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Design Dilemma Paint Kitchens

ceiling bulkheads/beams-wall or ceiling paint colour??

2 years ago

Of all the decisions to make I was not anticipating this one!
We’ve done a main floor reno involving removing a wall and relocating hvacs. This gives us a pretty substantial bulkhead above a bay window, plus 2 ceiling beams, one wider than the other. Our ceilings are not even 8 feet, making the beams super low.

The bay window bulkhead needs to be wall colour because there is no transition point. The dilemma is whether to paint the other 2 beams wall (SW natural choice) or ceiling (extra white).

I’m stuck between not wanting to visually lower the ceiling with white, and not wanting a “striped” look of wall/ceiling/wall/ceiling/wall.

Middle beam ends into white tile on one side and white cabinets on the other.

Help!

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Comments (7)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
IMO walls and ceilings all the same color it will make the bulk heads and beams all seem less in yor face . I would choose a white to be safe I love Chantilly Lace BM so maybe test that one just make sure all your lighting is LED 4000K before getting the poster boards and testing.
Sherry Brighton
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
With all honesty I would have kept the wall. You have a completely obstructed space.
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lisadball
Original Author
2 years ago
Patricia I agree, all white would make the decision null! But I wouldn’t be happy with white on white on white.
Suki Mom
2 years ago
Paint the beams the same color as the ceiling so you don't call any more attention to them.
pkpk23
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I agree with ceilings and walls being same color but don’t think it has to be white. My family room has walls and ceiling the same color- happens to be a pale yellow. I painted room this way because it is very long compared to width. One color gives room a more open and visually taller look- more balanced.
lisadball
Original Author
2 years ago
I did consider that too, all one colour, especially because the walls colours are pretty light. Thanks for the suggestion!
Jennifer Hogan
2 years ago
I think with the beams I would go with one color for walls and ceilings. It does not have to be white. What you need to know is what are your favorite color combinations and what neutral and what white you like with your colors.

I think your bay window could really stand out with a contrasting trim. It would draw your attention to the window and the beams can fade into the room color.

Pick colors you love, know how you want to incorporate those colors in your design, then pick a neutral, pastel or white that works with your colors. As long as the color combination makes your heart sing that is all that really matters.

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