As colour drenching cements itself as one of the biggest decorating trends of recent years, we're already seeing its next evolution: cloud capping.
Rather than taking colour all the way onto the ceiling, cloud capping pairs walls, woodwork and doors in one continuous shade before finishing the ceiling in a soft complementary white with matching undertones. The result is a room that feels cohesive and architectural, while introducing more light and breathing space than a fully colour-drenched scheme.
Why cloud capping is becoming so popular
Lick's colour specialist, Tash Bradley, believes the technique reflects a wider shift in how people are decorating their homes. Homeowners still want the impact of immersive colour, but they're increasingly looking for ways to achieve it that feel softer, brighter and easier to live with.
'If colour drenching wraps a room in colour, cloud capping gives that colour room to breathe. By keeping the ceiling a soft, tonal white rather than a stark brilliant white, you create a seamless transition that feels lighter, calmer and more contemporary without losing the warmth and cohesion of the space.'
One of cloud capping's greatest strengths is its versatility, she adds, because 'it sits so comfortably between traditional and contemporary decorating.'
For north-facing rooms
For north-facing rooms, cloud capping is a wonderful way to create an interior that feels warm and inviting, making it particularly well suited to autumn. These rooms naturally receive cooler light, so choosing softer, warmer paint shades can help counterbalance this, while the lighter ceiling keeps the space feeling bright and open.
For smaller spaces
Cloud capping is also a fantastic approach for smaller rooms. Rather than breaking up the space with contrasting woodwork and doors, painting them in the same colour as the walls creates a seamless look that can help the room feel larger. Keeping the ceiling lighter introduces a sense of height and airiness, striking a balance between cocooning and spaciousness.
The one mistake to avoid with cloud capping
The secret to successful cloud capping is choosing a complementary white that feels like a natural extension of the wall colour. Importantly though, you should avoid a stark contrast.
'When the ceiling colour is visually connected to the walls, the eye moves effortlessly around the room, creating a beautifully harmonious finish that's full of colour yet still light and balanced,' Tash explains.
The best colour pairings for cloud capping
Tash's favourite colour combinations for cloud capping include:
Both have warm, earthy undertones that work beautifully together to create a space that feels calm, grounded and inviting.
White 06 carries a subtle pink warmth that gently echoes the wall colour. The result is a soft, elegant scheme that feels cocooning without becoming overly sweet.
Try this combination for something bolder. The lighter ceiling beautifully balances the richness of the teal, allowing the space to feel full of colour while remaining airy and uplifting.
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Colour trios
Cloud, Cocoa & Powder Blue
Pebble, Truffle & Oxblood
Green stone, Sage & Mustard
Sand, Camel & Aubergine
Ivory, Oat & Electric Blue
