Playing with Paint

I have developed a real love for high gloss paint over the years.  When considering finishes many people get caught up in the traditional rules that flat finishes are for ceilings, eggshell for walls, and semi-gloss for trim and bathroom walls.  I like mixing up these rules and I especially enjoy throwing high gloss in the mix.  I find paint, although one of the easiest things to change, is often something that people are most afraid to experiment with.  I try to ease my clients fears about paint and show them how thinking outside of the painting "rules" box can be very rewarding.

High gloss can heighen the formality of a dining room, while adding depth and richness of the color of the paint on the walls.  A high gloss finish can also add an unexpected and funky twist to a living room by adding it only to the ceiling.  Despite the neutral colors used, the reflective properties of this lacquered white ceiling add interest and height to this room in the Kips Bay Design House in Manhattan.  I think that the high gloss ceiling absolutely makes this room and creates a beautiful setting.  I can only imagine how gorgeous this looks at night with the light reflecting from the chandelier off the ceiling.


A room in the Kips Bay Design House in Manhattan, as seen in Elle Decor

 The one thing you MUST be aware of before applying high gloss or lacquer paint is that this type of paint will expose every nick, crack, or bump in a wall or ceiling.  Make sure the surface has been properly prepped or else be prepared to embrace a less than perfect looking surface.  I had a client whose dining room walls in their 100+ year old townhouse were not in perfect shape but they quite liked the aged look that the high gloss brought out on their walls.  A Farrow + Ball high gloss paint in the color, Pelt (a deep, rich aubergine color) was selected for the walls and it looks stunning. 

Metallics are another type of paint I love playing with on ceilings.  It is such a fun way to add color depth to a room and make it playful while staying sophistocated.  If you are hesitant to play with paint finishes in your own home, my suggestion would be to start small.  A powder room is a great place for a fun wall finish or ceiling.  I think of the powder room as a little jewelry box in a home and this is a great place to be daring.  Try it out! 

C (&M)