Young House Love

Home Decorating, DIY Tutorials, & Shenanigans

  • Shop Our House
  • Our Previous Homes
    • Our Richmond House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
  • Before & Afters
    • Our Current House
    • Our Previous House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
    • Our First House
    • Our Second House
    • Our Showhouse
  • DIY & Decorating Tips
    • Most Popular
    • Home Improvement
    • Painting
    • Cleaning & Organizing
    • Crafting & Art
    • More . . .
  • Podcast
    • Getting Started
    • Show Notes
  • Shop
    • Our Fav Home Finds
    • Our Lighting Line
    • Our Books
    • Book Club Picks
    • Black-Owned Businesses

Young House Love » Our Third House » Painting The Ceiling A Little Darker (And Glossier)

| By John Petersik | November 26, 2013 | 327 Comments

Painting The Ceiling A Little Darker (And Glossier)

We’re doing Children’s Hospital stuff today, but a bunch of you noticed a foyer ceiling update in the background of yesterday’s post, so we owe you those details. We actually knocked it out before the big kitchen paint-fest, but that post cut the line because it was too exciting to save for later and we have the patience of toddlers (not to be confused with having the body of a baby). We usually hate painting ceilings (big rooms = sore backs) but the foyer’s a relatively small swatch of space, so I ended up just rolling the whole thing while Sherry knocked out some simple cutting in around the edges.

Ceiling Painting

If you wanna see some ceiling painting in action, check out this video of us painting our nearby office:

Two coats later, we were high-fiving under the stars the star chandelier. It was well overdue. For the last few months it was sort of like our foyer was wearing a fancy outfit (nice painted walls) with dirty matted hair (bad yellowed ceiling). Not a good look.

Sherry got me on board with going one shade darker on the ceiling in there thanks to this image from Traditional Home, and we already had leftover Revere Pewter paint from the walls and ceilings in our sink nook (it’s the slightly darker square on the same paint swatch as Edgecomb Gray, which is what’s on the foyer walls).

Ceiling Painted2

We really like how it turned out, although getting accurate photos of it has proven a little rough.

Ceiling Painted1

Sometimes it photographs darker or grayer than it looks in real life (like the detail below, or the hallway shot from yesterday’s post). In person it’s definitely noticeably darker than the walls, but thankfully not in an oppressive or gloomy way.

Detail Shot

Typically we use a flat finish when we paint ceilings, but the leftover paint that we were using from the bathroom was eggshell. Turns out we really like the extra hint of sheen because it glows a bit more in the window light, helping it still feel kind of airy in a way. You can see what I mean below:

Ceiling Painted3

But I’m not sure this experience makes us ready to officially jump off The Flat Finish Ceiling Train permanently, since any added sheen ups the risk that dings, dents, or seams in the ceiling will show up more clearly. We just lucked out that the foyer ceiling was in great shape. But when we’re buying paint specifically for ceiling use (like in Clara’s room) we’ll probably stick with flat just to be safe. Update: just realized we used eggshell on Clara’s ceiling too! The light (or maybe it’s the color?) just reads really differently in there, so it looks more matte compared to our foyer ceiling.

Rain After Clara Laying On Bed

I do think it’s safe to say that we’re fans of a non-white ceiling though (hello blue in the sunroom!). Although I feel like we’ll probably end up going with a white kitchen ceiling since there will be so much going on already with the two-tone cabinets, painted walls, and the paneling.

Psst- Wanna know where we got something in our house? Just click on this button: 

ShopOurHouseBannerSHORT

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Our Third House, Painting

Painting Dark Trim & Paneling In The Kitchen
Wendy’s Dilemma: Ideas Anyone?

Comments

  1. Avatar for Katie {deranchification}Katie {deranchification} says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:04 am

    Love the painted ceiling! So jealous – we have popcorn ceilings, so I’m not brave enough to venture past white.

    Reply
    • Avatar for MarciaMarcia says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:05 am

      Ditto. We have popcorn over plaster ceilings in all but three rooms of the house. I get really nervous at the thought of taking down that popcorn and dealing with old cracking plaster.

