Interior Painting · Aug 2025
Bedroom tray ceiling, den painted deep green, brick fireplace whitewashed
Bedroom tray ceiling, den painted deep green, brick fireplace whitewashed. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Aug 2025. This interior painting project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Tray Ceiling Painted Dark, Den Painted Deep Green, and a Whitewashed Brick Fireplace
This interior project covered three spaces in one home, photographed in Aug 2025. In the primary bedroom, the recessed center of the tray ceiling started out flat white like the rest of the room. Our crew wrapped the four-post bed and dresser in plastic, covered the floor with drop cloths, and painted that center panel a deep charcoal brown. The outer border of the tray stayed light, so the darker panel now frames the drum chandelier and makes the ceiling feel taller. In the den, light gray walls and a white ceiling became a rich, deep green from baseboard to ceiling, with the crown molding and window casing painted to match. The brick fireplace in the living area was masked with paper and tape around the white mantel and firebox, then given a whitewash. The finished brick lets warm red and brown tones show through a soft white layer, and it sits above dark wood plank floors.
How We Painted the Tray Ceiling, Den and Fireplace
- We moved what we could and wrapped the bed, dresser and den desk in plastic, then laid canvas drop cloths across every floor before any paint can was opened.
- Ladders and an extension pole let us cut a clean, straight line where the dark tray panel meets the light border, so the edge looks sharp from the bed.
- In the den we filled nail holes, caulked gaps at the crown and window casing, and spot primed the repairs so the deep green would dry to one even color.
- The den walls, ceiling and crown each got two coats of deep green. Dark colors need full coverage, so we checked every wall under strong light between coats.
- At the fireplace we taped and papered the mantel, side panels, hearth edge and firebox opening to keep the thin wash off the white woodwork.
- The whitewash was brushed into the brick and mortar, then worked back by hand so some of the original red brick shows through for a soft, aged look.
- We pulled the tape and paper, cleaned up, set the furniture back, and walked each room to check edges and touch up anything that needed it.
Paint Colors Similar to This Dark Tray Ceiling and Green Den
These are similar shades to consider if you like this look, not the exact paint colors used on the ceiling, den walls or fireplace in this home.
Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048
A warm brown-gray close to the dark tray panel. It adds depth overhead without feeling as heavy as a true black ceiling would.
Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog SW 9130
A softer gray green for anyone who likes the den but wants a lighter version. It keeps the same earthy feel with more brightness.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008
A warm white that suits the whitewashed brick and painted mantel. It blends with the red brick tones instead of looking stark.
Questions About Dark Ceilings, Green Rooms and Whitewashed Brick
Should a tray ceiling be painted darker than the walls?
It often works well. A darker center panel draws the eye up and makes the recess look deeper, while a light border keeps the room from feeling closed in. Flat or matte sheen is best on ceilings because it hides small flaws in the drywall and cuts glare from lights and windows.
Can the ceiling and trim be painted the same deep color as the walls?
Yes. Painting walls, ceiling and crown one color is called color drenching, and it makes a small room like a den feel wrapped and calm. Most painters use a flatter sheen on walls and ceiling and a satin or semi-gloss on trim so the woodwork still wipes clean.
Is whitewashed brick permanent?
Mostly, yes. A whitewash soaks into the brick and mortar, so it is hard to remove fully once it dries. The upside is that it does not peel the way thick paint can. Test a small hidden area first, and decide how much of the original brick color you want to keep showing.
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