Q:

Hey Tobi! I have a quick decorator question. In my son’s room there is a piece of crown molding that is 2″ thick. It sits 6″ below the ceiling. I am painting the walls a tan color and painting the ceiling the same color. My question is, do I paint the wall above the crown molding the wall color or leave it white like the color of the crown molding. I hope you can help me because I have no idea what to do. It seems like it will look strange either way. My husband said we are not taking down the piece of molding. I’ve sent a picture for you to get an idea of what I’m dealing with.  Thanks so much for your input.

Angela, Little Rock

A:

Angela,
Thanks for submitting your Ask Tobi question!  It looks like that piece of moulding you have is a picture rail.  I would suggest adding a piece of crown moulding at the top of the wall.  Paint the crown moulding, picture rail and wall space in between your trim color.  This will create a really dynamic look in the room.

You mentioned painting the walls and ceiling the same color of tan.  I would caution you to use a lighter tan on the ceiling.  You don’t want your ceiling to be too heavy.  If you are looking at a color strip from the paint store, select two colors from the same strip.

Walls:

SW6113 Interactive Cream, Eggshell

Ceiling:

SW6112 Biscuit, Flat

Trim:

SW7102 White Flour, Semi-gloss

I hope this helps you with your decorating dilemma! – Tobi