The next time you tackle a home design or renovation project that includes painting your interior walls, do not overlook the importance of the 5th wall… the ceiling. No longer the afterthought that it may have once been, today’s ceilings celebrate the same color, texture and diversity common to all walls.

Allow the ceiling color to visually heighten the space. If your goal is to create a more expansive space, consider painting the ceiling lighter than the remaining walls. Within a monochromatic color scheme, this would entail selecting a tint that is within the same color family, only several shades lighter in order to provide a visual cue where the eye is directed upward. Within a contrasting color combination, select the lightest contrasting color (that is part of the color scheme) to apply to the ceiling. In both cases, the result is to fool the eye into perceiving a greater sense of space.

Many top quality paints today contains materials known as "Rheology Modifiers" that significantly improve the "spatter resistance" of paints, i.e. the tendency of paints to ‘spray or spatter’ when applied by roller, leaving the painter and surrounding areas covered with tiny specks of paint. High quality paints containing the right Rheology Modifiers can almost eliminate this problem, making painting your ceiling cleaner, easier and more fun. Ask your Paint Professional at your local paint, hardware or home center for products with good "spatter resistance".

The ceiling can also function as a room’s focal point. Consider using a stunning decorative paint treatment on the ceiling space to serve as the spotlight of the room. Highlight the focal point ceiling by selecting painted walls that reflect a more subdued paint color scheme. When the ceiling serves as the focal point, you may also wish to select neutral floor coverings and window coverings so as not to overwhelm the entire space.

Consider mixing and matching various forms of wall coverings for an eclectically styled wall and ceiling combination that displays texture and excitement. For instance, you may combine several wall covering mediums (such as wallpaper and wallpaper border, fabric and wood paneling) with paint in order to yield an innovative and fashion forward interior space.

Whatever the style of décor, space requirements, or existing color scheme, adding color and texture to the ceiling space serves to produce a distinctive flavor within the room and can enhance the overall home interior.