Paint Roller
A small living room can make you feel cramped, especially if it is painted in dark colors. To liven up the area and give the illusion of space, take advantage of natural lighting or add lighting without adding bulky lamps or fixtures. Painting the walls in the correct shade will help reflect light and open up the room.
Wall Color
Light shades make a space look larger, but that doesn't mean you should paint your walls white. Unless you are looking for the stark clean lines of a hospital room, think subdued colors that compliment your existing furnishings. Pastels in neutrals like blue, green, or beige will work in nearly any room. Icy greens and blues create a clean crisp look that brightens and visually enlarges the room.
Molding
Paint frames and molding in a darker shade if preferred, but avoid dark colors. A shade to two darker than the walls provides some contrast, but painting the molding in the same color as the wall gives the illusion of distance. Open up the room and make it appear larger by painting molding the same color as the walls.
Ceilings
Paint ceilings white or off white to add height to the room and create an airy feel. Off white or lightly tinted paint softens the harsh affects of white and provides warmth to reflected light.
Vertical Stripes
Vertical stripes create the illusion of height, but may be overpowering in a small space. If you choose to paint a striped pattern, keep it simple and avoid wide blocks of color. This can backfire and create a cluttered look that feels enclosed.
Texture
Roll the paint with a roller to create a smooth surface. Sponge painting, washes or other textured techniques are best left for larger rooms. Textures may feel warm and cozy, but they may make the walls feel closed in and give the illusion they are closer that they really are. The goal is a smooth surface that extends the line of the room.
Doors and Windows
Paint doors and window frames the same color as the room to create the illusion of space. Contrasting colors creates a visual break and makes an area appear smaller than it is. Reserve more dramatic color for room accents in sleek lines like slender vases or lamps.
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