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Dear Jessica,
We just purchased a new home. The first floor is very open and the walls have all been painted the same color. I want to repaint some rooms, but I am not sure how to proceed in such an open area. Where should the new color start and stop? Can I get creative, or is it best to just paint everything the same color? — Wendy, Greensboro

Dear Wendy,
Your question about where paint should start and stop is one that I hear a lot. You might be surprised to know that as long as you have a corner, you can change paint colors. This rule extends to corners within the same space.

 
In open floor plans where rooms run into one another, there usually are small support walls and decorative column details to delineate the space. These elements provide great opportunities to change paint colors.

 
One floor plan that I’ve noticed truly baffles homeowners looking to repaint features a cathedral ceiling with a bridge walkway overlooking a room below. People question where paint colors should start and stop, and whether the upper hall needs to be the same color as the lower room. The answer is no.

Frequently, there is a logical spot to change paint colors — either at the bottom of the stairs, creating an accent wall for the down stairs area, or, at the top of the stairs. In some cases, there may be two colors in one hall area, but as long as the colors flow, the look will work.

 
Ceilings, on the other hand, can be challenging. In an open floor plan, the ceilings run from room to room, frequently with no height differences to differentiate the spaces. I recommend selecting a paint color and sticking to it for those common areas. Accenting a room with a contrasting painted ceiling is a great way to provide a decorative zing to a space; however, I recommend you reserve this design touch for individual rooms instead of having it run from space to space.

 
Painting a room is an easy and affordable way to make a change, but choosing paint colors can be overwhelming for some people. Relax and rest assured you can’t make a mistake that cannot be easily fixed. It will feel good to see your space transformed with a fresh coat of paint.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.