    • Avatar for KellyKelly says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:35 pm

      Scrap it off!!! Use a wide paint scraper and it comes off so easy. Then patch any small imperfections and add mud to your paint. That will give it a very light texture but it will still be pretty smooth and more up-to-date. Start with a closet or laundry room. ;)

  2. Avatar for AnneAnne says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:04 am

    When we painted my parent’s master bedroom we went a shade darker than the gray/brown walls. It ended up being super cosy and mom loved it, though I had to talk her into it! All that to say I’m now a big fan of color on the ceiling like you guys did. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Sounds really pretty!

      xo
      s

  3. Avatar for anele @ Success Along the Weighanele @ Success Along the Weigh says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:05 am

    I love the slight contrast. Nothing too over the top and the sheen is nice too. I agree though, flat is probably the way to go in most ceiling situations. I think I would be more apt to do a color other than white if we had smooth ceilings vs. the stippled ones we have now. Don’t know why, I think I’m just a weirdo. :)

    Reply
  4. Avatar for HeidiHeidi says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:05 am

    What a subtle yet impactful change! You’ll have to let us know if it feels strange when you move from room to room and there are different colors on the ceilings. Maybe it’s like flooring, which often times differs several times in a home. But I’m wondering if having these different ceiling colors breaks up the flow of the house? The color and sheen look gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Good question! I think in a really small house you probably would feel like it’s choppy if the ceiling colors are bold or obvious and change from room to room. Here things feel more open than a tiny apartment, and it’s almost like the soft blue in the veranda and the soft pink in Clara’s room and the slightly deeper wall tone in the foyer are just another element in the space. Like having a different rug or different curtains or a different color on the walls. It’s a subtle shift that your eyes seem to take in as a whole, so it’s nothing too jarring.

      xo
      s

  5. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Have you guys cleaned the grout? It looks not so clean. But your ceiling looks great.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:10 am

      Ah yes, THAT GROUT. Try “have we tried cleaning it 30 times in 30 ways?” The answer: yes. It’s just deeply damaged/stained so our only options are to scrape it all out and regrout, try some sort of grout paint or stain (all of which can be pretty fumey), or just wait until we replace the flooring down the line. The good news is that it’s clean – it just doesn’t look clean thanks to those set-in discolorations. Haha!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for caroline [the diy nurse]caroline [the diy nurse] says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:41 am

      My realtor said we could “regrout” right over the existing grout. Have you heard of that method? I’m very suspicious but we have some uuuugly grout and I’d love to tear it all out but we plan on moving. So when I get crazy ideas like retiling I get a look from the hubs.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:42 am

      I think you have to scratch out enough for the new grout to sit in the grooves (otherwise if you wipe the grout with a sponge during application to smooth it some of that old color can peek through so you end up with two-toned grout). Anyone ever tried it? Tips for Caroline?

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for lizliz says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:10 am

      Caroline….about the grout thing…..we had tinted sealer applied directly over our existing grout throughout our house (whole house is tiled – hello Florida!) about three or four years ago and, even with two kids under five and a crazy dog, it still looks great. They didn’t have to remove any of the old grout. Just clean it and basically paint the new tinted sealer over it. We love the results!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:13 am

      That’s awesome!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for LLLL says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:20 am

      I’m curious why you wouldn’t try a grout stain/paint? It’s actually not very fume-y at all from my experience. It’s cheap and would make it look a million times better. Or as another option, we had stained grout in our house and had it professionally steam cleaned. Made a world of difference when nothing else in terms of cleaning did.

      I just couldn’t leave it like that. Looks very un-clean, even if it is actually clean.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:26 am

      Sorry if my grout makes your eyes bleed, LL! And thanks for the tip! We’ve heard grout stain is stinky (some of the labels have specific warnings about not being around them if you’re pregnant and mention scary things like brain damage) so we’re still looking for the right solution. I actually borrowed a relative’s steam cleaner and it didn’t make a bit of difference – but knowing it’s super clean like that does help ease my mind. We’ll be sure to share whatever ends up finally working (fingers crossed) when we get there!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for CallieCallie says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:33 am

      Yep, you have to scrape out the existing grout on the edges and middle enough to put the new grout in without the old grout showing through when you sponge off the excess. I had to scrape out part of the grout in our kitchen backsplash (bad story about choosing the wrong grout first time around, it hardened way too fast and left a messy finish) and it was tedious, arm-toning work (and that grout was relatively new so I don’t know how hard old grout would be). I bought two tools specially for the job from Lowes, one with some kind of diamond tip. The tools were falling apart by the end, although it wasn’t a large kitchen.

