Chattanooga-area homeowners and buyers love a house with character. And, although there are myriad ways to add character to a home, a ceiling with a pop of color, a stylish ceiling fan or detailed trim work can give each room lots of personality.
Ceiling décor also can add drama to an otherwise dull space, give the illusion of height in a compact room, or increase the feel of intimacy in a large one.
Even so, making a ceiling the focal point of a room can have its challenges. The right look depends on the style of the home, the size of the room, and the preferences and taste of the owner or buyer.
With so many factors to consider, deciding how to enhance a room by altering the ceiling can feel like navigating a maze. Here are some ideas to consider as you build or remodel your home.
Fun with paint
Contrasting your ceiling and wall colors gives a room modern appeal. Experts recommend using deeper shades, like eggplant or cocoa, to make a large space cozier, and softer ones, white included, to open it up.
Or, consider wallpaper; over-scale or bold patterns will definitely keep it interesting. Designers caution against using the same color or pattern on both the walls and the ceiling, as doing so tends to make a room feel small and closeted.
Structured design
When it comes to custom ceiling design, the only limit is the imagination. Popular options include coffered ceilings, which feature a symmetrical grid of painted beams; tray ceilings, which give a recessed look; and ceilings featuring various woods or exposed wood trusses. Detailed trim work and ceiling medallions also add flair to a room.
Specialty lighting
Specialty fixtures can take your rooms to the next design level. Whether you choose a custom or a stock fixture, designers are finding ways to showcase lighting as a piece of art rather than just a functional element. Recessed lighting, pendant lamps and chandeliers are being paired with other ceiling details to make a statement in a room’s design.
Keeping cool in style
Among decorative home features, ceiling fans stand out as the most desired item, with 88 percent of buyers rating them essential and desirable, according to the latest “What Home Buyers Want” survey by the National Association of Home Builders. In fact, ceiling fans have consistently remained the number one home décor feature over many years.
Though in high demand for both their aesthetic appeal and practical application, when it comes to style, it’s all about personal preference and comfort.
Out-of-sight height
Ceiling height packs a big design punch. Though ceilings that are nine feet or taller are falling out of favor due to concerns about energy efficiency, high ceilings on the first floor are still desirable, particularly among millennials.
Ceilings that are too high, however, can make a room feel cold and uninviting. That’s why experts recommend the use of light fixtures, ceiling beams and paint to better define a space or make it cozier.
To find an industry professional ready to bring these exciting trends to your new home or remodeling project, check out the online directory of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at www.HBAGC.net.