Drama on the Ceiling!

Whether it's with a splash of color, a complementary accent material, or a beam and girder detail, involving the ceiling in the overall design of a room is a great opportunity to add interest and creativity. The ceiling is more than just a flat surface producing light, it is an important part of your room's third dimension. A ceiling designed to compliment cabinetry, furniture, lighting, etc. can give definition to spaces within a large space or simply keep your eyes and imagination stimulated. As design elements move from the floor and up the walls, don't stop there; let them flow on up to the ceiling!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Southern Accents

Here, rustic beams add a beautiful detail to this monochromatic kitchen. Simple in color but rich in texture! Using salvaged wood for building materials (or decoration) is also a very "green" choice.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coastal Living, Photo by Thomas J. Story

So many interesting things going on here. This accent wood-plank ceiling appears to be floating, allowing other elements to intersect; I imagine the hood vent puncturing though to the other side. The generous opening allows natural light to flow in from either a skylight or clerestory window above. The ceiling's warm wood tone compliments and softens the edgy cabinetry finish.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coastal Living, Photo by Roger Davies

In this clean, black and white kitchen, a white on white beam system is a perfect detail, adding dimension and texture though shadow.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cottage Living, Photo by Roger Davies

For this cheerful kitchen with sun-painted walls and large windows that invite the outdoors in, a sky blue ceiling is perfection.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sunset, Photo by Thomas J. Story

While studying interior design at the University of Tennessee I shared a building with the art and architecture students. This building sort of let it guts hang out with exposed structure, conduits, plumbing... it was all out there for us to learn from and enjoy. I really grew to appreciate this idea. These elements that bring a building to life can be a beautiful and interesting design element. This kitchen design exposes it "guts" artfully... you can see concrete block, electrical conduit, a ventilation duct, and the ceiling's beam structure. Now, the ceiling can continue past the structure and allow natural light through clerestory windows.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cottage Living, Photo by Robbie Caponetto

Here, the ceiling is THE accent in this simple, little, cottage kitchen. Another monochromatic palate made interesting through the use of texture and detail. Happiness :).