      Not fun, but do-able…perhaps easier angle to do a floor than a backsplash!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:44 am

      Thanks for sharing that info Callie!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for SapphiraSapphira says

      November 26, 2013 at 12:08 pm

      I noticed the grout too, and immediately thought a dark grey grout would look awesome with the tile. Kind of like these (but obviously your tile is a different shade of blue).

      http://www.pinterest.com/pin/106045766198310949/

      http://www.pinterest.com/pin/17732992254150920/

      Whether you decide to re-grout or stain it, keep us posted! Love the new ceiling color!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 12:22 pm

      Will do! Thanks Sapphira!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for SuzanneSuzanne says

      November 26, 2013 at 12:24 pm

      I have done it two ways. With large and fairly deep lines, I mixed grout with a sticky additive and “painted” it right over it. On smaller fuller grout lines, I used a plain old – you won’t believe this – water based wood stain, again just painted on (not one with poly in it, though). I experimented with concrete stain too, just preferred the wood stain. Maybe you could find a closet or ‘under the couch’ and experiment? Grout does all the work, and just soaks it up! Both worked great and held up for years. Neither took very long to do.

      Good Luck with the hospital project!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 12:48 pm

      NO way!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for SuzanneSuzanne says

      November 26, 2013 at 12:27 pm

      Sorry, meant to say that you should be able to strip and stain that slate and tile if you want to. But I can understand you wanting to just get rid of it and put in new and heated too! I have a heated tile in my bathroom, and I wish it was in the whole house!!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      Thanks Suzanne!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for LLLL says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:51 pm

      Yikes, that was kind of a snarky response. I was just saying I couldn’t leave MY grout stained because no matter how clean my floors were, they always felt dirty due to the stained grout .

      As for the steam cleaner, I didn’t mean like a Shark or whatever type steamer. We have one and it doesn’t do anything to deep clean the grout. We used a professional company that has much more powerful equipment than any home owner has. Anyhow, just trying to help …

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 27, 2013 at 9:02 am

      Oh no, definitely didn’t mean to sound snarky! Sometimes tone is lost on the computer. I thanked you for your tip, and once again appreciate your help with this follow up comment to clarify what kind of a steamer I should look into. It’s just funny how the state of that grout seems to be more bothersome to some people than, say, painting wood trim and paneling (which is always one of those controversial things that not everyone would do) – but I’m bound and determined to figure this grout situation out, so I promise it’s on my list :)

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for AliciaAlicia says

      November 27, 2013 at 4:30 pm

      The grout in our bathroom was dark grey (or so I thought for several years) until I sprayed each line with straight bleach and scrubbed with a toothbrush. It turns out it was actually white, bright white. Ew! But the moral of the story is bleach + toothbrush = super clean and pretty.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 27, 2013 at 5:46 pm

      Thanks for the tip! I’ve tried a bleach pen and a magic eraser but no dice!

      xo
      s

  6. Avatar for AlexandraAlexandra says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:05 am

    The body of a baby sketch was hilarious!
    Love the painted ceiling!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Rene @thedomesticladyRene @thedomesticlady says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:08 am

    I love those painted ceilings! That color is perfect!

    http://thedomesticlady.com/2013/11/22/home-improvement-kid-bathroom-complete/

    Reply
  8. Avatar for AnnAnn says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:09 am

    I have to choose paint color for my new house TODAY and we have been going back and forth on painting the ceilings grey like the walls… We probably won’t have crown molding so I don’t know if it will work. But yours looks fantastic!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Laura B.Laura B. says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Beautiful! Just curious, what house is that in the picture above the Burger painting?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:14 am

      That’s John’s Granny’s house. It’s the sweetest little cottage, and it might be our favorite piece of original art work that we own. Well that and the Burger one…

      xo
      s

  10. Avatar for LoribethLoribeth says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:10 am

    In my old house, we painted all the ceilings the same color as the walls. They looked different, because the angle was different. I loved it! We didn’t have crown molding so it raised the ceiling, because you couldn’t tell for sure where the wall ended and the ceiling began.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:15 am

      That’s a great tip Loribeth! Using the same color on the wall and ceiling can definitely read differently (usually ceilings look slightly darker than the walls, just from that change in plane).

      xo
      s

  11. Avatar for Lisa @ Double Door RanchLisa @ Double Door Ranch says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Shame on me for not noticing that yesterday! :) The ceiling looks awesome!

