Why should you limit your decorating to the walls? A beautifully designed ceiling can transform any room into something truly spectacular. From the living room to the kitchen or bedroom, blankets can add personality and enhance the ambience of your home.
Vaulted ceilings, painted ceilings and wallpaper can attract everyone's attention. Mikaelah Seifrit, founder of Southern Grace Interiors based in Bluffton, South Carolina, says the ceiling is like the fifth wall of the house.
Mikaelah Seifrit is the founder and design principal of Southern Grace Interiors, an interior design firm based in Bluffton, South Carolina.
There are countless ways to enhance a room with a decorative ceiling, from adding texture and lighting to incorporating beams. However, it is important to approach the design carefully so as not to overwhelm the space with an elaborate treatment. Seifrit emphasized the importance of choosing a style that complements the space while meeting both practical needs and personal preferences. Your best advice? Consider the longevity of your choice and ensure that you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
Are you thinking about getting your own new blanket? Here are some creative ceiling design ideas to inspire your next transformation.
Adjust the walls
Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Matthew Gleason
Coordinating your ceiling with the walls creates a cohesive, timeless look. To help you get the look, Seifrit has given us a professional tip: When you paint your ceiling, remember that it will look about two shades darker than on the wall.
With exposed beams
Exposed beams are a timeless accent for vaulted ceilings that naturally draw the eye upward and make the room feel more open and spacious. To give your beams a unique touch, consider adding details like decorative hinges to enhance the look.
Bring in the light
Never underestimate the power of natural light. If you have the opportunity, you can breathe life into your space by adding skylights to your ceiling. This is a great option for vaulted ceilings to give your space an indoor/outdoor feel.
Get creative with neutrals
Courtesy of Southern Grace Interiors
Loving neutral tones doesn't mean your home has to look boring. “You can always vary the tone, color and thickness of the pattern to keep it interesting,” says Seifrit. In this design, the neutral wood stains are anything but ordinary thanks to the square panel pattern and criss-cross beams. These details add dimension and enhance the look.
Use wood
Courtesy of Southern Grace Interiors
It's difficult to create a warm, antique look in new buildings, but wooden ceilings can help. When she works with wood, Seifrit says she likes it when it looks like they took away old putty and the wood was exactly what they were lucky to find underneath.
Consider a ceiling medalist
Crown molding can add an elegant look to any room, but adds an especially formal or whimsical touch in the form of a ceiling medallion. These intricate designs can help create a focal point in any room, but are often found in living and dining rooms.
Add geometric bars
Enjoy the beauty of a vaulted ceiling with white beams. The simplicity of the white tones creates a bright, open feel, while the geometric patterns of the beams add dimension and interest. Consider adding subtle lighting or unique decor to draw attention to the architectural details and transform your space into a calm, airy retreat.
Make it monochromatic
Why not paint your ceiling? Adding a pop of color can elevate the entire room, drawing the eye upward and extending your color scheme beyond the walls. This works especially well for powder rooms or hidden laundry rooms—areas where a bold choice won't compete with the rest of your home but will offer a delightful surprise to anyone who enters.
Use tongue and groove
Wood paneled ceilings are a subtle yet effective way to add warmth to a room. This dusty blue tongue and groove pattern complements the space while providing a relaxed, beachy feel.
Do it boldly
James Ransom
Go bold with your ceiling paint color to completely transform your space. A rich, dark hue on the ceiling can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere while giving the room a more grounded feel.
Matching wooden floor
Courtesy of Southern Grace Interiors
Coordinating your ceiling with your floors not only draws the eye upward, but also creates the illusion of a longer, more spacious room. The cohesive look creates an open feel while adding a touch of warmth and intimacy, making the space feel truly inviting.
Decide on a cassette design
Courtesy of Southern Grace Interiors
Are you looking for an elegant and classic design? Opt for a coffered ceiling with wood paneling in between. Not only does this give your room a beautiful, timeless beach vibe, but it can also add very nice accents to wooden floors.
Try background image
Using wallpaper on the ceiling can add instant charm and personality to any room. Use it in smaller spaces like powder rooms for a bold statement or in larger spaces for a subtle touch of elegance. Whether you choose a vibrant pattern or a soft design, it's a fun way to make your blanket stand out.