I didn’t always make a statement with ceilings or even consider them in the design process when I first began. I now believe that this is a massive oversight and we need to do more to ensure that these opportunities are not wasted.

We see a lot of people using Coffers in their homes and so many execute these SO, SO POORLY! Far too many squares, too deep, drywall vs millwork and other Frankenstein like proportions.

We like to play up the ceiling texture within coffers, add striking cornices within etc. White rectangles or heaven forbid white boxes littering a ceiling drive me crazy – they can work against you and make the ceiling look squat and far too busy. Adding colour and texture, millwork and depth help to make the ceiling much taller than it is. Painting or staining them out can help the ceiling disappear and create a moodier vibe.

Sometimes we don’t have the height to add a structural design to the ceiling but that doesn’t mean we aren’t prepared to cheat this. We will often add mouldings up on to the ceiling to create the illusion of more depth or carry the cornice up on to the ceiling to make it feel that little bit taller – it’s a trick of the eye. Mirror and lacquer finishes (either paint or wallpaper – my other fave trick) on the ceiling can also add height. We will step sheets of drywall/baseboards to create more interest and then paint out or add a ceiling paper within.

Plaster Appliqués across an entire ceiling are another “HELL YES” in my book and are a bigger investment than some of our other endeavours – you have to pick your budget battles. Historical homes are a great place to add architecturally relevant mouldings. We love to then juxtapose this with more modern furniture and decoration to make the home feel fresh and contemporary without stripping the house of it’s historical charm.