‘Tray’ ceiling achieved by using shades of colour

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/08/2004 (7692 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR Debbie — I have read your columns with interest and am hoping you can help me. I want to do a faux tray ceiling in my dining room. Can you tell me how to achieve this effect? Thanks, from a loyal fan.

–Seena J.

DEAR Seena — There’s lots of taping for this project, and you will need to take frequent neck breaks, but the outcome is worth it. Apply two base coats of white to the full ceiling and let dry. To produce the fantasy that the ceiling is stepped, choose three colours plus a darker and lighter version of each colour. We used three shades of pink, blue and beige. Mark off three 5-inch bands around the ceiling using a chalk line, then, using low-tack painter’s tape, mask off the first and third bands. Paint them with two coats each of blue and pink. Remove the tape, and let dry for at least four hours or overnight as you are going to be taping over the fresh paint. Next tape off the centre band and paint the beige. To create the illusion that the bands are stepped, mask off and paint a 1-inch stripe of the lighter tone around each band for half the ceiling, and the darker tone for the other half. For a professional finish, miter the edges of the shadow stripes by painting them at a 45-degree angle where they meet.

DEAR Debbie — We live in a south facing condo with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the sun all day. We are going to replace the carpet in our living/dining room and are thinking of putting in a tiled surface, which numerous people disagree with. What are your views please? Would it be a faux pas?

–R. Du Feu

DEAR R. — I don’t think it will be a ‘faux pas’, maybe a conversation piece or show stopper. If you wish to use tile, ceramic or stone, then choose the best you can afford. The tile industry has exploded over the last few years and the choice is enormous. A warm terra cotta is an option, or I would take a look at large 16-inch square, honed travertine marble. This gives the look of limestone, often used in living rooms and hallways in Europe. Lay the stone with wide grout lines. The look is amazing with a few area rugs thrown down. Good luck and be brave!

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.