Cool Cold

Ryan Dezwaan from The House in Kelowna, BC, Canada brings us this cold looking stage design.

They simple added trees that were spray painted with glossy white paint. These reflected light a bit as well as grabbing whatever light was shined on them.

Materials:

• Branches
• White spray paint

Lights:

• (2) Mac 250
• (2) American DJ Inno Spot
• (2) American DJ Inno Wash
• (4) American DJ LED bars
• (2) LED trees

Creating Atmosphere with Natural Elements

The beauty of this stage design lies in its elegant simplicity and the powerful atmosphere it creates using nothing more than branches and paint. By spray painting tree branches with glossy white paint, The House church in Kelowna transformed ordinary natural elements into striking sculptural forms that evoke a winter wonderland feeling. The glossy finish serves a dual purpose—it protects the organic material while creating a reflective surface that catches and bounces stage lighting in captivating ways.

This approach to stage design demonstrates how churches can achieve dramatic visual impact without complex construction or expensive materials. The branches, likely collected from local trees or obtained at minimal cost, become architectural elements through the simple application of paint. The white color palette creates a clean, modern aesthetic that works beautifully with colored lighting, allowing the design to shift moods throughout a service—from cool blues for contemplative moments to warm ambers for celebration.

The organic, irregular shapes of tree branches bring a sense of natural beauty and authenticity to the stage that manufactured elements often lack. Each branch has its own unique character—twisted forms, delicate twigs, and interesting negative spaces that create visual interest. When grouped together, these individual elements form a cohesive backdrop that suggests a forest or winter landscape, grounding the worship space in imagery that resonates with themes of growth, life, and the changing seasons.

Working with Natural Materials for Stage Design

Using branches and other natural elements in church stage design offers several unique advantages. These materials are often free or very low cost, making them accessible to churches of any budget size. A quick walk through a nearby wooded area or a conversation with a local tree service can yield enough material for an entire stage design. This sustainability aspect also appeals to environmentally conscious congregations and provides a tangible connection to God’s creation.

The key to successfully incorporating branches into stage design is proper preparation and treatment. The glossy white paint used in this design does more than create visual appeal—it seals the wood and prevents shedding of leaves, bark, or debris that could create maintenance issues. Multiple light coats of spray paint work better than one heavy coat, ensuring even coverage without drips. Allowing adequate drying time between coats prevents tackiness and ensures a durable finish that will last through multiple services.

Securing branches safely on stage requires careful consideration of weight and stability. Tall branches should be anchored in sturdy bases—weighted buckets, sandbags, or purpose-built stands work well. For lighter branches, zip ties, cable ties, or clear fishing line can secure them to existing stage structures without visible fasteners. Always test the stability of any freestanding elements before services, especially in churches with active worship styles where vibration or movement could affect balance.

Related Designs

• Soul Levels – Mawar Sharon Church creates elegant flowing shapes from styrofoam using hot knife cutting techniques for a minimalist aesthetic.
• Pointillism – Faith Welland Church uses 3-inch styrofoam half balls arranged in geometric patterns with LED lighting for textured visual interest.
• Dotted Half Moons – Willow Creek Huntley transforms styrofoam cups into dimensional half-moon shapes on foam boards for budget-friendly texture.
• A Brighter Worship – Grace Bible Church demonstrates how strategic lighting upgrades can transform worship spaces with modern LED fixtures.
• Tall Columns – Dramatic foam columns with forward-leaning angles create architectural interest and depth on stage.

Pro Tips for Natural Branch Stage Designs

Material Collection: When gathering branches, look for interesting shapes and forms that will create visual variety. Avoid branches with excessive bark that might flake, and steer clear of any with signs of insect infestation or rot. Freshly cut branches work best as they are more flexible and less likely to break. Consider the scale of your stage—branches that look substantial up close may appear too small from the audience area.

Paint Technique: For the glossy white finish seen in this design, use a high-quality spray paint designed for multi-surface application. Apply paint in thin, even coats in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Turning branches as you spray ensures complete coverage. The glossy finish not only looks professional but also makes the branches easier to clean and maintain over time.

Lighting Integration: White painted branches are essentially blank canvases for your lighting design. They reflect colored light beautifully, allowing you to change the mood and atmosphere instantly. Position LED pars or bars to graze across the branch surfaces, highlighting their texture and creating interesting shadows. Uplighting from below creates dramatic silhouettes, while front lighting emphasizes the sculptural forms.

Storage and Reuse: With proper care, painted branches can be stored and reused for future designs. Store them in a dry location to prevent moisture damage, and wrap delicate sections to prevent chipping. Label bundles by size or type for easier setup next time. Consider creating a “branch library” that your team can draw from for various seasonal designs throughout the year.

Related: Discover another creative lighting approach in the I Am Multi-Purpose design featuring projection mapping and blacklight effects.