Statement ceilings transform a space

By KIRAN GILL

For too long, ceilings have been an afterthought in interior design, left bare or painted in predictable shades of white, cream and beige. But things are looking up for this oft-neglected space as designers reclaim the fifth wall and transform it into a focal point through bold color, intricate molding, wallpaper or even hand-painted frescoes. 

With maximalist design trends on the rise, every surface – even the ceiling – is an opportunity for self-expression. A show-stopping ceiling is a statement piece in its own right, whether in a traditional Parisian apartment adorned with plasterwork or a contemporary penthouse featuring a sleek, dark-lacquered ceiling.

Yet, it is important to maintain a sense of balance when playing with a statement ceiling. 

“It has to be thoughtful and integrated, but not overpowering,” said Thomas Lavin, proprietor of the Thomas Lavin showrooms in Los Angeles and Laguna Niguel, California. 

 “After all, you want guests looking at each other, not at the ceiling,” Mr. Lavin said. “So [you want] a ceiling with a personality and dynamism that adds to the atmosphere but does not dominate.” 

The quickest way to spice up a ceiling is with an unexpected paint choice – deep jewel tones enrich the space with warm, while soft pastels evoke the ethers. Should the ceiling be painted a contrasting hue from the walls, drama and depth are added to the room. 

Homeowners and designers also have the option to use the same paint color on the walls and ceiling for an unexpected and daring treatment.

“For my kitchen, I simply painted the ceiling the same black as the walls since I wanted to create a dramatic space without boundaries – one that put the focus on the view outside and to the other rooms that the kitchen adjoins, and a black ceiling was a daring choice that accomplished those goals,” Mr. Lavin said.

Beyond paint, one can wallpaper the ceiling with the option to go subtle or bold depending on the room. With wallpaper, one can also play with different textures and prints.

“For my parents’ house, we installed a beautiful blue ikat grasscloth from Christopher Farr Cloth in the dining room, and then used a luminescent silver tea paper on the ceiling,” Mr. Lavin said. “The juxtaposition of the two colors and materials created a wonderfully welcoming and dramatic space.”

Murals and hand-painted frescoes, whether delicate floral prints, art deco patterns or ethereal cloudscapes, are another way to spice up the fifth wall and turn it into a work of art reminiscent of palatial European estates. 

“I’m loving how so many people are putting large-scale panoramas on the ceiling: nature scenes, abstracts, painterly scenes, graffiti, you name it,” Mr. Lavin said. “Area Environments, one of the lines I carry in my showroom, is being utilized by so many designers for ceiling installs because they offer that kind of big, statement design.”

A designer can add an air of grandeur to a space with ornate crown molding and ceiling medallions. Another alternative for a touch of opulence is gold leafing, lacquered finishes and reflective surfaces that amplify light. Finally, homeowners and designers can also work alongside artists to create bespoke artwork or sculptural lighting for something that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Interior designers and homeowners alike are beginning to recognize that the ceiling is more than just a blank space; it’s an opportunity, as a thoughtfully designed ceiling transforms the entire spatial experience of a room.

With the right touches, a statement ceiling can elevate a room from ordinary to extraordinary. So the next time you’re designing a space, don’t forget to look up.