Need a refresh? Look up.
We obsess over paint colors, agonize over furniture placement, and spend hours perfecting our gallery walls. But there’s one surface in every room that most people completely overlook: the ceiling.
Here are four ways to transform that forgotten surface into something special to make a room feel *completely* finished:
1. Wallpaper
You know we love it. A ceiling with wallpaper in a bold pattern, creates instant drama. I love using wallpaper on ceilings in powder rooms, dining rooms, or primary bedrooms, spaces where you want intimacy and visual interest. The pattern draws the eye up and makes the room feel intentional, even luxurious. Grasscloth adds subtle texture; a bold pattern turns the ceiling into a conversation piece.
2. Trim and Millwork
Crown molding is the obvious choice, but don’t stop there. Coffered ceilings, beam details, or even simple picture frame molding painted in a contrasting color can add architectural depth to a room that otherwise lacks character. In older homes, restoring or enhancing original ceiling details often does more for the space than any furniture ever could.
3. Wallpaper AND Millwork
Why choose? Combining both—wallpaper framed by trim—gives you the best of both worlds. It’s formal without being fussy, and it creates a custom, high-end look. The millwork grounds the pattern and makes the whole ceiling feel like a deliberate design statement rather than an afterthought.
4. Architectural Lighting
Try lighting tucked behind crown molding or a statement fixture that becomes part of the ceiling plane itself—lighting isn’t just functional, it’s transformative. Uplighting along the perimeter of a room makes ceilings feel taller and adds soft, ambient glow.
The ceiling is the one surface you see every time you’re in a room, yet it’s the one we’re most likely to leave blank. Next time you’re considering a refresh, look up. You might be surprised at the potential you’ve been ignoring. Need some help with designing your fifth wall? We got you. Reach out right here.