    I’m planning on using Edgecomb Gray in my craft room, and actually have a star pendant to hang in there as well. But I think what makes your Revere Pewter ceiling work so well is that gorgeous chunky crown moulding. And I haven’t worked up the courage for that yet! So white my ceiling shall remain… le sigh.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for KirstinKirstin says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:11 am

    I just have to say, the before and after shots of this house, and what you’ve already done, are amazing! So beautiful. Fun to watch :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Thanks so much Kirstin!

      xo
      s

  13. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:11 am

    I love the new ceiling color! So much better. Question (since I have the same problem in a part of my house), when looking into the foyer from the office, the grout for the tiled floor looks yellow. Are y’all planning on trying to clean it or are you just going to hold out until you guys retile? I would love to get ideas for cleaning grout in a large area!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:16 am

      Grrr. That grout. We’ve tried cleaning it 30 times in 30 ways, but it’s sadly just too deeply damaged/stained – so our only options are to scrape it all out and regrout, try some sort of grout paint or stain (all of which can be pretty fumey), or just wait until we replace the flooring down the line. The good news is that it’s clean – it just doesn’t look clean thanks to those set-in discolorations. Boo!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for JeannaJeanna says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:28 am

      You know, about that grout. Even though it seems like you guys are just going to rip it out, it would look soooo much better for now (since you can’t get it clean looking) to just stain/paint the grout with a product just for that. I know you said it’s fumey, so you and Clara could leave for a few hours, and John could get it done! Just a simple fix in the meantime, and no more reader comments on your stained grout. Easy peasy!!! Please, I’m begging you…….. waiting on your follow up post on the grout!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:40 am

      Haha! Thanks Jeanna! It would be SO nice to be done with it!

      xo
      s

  14. Avatar for AndreaAndrea says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:11 am

    We paint all of our ceilings – usually the same colors as the walls (all eggshell finish) and have gotten many complements. No white ceilings allowed over here! :)

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication[email protected] says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:12 am

    Love it! It looks so good in the space, the color is beautiful too!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Kiera ChambersKiera Chambers says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:12 am

    We are currently renters so no painted ceilings for us…
    but at our last house we had primer white ceilings. It was so funny, we had planned on painting them white and then we moved in and all the other DIY things came before the painting of the ceilings. Funny thing, EVERYONE who came over would ask what color white we painted the ceilings, so I guess primer white wasn’t a bad white!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for AndreaAndrea says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:13 am

    PS – love the color of your foyer ceiling – looks great! (I approve!)

    Reply
  18. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:13 am

    We used the Sherwin Williams sheen that is between eggshell and satin. The roller marks show up faintly when the sunlight shines across it, but the big problem is that it reflects too much light to take a decent picture with flash! With a nice camera you try to flash upward and bounce the light off a good flat ceiling. Not so much when it reflects back at you!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:17 am

      Oh man, that sounds like an unexpected problem to have! Who would have thought it would do that when you take flash photos?

      xo
      s

  19. Avatar for Amy ShafferAmy Shaffer says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:14 am

    My question is do you have texture on your ceiling? (Hope that makes sense, mine isn’t popcorn, but they did add some texture/designs?) I can’t see that your ceiling has any of that. If it did would you somehow remove it before you painted it or just paint over it as is? I’d love to paint the ceilings in a few rooms in my house, but this concern has always stopped me from trying.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:17 am

      We have flat ceilings, but others with textured ceilings have commented on other posts and said they’ve painted them and it has worked out! I think other than stenciling them (it’s hard to get a crisp line) you should be ok, assuming you like the look of that texture being a bit more highlighted by a soft color that makes you look up.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for ChelseyChelsey says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:28 am

      We finished our basement and there is a bit of texture on the ceiling. Not popcorn, but a bit like orange peel, maybe? We primed and painted all of it and it worked great. We just used a roller on a pole and a step ladder and it was fine, the texture isn’t deep enough to have required a brush.

    • Avatar for CallieCallie says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:36 am

      I painted a textured ceiling (our sunroom) with satin paint, and I loved the result! Shiny and light, v. similar to J&S’s foyer results. But yes be sure you like the texture, because it will show up more with a more reflective paint.

