Elizabeth Gordon Studio
Will someone please tell us why walls and floors are the only surfaces that seem to get anyone’s attention? Our homes have another surface – up above – that doesn’t get its fair share of the design action. Say hello to the ceiling! There are many wonderfully interesting ways to adorn this surface and add tons of interest to your room. If you’re lying on the bed or sofa looking up at a plain flat white overhead view, you just might want to think about some of the following fantastic ideas.
Parlor Steak House/NYC
The ways to embellish a ceiling are actually quite varied. There are classic structural elements such as coffers, paneling, beams, strapping, wood planks, tin tiles or shaped soffits. These all are powerful additions because they are three dimensional. Some, such as exposed beams, are in fact load bearing. But they can also be added retroactively as a purely decorative element.
MacCaul Turner Design
If these hard treatments are painted white like the surrounding ceiling they will subtly bring depth and dimension to your room. If they are made of wood – and are stained or left natural – they will provide contrast and texture. Both of which make for a unique space. Painted in colors, these 3D elements can be boldly dramatic against the surrounding white ceiling. Shimmer and pattern from tin tiles are also a welcome addition to the right space.
Tara Seawright
The other ways of enlivening your ceiling require less expense and commitment but can be no less stunning. The materials primarily involve either paint or wallpaper. A ceiling painted a color other than white is unexpected and interesting. Your color choice will dictate how much impact it has. Go with a soft shade in a bedroom and the effect is soothing. A pop of bright color in the right room is whimsical and fun. You can even go one step further – stripes anyone? Choosing decorative paint finishes is another route to personality. Trompe l’oeil is a paint technique giving the illusion of three dimension. A fresco mural on the ceiling, alla Michelangelo, will catch the attention of anyone who enters – as long as it’s tastefully done and appropriate for the space. Faux paint finishes are other possibilities that add visual depth and texture to an otherwise flat and mundane surface.
Elizabeth Sullivan Design
Finally, you’d be amazed at the transformation wallpaper can make to a room’s overhead view. This is not a project we recommend tackling on your own. A professional wallpaper installer is best suited to handle this tricky application. But the results are WOW!
We hope we’ve encouraged you to consider upgrading at least one of your plain vanilla ceilings to something with more flavor. As with most things in design, if you’re creative the possibilities are absolutely endless!