There’s a reason why white is the popular choice for ceilings and trim. White is classic, highlights any colour it’s paired with and focuses your attention on walls and furniture.

So often we pick a shade of white paint for trim, doors and ceilings. People forget that paint is the most inexpensive way to get creative in a space. So before you start your next paint project, consider how you can mix things up and break these common design myths.

MYTH: All trim should be white

Trim and moulding are functional – they cover the gap between the wall and floor – but are also visual, creating a finished look to a room and framing doors and windows like a picture. Different colours provide a different effect on your room.

• Neutral: Shades of beige and grey help trim become a subtle feature for a mix of tradition and modernity.
• Wood: Colour should be close to floor stain (if present) and adds a warm texture and a rustic or heritage feel.
• Black: Dramatic, high-contrast appearance creates a high-fashion, sophisticated room.

MYTH: Everything should match

Painting all window and door trim, crown molding and baseboards the same colour provides consistency, but is not a rule. For example, only black baseboards will anchor a room while having only black crown moulding will frame the ceiling and draw your eye up.

Similarly, door casings and doors don’t have to match. Having a light casing and baseboard contrast a dark door achieves a very modern look. Still, keep in mind that choosing colours that are simple will make it easier to change wall colours in time, if desired. White trim and a dark smoky door would look amazing next to any wall colour.
On the other hand, painting your trim and doors the same colour as your walls is an effective way to create a simple, modern and clean environment. It takes away the fussy, complicated surfaces that your eye sees as it takes in a space. It is also another way to make a space feel larger.

MYTH: You can’t add colour to your ceiling

We often count on our white ceilings to bounce light around and brighten a room. Colour choice can depend on the source and strength of light when you use the room the most.

• Light colours: A sky blue or blush pink for example, can help your room feel larger and airy.
• Dark colours: Colours like black absorb light and can be used to create a more intimate environment.

Some other ideas to consider are painting the ceiling the same colour as your walls or in a lighter shade of your wall colour.

Thinking outside the traditional paint conventions pushes everyone’s comfort zone when it comes to colour selection. Be bold and try new things – it’s an easy change.