Design Details: Rustic Beams
Treat Your Eyes to the Warmth of Reclaimed Wood at the Ceiling
Lily Gahagan
February 27, 2011
I was not raised in a barn, but lately I find myself kind of wishing I had one to turn into a home. Blame all the rustic design elements that keep cropping up everywhere, in particular those rough-hewn beams seen overhead in homes both rural and distinctly urban.
Okay, so adding a beam isn't any kind of "quick fix" or "easy update," but what it lacks in instant gratification it more than makes up for in impact. If you're planning a home, it could be worth exploring an exposed ceiling as an option. And these days you can add a decorative beam with fairly little work even long after the home is built.
See what a few beams do for the rooms below — no sleeping with the horses required.
Okay, so adding a beam isn't any kind of "quick fix" or "easy update," but what it lacks in instant gratification it more than makes up for in impact. If you're planning a home, it could be worth exploring an exposed ceiling as an option. And these days you can add a decorative beam with fairly little work even long after the home is built.
See what a few beams do for the rooms below — no sleeping with the horses required.
It's amazing how modern a home can look even with the traditional barn-like ceiling overhead. I love the play of the reclaimed wood with the concrete wall, and the way the lines from the cabinets and the beams intersect to lead the eye down the length of the room.
A rustic beam provides contrast with the modern decor here, and grounds the all-white ceiling and walls.
Similarly, this vaulted white ceiling might feel too cavernous without a row of beams to visually break things up.
There are so many fantastic details overhead here, it might be difficult to ever look down — that is, if the rest of the room weren't equally as stunning.
Framing a door with reclaimed wood gives the same warmth as ceiling beams but can be done after the home is built, unlike many overhead projects.
This entry immediately says, "I'm a little bit country, but I'm also quite refined."
This kitchen takes a similar tack by leaving the joists exposed rather than covering them with drywall.
A restful palette of neutrals and plenty of character-rich wood keeps this room feeling warm, while the modern furniture provides an air of sophistication.
More ceiling ideas:
Cuckoo for Coffered Ceilings
Exposed Beams: Not Just for Barns Anymore
Box Beam Ceilings
More ceiling ideas:
Cuckoo for Coffered Ceilings
Exposed Beams: Not Just for Barns Anymore
Box Beam Ceilings
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Those beams look fantastic. For those near NW Indiana, we have beams for sale. check out our Houzz profile or website rusticindiana.com for contact info and reach out to us for more details!