Tips on Designing Great Ceilings

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Architecural Features Emphasize Space

"Divide the space with architectural features or add texture," Haley says. Some of her suggestions for making a high ceiling a win-win design situation include adding wooden beams, coffered ceilings, beadboard, cabling, artwork, faux finish, wallpaper, woven woods, upholstered acoustical panels or floating screens. "You first need to define the style and feeling you wish to accomplish, then select the appropriate feature," she says, adding that the real key is emphasizing the space while considering the viewpoint, literally and figuratively, of the occupants below.