Stacey Dooley’s unexpected olive green ceiling is inspiring us to be bolder with paint choices
The TV presenter's choice of accent colour is a masterclass in using paint to make a style statement
Stacey Dooley's stylish living room might make you rethink your next DIY project, because her painted ceiling proves that walls don't have to do all the talking in a chic decorating scheme.
The documentary maker recently shared a peek inside the living room of her Liverpool home, which is inspiring us to get the paintbrushes and rollers out to try something new.
If you fancy giving your living space a splash of statement colour with one of the latest on-trend paint tones, look no further than Stacey's olive green ceiling for inspiration to maximise impact.
In a recent Instagram post, @sjdooley fans got a glimpse of the unexpected design elements within the couple's elegant living room. The extra-high ceiling is a gorgeous olive shade, which beautifully complements the room's soft cream walls and neutral taupe-toned carpet.
The rich, deep green ceiling provides contrast and depth to such a bright, airy space. The dark tone enhances the intricate, swirling cornice border and ceiling rose, celebrating the classic Georgian-era feel of her stunning home.
Why does colours on the ceiling work so well?
"The ceiling is the fifth wall," says Rob Abrahams, CEO and Co-Founder of COAT Paints. "A soft tonal ceiling changes the quality of light in a room."
"Brilliant white bounces cold, flat light back onto your walls and can make even a gorgeous shade look washed out. A bold ceiling creates personality and a sense of occasion, and it’s a brilliant way to bring in a strong colour without committing all four walls to it."
In a dining room or bedroom especially, a deep ceiling draws the space in around you and makes it feel cosy and deliberate. Either way, bringing the ceiling into the scheme is what makes a room look designed, not just decorated."
"A bold, contrasting colour turns the ceiling into the hero of the room," Rob adds. "The secret to contrast that looks designed rather than accidental is choosing colours that share an undertone." Just as the 'gradient layering' paint trend suggests.
"Different depths, same family DNA. What I’d steer people away from is the default brilliant white ceiling," Robs suggests. "It’s neither tonal nor a real statement, and against warm walls it usually looks stark."
Of course, we couldn't help but notice (and fall in love with) the statement lantern lampshade hanging in the centre of the room.
Inspired by Stacey's giant lantern-style lampshade? This jumbo design at Urban Outfitters channels the same energy and is on sale right now.
As a provider of homeware bargains, IKEA's 70cm lantern pendant lampshade will set you back just £8. Ideal if you're after a few to dot around the house.
This one isn't as large, at only 50cm, but offers a linen composition rather than paper, so it's a little sturdier than your usual lantern lampshade. Plus, it's shoppable on Amazon for ultimate convenience.
The focal light is bold and unmissable - but doesn't distract from other standout elements, thanks to its fresh white neutrality and soft, curved silhouette.
The translucent nature of a lantern lamp also makes it perfect for transforming a room with layered lighting by filling the space with a cosy, ambient glow if used with a warm-toned bulb.
Resetting your home for autumn can be as easy as introducing some new accessories and burning your favourite autumnal-scented candle to make a space feel cosier. But giving a room a lick of paint as the seasons change can make a huge difference, too. Even more so when that involves using colour on the ceiling.
