One of the most overlooked–or maybe under-looked–areas in design is the ceiling. Adding an unexpected color or texture to the ceiling is a wonderful way to really add “wow” to a room. Last year on the New York Junior League Spring House Tour, one of my favorite featured homes was a Grammercy Park townhouse. It had a kitchen that seemed a bit ordinary–until I looked up! The ceiling was an incredible shade of hyacinth purple. Features in this room balanced its bold color, like a large scale geometric design painted on the wood floor, and art that subtly incorporated the vibrant color, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Since the tour, I’ve seen this very room featured in House Beautiful and Good Housekeeping magazines!
 |
| Grammercy Park Townhouse in Better Homes Magazine |
Recently, in re-designing my own living room, I also took full advantage of the ceiling real estate by papering the ceiling in a fantastic fuchsia vinyl. With a tiled horsehair effect, it’s also a real “wow,” especially with the show-stopping light fixture I chose. The walls and floor are soothing neutrals that won’t compete with the ceiling, but the color is called out and accented by the fabric and accessories in the room.
 |
| My Own Living Room |