As a methodologist for the social sciences, I’ve spent years helping people see their research forest for the trees — or rather, their research question for the data.
But I also enjoy thinking along about life’s small dilemmas: (inter)personal challenges, the weird world that is academia, or how to design your shady backyard. I have some experience in these areas as a regular person, PhD candidate mentor, faculty council representative, and notorious hobby collector.
The rules are simple: You ask your question and let me know if you’d like your name included when I post it here. I’ll choose which questions I answer, at whatever pace suits me. I won’t weigh in on medical issues (I’m not that kind of doctor) or politics — but I might expand on your intensive longitudinal data...
or what pillow to pick for your couch, for example.
Ask Noémi
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Contact me at work or request a consultation at Utrecht University's Methodology & Statistics department.
Danielle McCool asks: "Should I paint my ceiling (in a different color than white)?"
Yes, yes you should paint your ceiling in a different color! I think that if you feel the slightest inclination to paint a ceiling non-white it should be done. I think painting ceilings white is one of those habits people started to treat like a rule. And then they may even hint that you are being a little bit crazy for thinking of violating that rule. But it is not a rule, its a (potentially bad) habit, and you can do whatever the heck you want in your own home!
But aside from you being allowed to do as you please here, is it also a good idea? I think it often is, but it of course depends on the exact circumstances (and a matter of personal taste clearly). In Danielle's case we are talking about a hallway that has a vibrantly colored wallpaper with birds and flowers on it, and a dark purple background. Keeping the ceilings white creates, in my opinion, a too stark contrast with the relatively dark walls. This could make the hallway look harsh and uninviting, and the wallpaper more 'kitsch' than desired. I recommend picking one of the colors on the wallpaper and using that (or a variant of it) as the color on the ceiling. I would opt for a light color because otherwise the hallway does become quite dark. My favorite option in Danielle's case was a soft light purple-pink (After she asked this question Danielle and I spent too much time trying out various colors using a picture of her hallway.). As a sidenote: If you need inspiration to go full color - like purple walls and pink ceilings - check out the Dutch make-over show 'Jelka op eigen houtje'.
Now readers may have various follow-up questions, like "Should I always paint my ceiling a different color than white" or "Should I now feel bad that I didn't paint my ceiling in a different color?" or " Wait a minute Noémi, are YOUR ceilings white?".
The answer to the first two questions are, no, it can be a good idea to keep your ceilings white. It can make the room feel more spacious and fresh especially if your ceilings aren't very tall. It can brighten a room because it reflects more light, and optically 'lift' the room by being lighter than the surroundings. If your ceilings are very tall however it can be a good idea to paint your ceilings non-white for the same reason, maybe even painting a top strip of the walls along with it, to make the room feel more cozy. You can also paint a part your ceilings to create a little room inside a room, much like people use rugs on their floors. You can also do this with wallpaper on your ceiling. And lets not forget the option in general to go for murals on your ceiling (I want to do this at some point somewhere in my house). In my own home some of the ceilings are white, in one room it is a gray-white, in two others it is a light bluegreengrey. In my house I did opt for all very light colors and those who aren't white look white, but they are not (and white would look harsher).
In any case, if you feel inclined to paint your ceilings it is probably because something is not quite right with keeping them white (like a too harsh contrast). So I say go for it and paint it.
