Lighter Color

• In rooms where light is an issue, especially natural light, it may be beneficial to paint the recessed ceiling a lighter color than what is on the walls. Light hues will create the illusion of a brighter, more open space. Try paint colors such as gray-blues, soft greens, creams, beiges and ivories. Always choose a shade that features the same undertones as the wall color, as contrasting undertones can create a less appealing look.
  
  

Darker Color

• For some reason or another, some people choose to draw attention away from their recessed ceiling: Perhaps it is too tall or does not give the feeling of a comfortable, cozy home. In these instances, painting the recessed ceiling a darker hue can help bring down the height. Dark colors, such as navy blue or slate gray, can create the visual appearance of a lower ceiling, thus creating a more comfortable, cozier atmosphere in the home.
  
  

Trim

• No matter what shade is chosen for the main portion of the recessed ceiling, one easy way to draw additional attention to the area is to install or paint trim. Installing crisp white or beige trim, or simply leaving a line of white paint between the wall color and the recessed ceiling color, can make the entire space pop.
  
  

Murals or Stencils

• Murals, whether they be of clouds or stars, or something more ambitious, are always a good option for recessed ceilings. Hand-painted murals do take significantly more time to create and may be more costly, but chances are the mural won’t duplicate a recessed mural in any other home. Meanwhile, stenciled patterns around the edges of a recessed mural can help tie the decor of the entire room together. Patterns could include leaf or floral motifs, animals, stripes, chevrons or animal prints such as leopard spots.
  
  

Additional Ideas

• Recessed ceilings are an area of the home in which the homeowner can easily experiment with different paint colors and techniques. Consider creating more modern patterns, such as geometric 3D cube prints. Other options could include zebra stripes or scenes of birds or butterflies fluttering around. If all else fails, a fresh coat of paint can remove any trace of an idea gone wrong!