  20. Avatar for PaigePaige says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:15 am

    I love apinted ceilings. We have them in a few rooms in our house. The grey color looks great, especially with the crown moulding. Nice!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Mary | Lemon Grove BlogMary | Lemon Grove Blog says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:15 am

    It adds so much warmth to the space – I love it! Looks great with the slate tiles on the floor, too!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for JenJen says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:17 am

    Looks awesome!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Kiera ChambersKiera Chambers says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:17 am

    as for your tile grout…have you tried cleaning it with the Norwex Cleaning Paste? {http://www.norwex.biz/PublicStore/stores/RaynaRush/AM/product/Cleaning-Paste,813,202.aspx }
    That stuff is amazing and cleaned my grout better than any grout cleaner on the market…and it’s ‘green’ so totally safe for baby-momma to be using!
    bonus, you can use it to clean almost anything in your house, it’s not designed to be a grout cleaner, just works amazing on the stuff…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:19 am

      Thanks for the tip! I’ve tried crazy things (magic eraser, rubbing the heck out of it with a metal brush, grout cleaning products by name, Anti Icky Poo, oxy-clean, bleach pen, etc) but not that yet. Will have to check it out!

      xo
      s

  24. Avatar for SheilaSheila says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:22 am

    I painted a foyer ceiling gray about three years ago — atop Sherwin Williams’ “Nervy Hue,” a limey green — and still love it every. single. day. Many people remark on it, and when does that ever happen for ceilings? I don’t find it oppressive at all, and am a big fan of gray paint. I painted both my girls’ room a neutral gray to add a touch of sophistication to their hot pink (for one) and hot turquoise (for the other)accessories at the time. They have matured to other colors and styles and the gray continues to embrace it all.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:31 am

      That sounds really pretty Sheila!

      xo
      s

  25. Avatar for AnnMarieAnnMarie says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:23 am

    We have textured ceilings (ugh – yuck!) but just reminding ourselves that this is our starter home and ultimately it’s not THAT big of a deal. They are a dingy looking off white – what do you think about repainting brighter white? I wouldn’t want to draw more attention to them, but I would like a fresher look. hmmm….

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:32 am

      I would definitely repaint them brighter white! We had old stippled ceiling squares (sort of spongy and dusty) in our first house’s den that were off white and we painted them bright white. Such a nice room-lifter!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Sarah in IndianaSarah in Indiana says

      November 26, 2013 at 12:30 pm

      We have textured ceilings–the swirly, stomped kind, not popcorn. We painted all of ours a bright white. We actually used semi-gloss, because the ceiling in the main room had been done in that before we bought the house. We liked how that made it look so much brighter and cleaner, and it seems so much less dusty than the flat plaster did. The glossiness does kind of highlight the pattern, but we decided to embrace the texture. They were a pain in the neck (literally) to paint, though.

  26. Avatar for IsabelIsabel says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Oh wow, I love it! And I didn’t notice it in the pics yesterday, I think I was blinded by the white. As of right now, I would love to paint my dining, bedroom and hallway ceilings but the husband is not convinced *sigh* I think I may have to go rogue and just do one of them when he’s not home (picture me with my index finger over my upper lip and a malicious grin like Dr. Evil…) I re-upholstered my dining room chair seats this weekend (surprisingly easy!) and he was all like “they look great, you’re the bomb!” and I was like “well you have to thank my Internet friends (that’s you guys) for that, they’re the ones that inspire me!” ;-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:33 am

      Congrats on those chairs! Also, I’m a huge fan of mustache fingers and Dr Evil grins. Nice mental picture!

      xo
      s

  27. Avatar for Amanda S.Amanda S. says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:25 am

    I was telling someone the other day how much I wanted this exact fixture outside of my house, but I actually like it just as much inside! Gorgeous!!

    xoxo Amanda

    http://theluxelion.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:29 am

      Thanks Amanda!

      xo
      s

  28. Avatar for kate beckettkate beckett says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:26 am

    it looks awesome! it really greys the tile a bit too so it looks less bluish.

    Reply
  29. Avatar for LeslieLeslie says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:26 am

    It’s beautiful! It’s amazing how much ceiling color can change a room even if the color isn’t very bright.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Anne EvansAnne Evans says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:26 am

    What are the colors on your blue door and red door?
    Pretty!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:31 am

      You’re so sweet! The door upstairs in Clara’s room is Cinco De Mayo by BM, and the blue door in the foyer is Blue Lake by BM.

      xo
      s

  31. Avatar for HollyHolly says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:26 am

    I think that white door across from your staircase would look amazing painted black, and would tie in with the rails and runner.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:28 am

      Thanks Holly! There are actually three doors in the foyer (two closets and a half bathroom) so we’re worried anything other than white could be too busy. Maybe I’ll get the guts to try that someday though!

      xo
      s

  32. Avatar for amyamy says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:28 am

    The best part of buying a home with terrible blue trim and in need of lots of updating is the amazing transformations! I am in love with all of the white and updates. Something about white lately! I love it!

