Hi Donna,

I have a 6ft by 6ft study room. At the moment it is cold and small. I would like to know how I could make this room seem larger and warmer with painting?

Thanks,
Jessidge

Our Homes And Property Expert replies:

Hi Jessidge,

It's tempting to paint a small room white or cream to give the illusion of space in a cramped area that's starved of light. But this can often result in a boxy, characterless room, especially if there are no interesting redeeming features such as a cornice and dado rail. If this is the case, avoid going too pale and instead choose a bolder colour that adds a warm, welcoming ambience.

Paint all the walls in a candy, powdery pink. It's fresh enough to use as an all-over colour, and paint the woodwork and ceiling in brilliant white. Paint the floorboards in specialist white floorpaint, using white on the floor and the ceiling is a visual trick that expands the room and makes it seem larger. If your floorboards aren't good enough to paint, invest in high-gloss, white vinyl floor tiles.