LOOK UP

Are ceilings the new accent walls? We explore how an overlooked part of your home is trending as the focal point.

- SAADIQAH SCHROEDER

 

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.

For the paint-hearted