    It’s crazy to get those glimpses of the blue trim (in the dining room) and the dramatic difference!

    We just bought our first house, and it has the classic orange brick fireplace and wait for it… the walls are orange. There are hideous carpets everywhere and it has the heavy dark kitchen. I cannot wait for the dramatic difference we’re about to experience! We also discovered during our inspection that there is hidden original wood flooring! Score!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Oh man, that sounds like a jackpot house for big makeovers! Have so much fun and enjoy the ride!

      xo
      s

  33. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I don’t get how everyone notices the grout when you are talking about the ceiling! My eyes are always on whatever you are talking about. I have to say, though, that the grout color kind of surprises me. I would have thought when it was installed that they would have gone with a darker color, based on other similarly aged homes I’ve seen.

    Anywho, adding color to the ceiling is for sure the boldest thing I could think of. I’ve read that all ceilings should be the same color in a house so that the rooms flow together and then I’ve read a quote from a designer that the worst thing you can do is not coordinate your ceiling color to your wall color.

    I’m lost, but your foyer is gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Yes, I agree about the grout color! I think it’s yellowed and discolored but it seems like it may have originally been white or soft cream, which is surprising since a lot of grout for slate is charcoal or at least medium gray! We haven’t actually had a lot of tile/grout battles in our past houses, but that foyer (and the half bath) here have been making up for it!

      xo
      s

  34. Avatar for TaniaTania says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:33 am

    I love it! I am going to be painting walls and bedrooms in a hallway, bathroom, and 3 bedrooms (after we get all the wallpaper off!!!), and am thinking of a white room with light blue ceilings for one, but I have paint picking anxiety. :( i wish I could figure out how to just photoshop it on and see how it would look!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:37 am

      What about getting a few test pots of paint and painting them each on a big white sheet of posterboard? Then tape that up on the ceiling, and it’s like real-life photoshop! Hope it helps Tania!

      xo
      s

  35. Avatar for cindycindy says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:34 am

    I’m about to tackle removing the popcorn ceiling in the kids room and painting the ceiling turquoise. Thinking about doing one wall the same color.
    Something like this http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3vpOS6lw5I/UCmSvKLhsYI/AAAAAAAACXY/x3JRr4AIpfw/s1600/276549233338287444_HmycaaCZ_f.jpg

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:38 am

      Ahh! That’s so much fun! Send pics when you’re done!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for KristaKrista says

      November 27, 2013 at 9:07 am

      Careful! They can contain asbestos. Best to have it tested if you have any doubt first. Specially with kiddos :)

  36. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:34 am

    My wonderful hubby installed beadboard on the ceiling in our laundry room and then painted it a beautiful shade of turquoise. I love it! In our living room, he painted the ceiling a few shades lighter than the walls, which are a warm brown. He also extended the ceiling color down about eight inches on the wall and then added crown molding where the two colors meet. Now he’s working on the dining room to match. We have received tons of compliments so far. One room at a time!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:38 am

      That sounds so pretty Laura!

      xo
      s

  37. Avatar for Lynn @ Our Useful HandsLynn @ Our Useful Hands says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:34 am

    I’ve never had the guts in me to paint any ceilings other than white. It’s my safe zone…but in this house there are many little rooms that I can test it out in (master bathroom, guest bath?) Baby steps for us over here. Your ceiling looks really nice though. Like it was just polished or something. Good job!

