What's Up?

An opportunity, that's what's up!  The ceiling is tragically a common oversight in design and often an easy and unique way to add some extra character to your space.  Not to mention as the eternal optimist I am, looking up and taking a deep breath always helps me reset my thoughts to charge onward…imagine if that glance skyward held your attention for a moment?!

Crown Moulding Fit For Royalty!

You've selected the perfect color for you walls and decided on the typical ceiling white for the ceiling…okay, no problem, but check out the pop you get from the addition of some crown moulding!  You have the gamut of options to choose from:  small and traditional, large and ornate, sleek and contemporary.  The moulding you choose can be a perfect finishing touch to add a designer touch and small boost of sophistication.

Here's an example of the same idea:  perfect color on the wall and classic ceiling white but without the addition of crown moulding.  Can you see the difference this makes?  Imagine dropping the curtain rods a few inches and installing a three or four inch traditional moulding treatment to this space.  Fabulous pop of excitement for those ceilings!

Take the Color To the Top!

My personal preference when there is no moulding is to take the color to the top!  Appropriate lighting, window treatments, art, and floor plan are crucial on this bold move, but when it is done right, wow!  Darker colors can be restricting when working with small spaces to consult with your designer before embarking, but read on for more options for painted ceilings that suit an space!

Just a shade…Another really great option for dressing a ceiling is to select a shade just a bit lighter than the wall color.  This tactic adds interest to the space without the risk of making the room feel short with a dark shade on the walls and ceiling.  Another great tip:  when working on an on-suite, try reversing the pallet in the smaller bathroom with the lighter shade on the wall and the darker on the ceiling!

Contrast & Compliment.  When the walls are finished with a faux treatment, wallpaper, panelling, stone, or another paint color, selecting a contrasting yet complimenting color for the ceiling can be the ticket to that little ceiling touch!

Bead Board Above!

Bright white bread board on the ceiling is a beautiful alternative to the basic painted drywall options.  This is a great selection when there is a need to cover something up (popcorn ceilings) or when starting from scratch in a space.  The texture of the bead board adds just a bit of richness to the space and compliments the other architectural aspects like trim, moldings, and hard wood floors beautifully.

Stained bead board is a common selection for outdoor spaces like covered porches however it brings a truly chic and sophisticated look to interior spaces as well.  A powder room or bathroom instantly takes on a spa like feel with bead board ceilings, bright white moulding, and a soothing wall pallet.

Let There Be Beams!

Keep your ceiling white, but adding a few stained beams to the space puts another architectural aspect in the room that gives your home that "something special" feel so many homeowners are after.  The style of your beam can range from mitered, sanded, and stained smooth to rustic and natural.  Consult your designer on the style that best suits your end goal before embarking on a major project like this one.

Check out the effect having some guts can achieve!  Combine your bead board or another wood treatment wit the addition of beams to the space for a totally custom look and character to boot!

Let it all hang out!  If you have the height, go for the gold!  Exposed beams with vaulted ceilings can create a multitude of looks, all of which are breath-taking and homey.  All white as featured or stained, you will be delighted to take in the awe of the bones with exposed beams!

Coffered Beauty!

Another great option for cover up an old textured ceiling with bead board and and low profile coffered ceiling.  The contrast is beautiful and with this options, you are not losing any significant height in your ceilings!

The beams you choose for your coffered ceiling can be as simple or complex as you choose.  Here is tone on tone whites with detailed beams for the coffered ceiling.  Work with your designer and contractor to determine the appropriate spacing to allow for electrical work where necessary.

Here is a shot of a coffered ceiling with stained wood and wow what a beautiful sight.  The recessed lighting in this  space creates a lovely glow across the beams and illuminates the space without lowering the ceiling with hanging fixtures.  Consult your designer and contractor when determining the appropriate depth for your coffered ceilings.

 Wallpaper…Up There!?

Small spaces like a powder room or enclosed foyer are perfect spaces to dive into some of the funkiest, most exciting wallpapers produced.  Put it on the ceiling for less of a commitment to the paper and more bang for your buck!  I promise that everyone who uses this powder room comes out complimenting this rich design!

You do not have to go for bold prints when selecting wallpaper for your ceiling treatment.  Choosing a texture can have the same wow factor.  Shown here with crown moulding and wall paper on the walls, this textured ceiling treatment adds class, sophistication, and richness to this space.  The best part it is, when you are ready to re-design, the treatment can be removed easily for a blank slate.

Frame It Out!