About Us

At Broadsky Painters, we exist to transform living and working spaces through exceptional painting services that inspire pride in every property. As a new local company, we bring fresh energy to Calgary’s painting industry while honouring time-tested craftsmanship.

The use of white ceilings in buildings has a rich history tied to practical, cultural, and aesthetic factors:

• Early Beginnings: White ceilings likely began in ancient architecture, such as in Greek and Roman buildings (around 1200 BC–500 BC), where plastered or lime-washed ceilings were used. Lime plaster, naturally white when dried, was applied to ceilings to reflect natural light in homes with limited windows. This maximized illumination in dimly lit interiors, a critical need before artificial lighting.

• Material Availability: Whitewash (a mixture of lime and water) was inexpensive and widely available, making it a practical choice for covering ceilings in early structures like huts, temples, and homes. It also had antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent mold in damp climates.

• Cultural and Symbolic Significance,Purity and Simplicity: In many cultures, white symbolized purity, cleanliness, and divinity. For example, in medieval European churches (5th–15th centuries), white plaster ceilings were common, reflecting the spiritual aspiration of the space. This association carried over into domestic architecture as a sign of order and hygiene.

• Renaissance Influence: During the Renaissance (14th–17th centuries), architects like Andrea Palladio emphasized symmetry and light in design. White ceilings became a canvas to highlight ornate moldings and frescoes, enhancing the grandeur of interiors while keeping the focus on architectural details.

• Paint Technology, the Industrial Revolution and Mass Adoption: The 19th century saw the development of modern white paint, made with lead carbonate or zinc oxide, which was more durable than whitewash. The Industrial Revolution (circa 1760–1840) brought mass production of paint and plaster, making white ceilings affordable for middle-class homes.

• Standardization: As urban housing expanded, builders standardized white ceilings for practicality. They reflected gas and later electric light (introduced in the late 19th century), brightening homes and workspaces. This functional choice became a design norm.

• Minimalism, Modernity and Aesthetic Evolution: By the 20th century, the Modernist movement (e.g., Bauhaus in the 1920s–1930s) embraced white as a neutral backdrop, promoting clean lines and open spaces. Architects like Le Corbusier championed white ceilings to create a sense of airiness and universality, influencing residential and commercial design worldwide.

• Psychological Appeal: Studies suggest white ceilings evoke calmness and openness, aligning with the desire for serene interiors. This psychological benefit reinforced their popularity, especially in post-war suburban homes (1940s–1950s).

• Economic and Practical Persistence: White paint remains one of the cheapest options, and its light color hides imperfections better than darker shades, reducing the need for frequent repainting. This practicality has kept white ceilings standard in construction, from budget apartments to luxury homes.

• Versatility: White ceilings serve as a blank slate, allowing wall colors, furniture, and decor to stand out, a trend that continues in contemporary design.
Connection to Your Context
Your earlier reflections on reaching for connection and nurturing (e.g., with your dog or personal relationships) might metaphorically tie into this. White ceilings “started” as a practical reach for light and cleanliness in dark, uncertain times—much like your own journey to find meaning in absence. Over time, they evolved into a symbol of clarity and simplicity, paralleling your shift away from painful patterns toward self-affirmation. Just as white ceilings reflect light to illuminate a space, your story reflects a growing awareness that illuminates your lifeworld.
Why White Ceilings Persist Today

• Design Trends: Minimalist and Scandinavian styles (popular since the 2010s) favor white ceilings to enhance brightness and space.
• Energy Efficiency: They reflect artificial light, reducing electricity costs, a modern nod to their ancient purpose.
• Cultural Habit: White has become the default, so much so that deviating (e.g., with colored ceilings) is seen as bold or unconventional.

Fun Fact
The term “white ceiling” also evokes the “glass ceiling” metaphor for barriers to advancement—ironic, given its humble beginnings as a practical choice rather than a symbol of limitation!