    My best, Lynn

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Thanks Lynn!

      xo
      s

  38. Avatar for MariaMaria says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:35 am

    Ok…you’ve completely inspired me to paint the ceiling one shade darker in my daughters bathroom that I just updated…looks fabulous! As far as the grout goes, you can always paint the tile and grout. It’s a quick fix that I did in the bathroom, and am THRILLED with the results!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:36 am

      Thanks Maria! We hear it’s really fumey/stinky, so I worry about being around it when I’m prego (I usually do all the fine-detail painting work since my hands are steadier – at least that’s what John tells me to get out of it, haha!). Does anyone know of one that’s more eco to try while pregnant?

      xo
      s

  39. Avatar for caroline [the diy nurse]caroline [the diy nurse] says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:39 am

    And I thought the entry already looked great! I love that you went darker. And I’m so cursing my textured ceilings [probably the biggest thing I dislike about our house]. It really pairs well with the tile floor too :)

    Reply
  40. Avatar for KerryKerry says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I LOVE flat paint. The only places I don’t use it are in the bathrooms and kitchen. Everyone always says “Oh, but you can’t clean flat paint!” Right, but my husband and I just moved into a newly built house, so we’re going to have to patch/paint over settlement cracks that happened after we painted. When you paint a tiny section of the wall in flat paint, it’s not even noticeable. Plus, I am not a wall cleaner. Ain’t nobody got time fo that. I’d rather paint over it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:40 am

      That’s actually really smart. Never looked at it that way!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Lisa ELisa E says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:29 am

      They actually have washable flat. That’s what I usually buy.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:39 am

      Great tip! Did you scrub it? Did it work?

      xo
      s

  41. Avatar for JessicaJessica says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Unfortunately we painted the ceilings (and walls) in about 90% of our house with satin. I picked it because I love shiny things, but regret doing it.
    It’s fine in the bathroom but I regret doing it everywhere else. Half our house is plaster and it’s pretty lumpy. The rest is drywall that my husband DIYed and it’s a little lumpy too. The paint shows all the lumps and imperfections in the walls in ceiling!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:41 am

      Oh man, maybe someday for your anniversary or something your hubby will surprise you and repaint it all. Or you can start training your dog to paint (I’m on that track – oh man, wouldn’t that be nice?).

      xo
      s

  42. Avatar for Chelsea @ Riding EscalatorsChelsea @ Riding Escalators says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Do you guys really never have paint spray when you’re rolling? I just painted our kitchen walls, and I feel like I’m pretty darn adept at painting by now, but I still had just the tiniest dots of paint spraying off from the roller! It’s maddening because I really just want to knock it out without having to cover everything in plastic! I mean they’re barely noticeable, but I had to go back and wipe everything down just because I knew I would see it! Ha!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:47 am

      We haven’t had that happen recently but we remember having issues with it a few times a while back. My first instinct is that some better paints are thicker, so if you’re using more basic/cheap paint you might want to try switching to something thicker and a little more expensive just to see if that solves it. We also try not to put too much in the tray or too much on the roller (more paint on there = more paint flying around and dripping). Also, rolling in a controlled slow W is usually our approach (sometimes rapid rolling with a lot of pressure can create lines and fling things off, etc). Good luck Chelsea!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Chelsea @ Riding EscalatorsChelsea @ Riding Escalators says

      November 26, 2013 at 11:31 am

      Thanks for the tips. Now that you mention it, it’s probably me putting too much pressure on the roller… I just like to get it all off and onto the walls! lol

  43. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Have you seen this link yet? Good stuff for your great Children’s Hospital Project!
    http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/flameless-menorahs-197618

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:43 am

      LOVE those! Especially that first one. How fun for the kids! We just picked up our menorah yesterday and I’m doing a little “customization” today, so I hope it turns out ok!

      xo
      s

  44. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:43 am

    How did you paint the ceiling opening to the stariwell? I have a hard time getting clean lines when there isn’t any type of border (corner, trim, etc.).

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:53 am

      I was going to cut in around that but John convinced me to let him roll and surprisingly the paint just coated the bottom plane without going up the sides of the stairwell (which is Edgecomb Gray) so that was nice! A small foam roller would probably give you even more control and less nap, if that helps!

      xo
      s

  45. Avatar for Kelly {the Centsible Life}Kelly {the Centsible Life} says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:43 am

    I recently used some leftover eggshell paint for the ceiling of my daughter’s closet makeover and liked it so much I’m a convert now. No more flat finish (well except the ceilings in our family room which will never be perfect thanks to beams and a skylight that we removed).

    I have tried the darker ceiling before but I think it only works in certain spaces and sadly our ceilings are only 8 feet and most rooms are long and narrow so I don’t think it will work for our space.

    Definitely keeping it in mind to try if we ever vault the ceilings in the family room-I think that would be the perfect place to do it!

