Creative ceiling concepts

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/12/2013 (4415 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Whether building a new home, renovating, or simply applying a fresh coat of paint the ceiling is often forgotten. Instead of being overlooked, the ceiling can be the icing on the cake. When done appropriately, the ceiling will emphasize and accentuate the space below. Whatever your style, there is a creative fix for you and your ceiling.

Any designer will agree that the easiest way to change the whole look of a room is by using carefully chosen paint colours. Colour gives depth and allows you to push and pull elements to create the overall feeling and style you want to achieve. A great way to utilize colour on your ceiling is a colour block. Colour on the ceiling, either a single paint colour or a pattern can serve as a focal point; for example, over the table in a big dining room. A colour block immediately catches your eye and gives a room instant personality.

If you have a design dilemma in your home, the ceiling can often be manipulated to help solve the issue. In many houses, especially old character homes, there are rooms with difficult angles. Downplay these angles in a small space with a wall covering such as grass cloth swathed over both the walls and ceiling. The result will minimize the transition line between the two and also add textural interest. Instead of an awkward room with too many angles, you will have a cozy, warm and unique space.

We all love high ceilings for the sense of space and openness they lend to rooms. However, rooms can often start to feel cold, empty and echoic. Use architectural features to play up the room’s height, while bringing the interest of the room to eye level. This can be achieved in many ways — some really great options are exposed beams, tongue and groove planks, or a combination of the two. Use raw wood or concrete for an industrial, rustic look; or consider painted to achieve a more contemporary style.

Coffered ceilings are another tool that can be used to make a large room feel more cozy, or to simply add interest and flair. Not only are they great for reducing the occurrence of sound, coffered ceilings also bring incredible depth to a room. It can turn any room into a work of art. Put a twist on the original coffered ceiling and use tone on tone paint colours, or use a wall covering in between beams. For a contemporary look, consider using a pattern such as diamond or quatrefoil.

The numerous other ceiling design options include beadboard, cabling, artwork, faux finish, woven woods, tin tiles, upholstered acoustical panels or floating screens. Once you have defined the style and feeling you wish to accomplish, selecting the appropriate feature is the next step. You can make a big design statement with a feature on the ceiling; but if you do, it is best to keep the walls simple. Let the ceiling be the feature and the walls play a supporting role.

The possibilities for your ceiling are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!