In the world of home design, sometimes the most impactful changes are also the most overlooked. While preparing for our latest Children’s Hospital initiative, many of you caught a glimpse of a subtle yet significant update in our foyer ceiling – and the anticipation has been palpable! We’re thrilled to finally pull back the curtain and share all the details of this refreshing transformation. Interestingly, this project was actually completed just before our much-anticipated kitchen paint-fest, but that reveal simply couldn’t wait. We confess, we have the patience of toddlers when it comes to sharing exciting home updates!
Painting ceilings is often a dreaded task, especially in larger rooms where it can lead to stiff necks and aching backs. However, our foyer presented a manageable challenge. Being a relatively compact space, I took on the role of rolling the entire ceiling, while Sherry meticulously handled the cutting-in along the edges. It was a teamwork effort that made the process surprisingly enjoyable, transforming a chore into a rewarding joint project.
For those interested in seeing our ceiling painting techniques in action, we have a helpful resource. We previously created a comprehensive guide on painting walls and ceilings with a roller, which showcases the exact methods we employed. This video provides valuable tips and tricks for achieving professional results in any room:
Click here to watch: How To Paint Walls & Ceilings With A Roller
Just two coats later, we were high-fiving beneath our newly painted ceiling, celebrating a long-overdue change. For months, our foyer had felt like a meticulously dressed individual with a rather neglected hairstyle. The beautiful, freshly painted walls provided a fancy outfit, but the yellowed, dingy ceiling above truly let the side down, resembling matted, dirty hair. It was a visual disparity that we knew needed to be addressed to achieve a cohesive and inviting aesthetic.
Choosing the Perfect Hue: Revere Pewter for a Dramatic Impact
The decision to go one shade darker on the foyer ceiling was inspired by Sherry’s keen eye and an image from Traditional Home magazine. It was a bold move, but one that ultimately paid off handsomely. Luckily, we already had leftover Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter paint from the walls and ceilings in our sink nook. This made the decision even easier and more economical. Revere Pewter is an exceptionally versatile greige, sitting as a slightly darker square on the same paint swatch as Edgecomb Gray, which graces the walls of our foyer. Both colors are consistently ranked among the best greige paint colors for their ability to adapt to various lighting conditions and complement diverse decor styles. The idea of introducing a deeper hue on the ceiling while maintaining a harmonious palette with the walls felt both innovative and grounded in classic design principles.
We are absolutely delighted with the outcome, despite the minor challenge of capturing its true essence in photographs. Paint colors, especially nuanced shades like greige, can be notoriously difficult to represent accurately through a lens. The subtle interplay of light and shadow often gets lost, leading to images that don’t quite convey the real-life warmth and depth of the color.
At times, the ceiling appears darker or more distinctly gray in photos than it does in person. For instance, the detail shot below, or the hallway view from yesterday’s post, might suggest a more intense shade. However, in real life, the Revere Pewter ceiling is indeed noticeably darker than the Edgecomb Gray walls, but crucially, it avoids any oppressive or gloomy feel. Instead, it adds a layer of sophistication and intimacy, drawing the eye upwards without making the space feel smaller. This delicate balance is a testament to the power of carefully selected paint colors and their ability to transform the mood of a room.
The Sheen Factor: Embracing Eggshell on the Ceiling
Traditionally, we gravitate towards a flat finish when painting ceilings. Flat paint is excellent at concealing minor imperfections, dings, and seams, creating a uniform and matte appearance that recedes visually. However, for the foyer, we ended up using leftover eggshell paint from our bathroom project. This unplanned deviation led to an interesting discovery: we actually quite like the subtle hint of sheen. The eggshell finish catches the natural light from the windows, allowing the ceiling to “glow” gently, which surprisingly helps the space feel more airy and less confined, despite the darker color. The soft luminescence prevents the color from feeling heavy, adding an unexpected dimension to the room.
While this particular experience has been positive, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re entirely ready to jump off “The Flat Finish Ceiling Train” permanently. The inherent risk with added sheen on a ceiling is that it tends to highlight imperfections – dings, dents, and seams become more visible under certain lighting conditions. We were fortunate that our foyer ceiling was in excellent condition, a crucial factor that allowed the eggshell finish to shine without drawing attention to flaws. Moving forward, when we specifically purchase paint for ceilings, such as for Clara’s room, we will likely stick with a flat finish to err on the side of caution and ensure a pristine look. An interesting update: we later realized we also used eggshell on Clara’s ceiling! However, the light in her room, or perhaps the specific shade used, reads very differently, making it appear much more matte compared to our foyer ceiling. This highlights how various environmental factors can dramatically alter the perception of paint finish and color.
One thing is for certain: we’ve become enthusiastic proponents of non-white ceilings. The impact of a colored ceiling can be transformative, adding unexpected charm and character to a room. Take, for instance, the delightful blue beadboard ceiling in our sunroom – it truly elevates the space! Despite our newfound appreciation for color overhead, we anticipate that our upcoming kitchen renovation will feature a classic white ceiling. With two-tone cabinets, painted walls, and intricate paneling planned, the kitchen will already have a significant amount of visual activity, making a clean, crisp white ceiling the perfect choice to maintain balance and avoid overwhelming the space. It’s all about finding the right balance for each unique area of the home.
Discover Your Perfect Paint Palette: Our Favorite Colors
Choosing the ideal paint color for your room can be a daunting task, given the endless array of options. To help simplify your decision-making process, we’ve compiled detailed deep-dive posts about some of our absolute favorite and most versatile paint colors. These resources offer insights, real-life examples, and expert tips to guide you towards the perfect shade for your home:
- The 12 Best White Paint Colors: A comprehensive guide to finding the perfect white, from crisp and clean to warm and creamy.
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray: Explore why this soft, versatile greige is a go-to for many designers and homeowners, and how it performs in different lighting.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White: Delve into the nuances of this popular, award-winning white that brightens and invigorates any space.
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White: Understand the appeal of this exceptionally clean and balanced white, perfect for trim, walls, and ceilings.
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White: Discover why this bright, true white is a favorite for creating crisp contrasts and a modern aesthetic.
These curated lists and in-depth reviews are designed to take the guesswork out of paint selection, helping you achieve a beautifully cohesive and stylish home.
Psst- Curious about where we sourced a particular item in our house? We’ve made it easy for you to find out! Simply click on the button below to explore our home and shop our favorite finds:
The transformation of our foyer ceiling with Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter has truly elevated the entire space, proving that sometimes, the greatest impact comes from looking up. It’s a subtle yet profound statement that harmonizes with our existing decor, creating an inviting and sophisticated entry to our home. We hope this detailed account inspires you to consider the often-overlooked fifth wall in your own home design projects!