Lately, the fifth wall has become much more pronounced than in years past. Ceilings are making a comeback. Perhaps it is because of the idea of maximalism, or it could be because sterile environments have gone the way of the all grey home. What I do know is that they’re a really fantastic opportunity to bring more interest and excitement into a room.
I’ve witnessed four standout ways to make a statement with your ceiling: millwork, drywall, wallpaper and lighting treatments.
Millwork is defined as any construction material that was made in a sawmill and built into the home, like wall and door trim (The Spruce).
It’s some combination of crown molding, flat stock, routed trim, etc. applied to a wall or ceiling. In traditional homes, you may see it in the form of a coffered ceiling. This may be applied to drywall “beams” or to milled woodwork box beams. You may also see it used in a more casual way as you would on a porch or enclosed patio using “V’ groove shiplap for a subtle, cozy texture. In this home, built by Rui Esteves, you can see how we treated the more formal living room in a coffered ceiling and used the “v” groove shiplap in the kitchen to feel a little more welcoming (Pictures by Mark Verschelden.)
Drywall Detail Living in California, we are all very familiar with a drywall ceiling. It’s gypsum board with “drywall texture” troweled or sprayed over for the finish. Recently, I had an incredible opportunity to work with a family owned construction company whose specialty is drywall – Torres Brothers Construction. They love arches in particular. We did coved ceilings and lighted them with dimmable LED lights for a soft effect in several rooms but the most spectacular ceiling treatment we did was a “cloistered arch.” It’s a double arch whose intersection causes almost a star effect on the ceiling. Honestly, it’s a pretty rare occurrence because of the level of difficulty and investment of time. It’s absolutely stunning. I saved photos for you so that I could share the stages of the process. Photo 1…framing. Photo 2…drywall and texture. Photo 3… finished and painted with light fixture installed.
Wallpaper Detail In the design world, we are all going wild for wallpaper. It’s fun, it’s daring and it makes a real statement in any space. This year, at the San Francisco Decorators Showcase, it was even on the ceiling. And what a ceiling!!!! The pattern looked like feathers or flower petals and it was cut along the scalloped line of the pattern for a more interesting installation and overall effect. Everyone who entered the room was spellbound, chin up, eyes scouring the ceiling for a better understanding of the masterful application of the paper. Really, it was so special. I’ve taken the inspiration home and we are installing wallpaper on ceilings in powder rooms and master suites in some of the new homes we’re designing. I believe that it makes the room feel more cozy and cocoon-like.
Wallpaper was also used on the walls and ceiling in the kitchen/breakfast nook. A real treat for the eyes!
Lighting Detail Finally, lighting has become a real feature in ceilings. Old fashioned 6” recessed cans are gone for good. Newer, slimmer light fixtures may be recessed and textured up to the lens for a statement-making impact. The light becomes a sort of art installation, drawing your eyes up and expanding the space. We used this little trick (thanks to our lighting designer, Carrie Arnold) in the Sub Zero Wolf demonstration kitchen we recently completed in Oakdale at Bordona’s. I love the way the light interacts with the flush mounted exhaust fan/light combo Wolf makes. The whole space is made more interesting and kinetic with this design.
Any way you see it, looking up to behold beauty, appreciate craftsmanship or experience the visual power of innovative lighting use is great. Here’s to the 5th wall and all the possibilities it holds.
