Are ceilings the new accent walls? We explore how an overlooked part of your home is trending as the focal point.
If it’s not in an added room, like a sunroom, then we don’t pay much attention to what the ceiling looks like (as long as it’s not mouldy or otherwise unsightly). However, travelling through previous eras shows that we’ve become ceiling-shy – after all, Michelangelo didn’t spend years painting the Sistine Chapel for nothing!
“With thoughtful planning, careful execution and attention to detail, you can create a space where the ceiling’s unique features contribute positively to the room’s atmosphere and aesthetics,” says senior interior designer Quintin Gilman. With that in mind, we’ve curated some on-trend ceiling inspiration to help you take any room to the next level.
A sigh of relief
Bas-relief is associated with the medieval practice of carving intricate designs (often depicting nature or historical scenes) into the plaster or stone of a surface – but it’s experiencing a modern-day revival. The added texture creates depth, interest and character in a room, while giving it a sense of luxury – especially in a lavish lounge, foyer or entrance area.
While relief walls can be achieved using a variety of materials, a lighter material is best suited to ceilings. “Subtle or intricate patterns can be achieved with materials such as gypsum or lightweight polyurethane,” advises Quintin.
Top tip
Paint your ceiling the same colour as the walls to draw the eyes upward, creating the illusion of more space.
For the paint-hearted
Classic white or neutral ceilings add a touch of contemporary minimalism to a space – but for rooms that are often over- looked, a little colour adds creativity and uniqueness. Painting the ceiling of your children’s room or the kitchen with colourful patterns or a single bright shade creates a sense of playfulness and a distinct focal point. Much like a feature wall in a dining room or lounge, match the ceiling colour to accompanying decor for a splash of personality.
The classic rafter
Also known as exposed beam ceilings, these features create the illusion of space and open comfort. For a more industrial look, the exposed and elevated wood of what is usually used as a structural element adds to the charm.
On the other hand, a flat-laid beam painted to match the ceiling, or to complement it using black and white, will add a fresh, contemporary look. Grid designs work best on larger ceilings, such as in the kitchen or living room, while parallel beams create elegant accents in a bedroom.
“Much like a feature wall in a dining room or lounge, match the ceiling colour to accompanying decor for a splash of personality.”
Winning with wallpaper
Numerous celebrities and well-known interior designers use wallpaper to create beautiful spaces in a home – but it’s not limited to the walls. “Besides your floors and walls, you are bringing a third surface into your design consideration, and this allows you to really play,” says Cara Saven, founder of Cara Saven Wall Design.
As a specialist in everything wallpaper, Cara explains that the types used for ceilings are lightweight and seamless, which means that precise application is required to avoid any bubbling or disconnected areas. But it’s worth the effort; using wallpaper is a simple way to enhance the illusion of texture, colour and pattern. What’s key is to make sure that your ceiling isn’t competing with anything else in the room.
Top tip
The right lighting makes all the difference! Installing ‘hidden lights’ in your false ceiling creates a soft indirect glow, while recessed lights or hanging lights attract attention.
False… yet fantastic
“False ceilings enhance a room’s acoustics, appearance and hide services, while allowing integration of lighting and ventilation systems,” Quintin says. These ceiling accents require more support and industry knowledge to install, but they are sure to lift the ambience of the rooms they occupy.
The process starts with laying a framework of either metal or wood below the ceiling, placing panels made of gypsum, mineral fibre, metal, wood or PVC, and integrating services such as wiring and lighting for functionality and depth. The added dimension can be included along the edge of the ceiling for a framed look or placed in the middle for a strong focal point.
Words by: Saadiqah Schroeder
Photographs: Getty, Future, Bureaux
Also read: Decor: Statement ceilings
