PLAYING WITH COLOUR

Using paint to reflect personality

Paint can have a huge impact on a space — in fact, it can completely transform a room. In a more modest space, paint can make the room look larger, and in large, open-concept areas of the home a particular colour can turn a lofty space into a more intimate setting.

But experts will tell you that paint should be chosen for its hue and not solely for the way in which it tricks the eye into perceiving a space a certain way.

“Traditionally speaking, if we want to make a room seem bigger, you paint its walls and ceilings with lighter, softer and cooler colours,” said Sophie Bergeron, colour and design manager at Benjamin Moore. “If we want to make a room seem smaller or cosier, we lean towards darker and warmer tones.”

Why do colours have this effect? “The why behind this principle is that light reflects off light colours,” explained Sue Wadden, director of colour marketing at Sherwin-Williams, “so in a space that is small, having a light paint colour will create the sense of visual spaciousness. However, that is not the only way to design for small spaces; some designers put dark, rich colour in small spaces to create an immediate sense of drama and style.”

Interior designer Lucy Malagisi, of Interiors by Lucy Malagisi, agreed that while certain colours will have various effects on a space’s perception, there are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing colours for small or large rooms. She tends to opt for shades that are favoured by the client.

“Choosing colours for your spaces is never black and white, excuse the pun,” she joked.

“What I mean is that the true choice lies in the client’s taste and style, and the atmosphere that they want to create.”

Choosing colours simply based on the square footage of a space would limit a homeowner; therefore, it’s best to use a paint that will complement the room itself.

“We shouldn’t create or dictate the colours of a room based on its size,” Bergeron said. “Imagine a modest foyer or a narrow entrance with great lighting: it would be a shame to limit ourselves to paint the walls and ceilings in light colours. Instead, let’s bring the room’s architecture and the owner’s personality to life.” Malagisi agreed. “There are many factors to consider when choosing your colours,” she said. “Find your inspiration and draw out the colours from there, choose the right finish, accentuate with proper lighting, furnishings and decor elements, and you should have a space that is harmonious and inviting.”

Choosing a paint colour for a unique space means taking several things into consideration — from personal preference to how the colour will make the space look and feel, size-wise. Colour, Wadden said, “is maybe the most important choice in a room because it sets the tone and style for a space. Colour can reflect the personality of a homeowner, colour can tie an architectural style to a home, and colour can make a large space feel cosy and a small space feel airy.

“Simply said: Great colour choices can make it easy for homeowners to create smart, stylish and inspired spaces.”

In the photo at right, bright yellow paint on window trim and an accent wall provides a pop of colour that plays well against the neutral shades in the room.

PHOTOS (2) COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE Purple walls and an ebony-coloured fireplace mantel combine for a dramatic look that is softened by the light-coloured carpet, overhead beams and trim around the windows. The result is a stylish, modern room that manages to feel both spacious and cosy.

Shadow 2117-30, Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year for 2017, is a purple shade that varies according to how the light hits it. Here, it is used as a dramatic backdrop to a winding staircase made of light-coloured wood.

PHOTOS (2) COURTESY OF SHERWIN-WILLIAMS A blue-grey brick accent wall provides a warm, colourful backdrop to the dark wood credenza and desk in this home office, while large windows with light-coloured trim and a similar light paint on adjacent walls helps create a sense of space. Teal-blue...

COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE A white ceiling, white baseboards, doors and window trim, and spindles on the stair rail provide a crisp contract to the walls painted with Dinner Party, Benjamin Moore’s deep red with black undertones that “creates both depth and drama.”