding and Contracting Spaces:

Light colors like white, pastels, and soft neutrals can make a room feel larger and more open. These colors reflect more light, giving the illusion of space and airiness. On the other hand, darker colors like deep blues, rich greens, and charcoal grays can make a room feel more intimate and cozy. These dark shades absorb light and create a sense of enclosure. This technique is handy in large rooms that you wish felt more inviting. 

Altering Room Dimensions:

Painting your ceiling is a great way to alter the perceived height in a room. Putting a lighter color on the ceiling than on the walls can make it seem higher, creating the illusion of more vertical space. Conversely, a darker ceiling can make a room feel more grounded and intimate. Additionally, using horizontal stripes on walls can make a room appear wider, while vertical stripes can add height, enhancing the room’s proportions.

Creating Focal Points and Flow:

Color can also be used to draw attention to specific areas or features within a room. A bold accent wall in a vibrant color can create a focal point, making the room feel dynamic and interesting. If you choose, painting one wall a darker shade than the rest will cause that wall to look further back than it is! Oppositely, staying within a consistent color palette throughout adjacent rooms can create a sense of flow and continuity, making the entire home feel more cohesive and connected.

By understanding and applying these principles, you can transform any room to better suit your needs and preferences, making the most of your space through the strategic use of color.

P.S. Want to learn more? Check out my other posts here!