Reaching New Heights

Cain Development, LLC | Ashley Stinson

A great way to add character and flair to a ceiling is by adding faux beams! You can go any route with your design, from simple 1x8s to chunky box beams, and let your creativity run wild when it comes to the pattern and style that you choose when embellishing your ceiling. A favorite trick to making them look custom and expensive without breaking the bank is to invest elbow grease into your project and mark inexpensive lumber with hammer markings, knife scrapings, and even burn marks to give character to the wood before stain or paint. The right beam detail can provide warmth and dimension and packs a big punch when it comes to the perfect ceiling detail for your room.

Core Homes | Cheryl Moore

When thinking about adding interest to your ceilings, think of the style you’d like to incorporate throughout your home. If you prefer a formal look, try adding a coffered ceiling to a dining room or living space. If you like more casual or rustic, beams are a great way to add warmth and a homey vibe. Even more casual, if you are going for a modern farmhouse look, try adding bead board or shiplap, which can both be stained or painted to achieve the look you want. Don’t forget to add color to make the trim pop and to add atmosphere to the room. Color on a ceiling is a fantastic way to change the feel of any room and can add drama or a light and airy feeling.

Pat St. Charles Company | Patrick St. Charles

Some of the easiest ways to make an impact with your ceiling, especially with new construction, is to play with ceiling height. Tray ceilings used to be very popular, but we have begun to see our clients opt for vaulted ceilings. Typically in a main living space or a master bedroom, vaulted ceilings are a great way to give depth to a room and make it seem much larger. Vaulted ceilings also allow homeowners to incorporate more windows, thus adding more natural light, which can make a huge difference in the way you experience a space. We also like adding a ceiling treatment, such as tongue-and-groove boards, to a vaulted area to make even more of an impact.

HGH Construction, LLC | John Coffelt

An easy place to start is to simply deviate from the standard “ceiling white” paint color. In a home with an elevated design sense, you will often see the ceiling color either act as a continuation or complement to the existing wall color, or in a bolder setting, add a sharp contrast. As an example, in one custom home project, the designer called for each room to have the wall color diluted by half and applied to the ceiling. In another project, we created a barrel-vaulted foyer ceiling as a continuation of a radius porch roof and applied metallic copper paint and uplighting for heightened drama. For those willing to undertake a more involved approach, stained wooden tongue-and-groove boards or painted shiplap can add style and interest to almost any space. We have done this in many homes to give character to rooms with either flat or cathedral ceilings and add visual interest to an otherwise ignored surface.

Roberts Architecture + Design, LLC | Mandi Roberts

Many homeowners overlook their ceiling as a place to add style and character to their home. Here are a few ideas to take those ceilings to new heights. Highlight the classy elegance of a room by having a coffered ceiling installed. Accent trim applied to the ceiling adds a sense of sophistication. The space surrounding a light fixture can be enhanced with either a ceiling medallion or a stencil. Decorative ceiling tiles, which come in a variety of materials and finishes, can transform the feel of any space. Faux wood beams add a rustic touch to a home. Wood planks, either painted or stained, provide a relaxed, cozy ambiance. And the simplest way to enhance your ceiling? Paint it a bold color. Before embarking on a ceiling renovation, make sure your new ceiling will match the style of your home. A few thoughtful ceiling embellishments can really transform your space.