    Your entryway ceiling however really looks great! Love the way the sheen adds more light to the room and doesn’t make it read so gray.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:54 am

      Thanks Kelly!

      xo
      s

  46. Avatar for HeatherHeather says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:44 am

    We’re painting our kitchen ceiling now since we’re also in the middle of removing carpet to replace the entire house with luxury vinyl planks. We decided to go with eggshell finish for all walls and ceilings for cleaning ease, even if imperfections are noticeable.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:47 am

      Wow, sounds like a ton of work! I bet it’s going to look gorgeous!

      xo
      s

  47. Avatar for GemGem says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:46 am

    So I’m weird because I actually kinda like how the yellowed grout reads in pictures. I don’t think I’d like it in person, but in pictures it looks kind of intentional to me – almost like a sandy line in between the tiles?

    I’m weird, I know. Also, LOVE the ceiling! You have done so much with that place in such a short amount of time! I am super excited to see the painted kitchen walls. Super excited.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:48 am

      Haha, I love you for that Gem! Oh man, even my mom comes over and goes crazy on that floor (as if I didn’t try that already mom, haha!) and then finally admits defeat. It’s made of cryptonite!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for GemGem says

      November 28, 2013 at 6:16 am

      I so feel your pain over it though! As for painting the grout – I ended up painting the tiles in my bathroom (a phase 1 fix for leaking tiles!) and then used a grout pen in between them. But it took FOREVER and not something I’d recommend for an entrance that size, especially if you are comfortable with it. You’re the ones who’ve gotta live with it after all!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 28, 2013 at 7:49 am

      Thanks for the tip Gem!

      xo
      s

  48. Avatar for AlanaAlana says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:47 am

    Love the ceiling!

    Is it just me, or does the gray ceiling make those dark tiles look a lot more fresh and light? Looking at the old foyer pics I always thought they looked heavy. The new ceiling really brings them into the room.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:55 am

      I think it definitely tempers the floor somehow (maybe picks out the gray tones in the slate?) – although it’s not doing the yellow grout any favors. Haha!

      xo
      s

  49. Avatar for DeannaDeanna says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:51 am

    Love it! We chose Edgecomb grey a few months back for all our main walls & really want to use revere pewter somewhere…problem is I don’t want too much boring grey…wish we could hire you for interior design!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:56 am

      You’re so sweet Deanna! I’d just bring a ton of swatches home and hold them up all together and see what mixes of a few colors make you happy. Then use them in a few rooms each, so things tie together but aren’t too boring. Good luck!

      xo
      s

  50. Avatar for Paula WPaula W says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:51 am

    Love the foyer! It photographs as if there is a pearlescence but you would have mentioned that, so, I wonder, would you ever consider that as well? I think for the most part faux finish is pretty much outré, but not necessarily a pearlescent finish which would look, abfab in that nice foyer! Also I assume the foyer ceiling is completely borders by some sort of wall, not continuous through to other rooms? If continuous without interruption, how do you end your color ? Does at make sense? Lol. Anyway, this house is really a pleasure to watch as you transition it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 26, 2013 at 10:57 am

      Yes, it does look pearly, doesn’t it! We didn’t use an special paint for that, but these colors + the light + a subtle sheen in the finish do seem to shine in here. As for the ceiling, there’s crown molding around the entire thing (except the hole for the stairway where the ceiling goes up) so we just stayed in those bounds with the paint and it seemed to work. If there’s not an obvious border like crown, you could add some, or just use the same color for that entire plane (by carrying it into any adjoined spaces that share the same ceiling).

      xo
      s

Newer Comments »

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
*This site contains ads and affiliate links*
See our disclaimer & privacy policy to learn more

Latest Finds

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SHOP OUR LIGHTING

Young House Love Shades Of Light Capiz Chandelier

GET POSTS BY EMAIL

We’re Digging

Traditional Rug
The “Magic” Rug
Smokeless Solo Stove Firepit
Smokeless Firepit
Woven Storage Ottoman
Storage Ottoman
Subtle Pink Rug
Our Bedroom Rug
Blue Air 211 Air Purifier
Our Air Purifiers
Faux Potted Olive Tree
Faux Olive Tree
Kohler Memoirs Toilet
Our Favorite Toilet
Soft Striped Rug
Soft Striped Rug
SEE MORE OF OUR FAVORITE FINDS > >

  • About
  • FAQs
  • Press
  • Contact
  • :)

© 2023 Young House Love ® · Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · A Fun Wordpress theme on Genesis Framework · Hosted by Liquid Web