Quick! Look Up! Don't Miss That Kitchen Ceiling!
A design element that often goes unadorned as a result of being unconsidered, the ceiling of a kitchen or nearby breakfast area can be an unexpected, and creative, focal point.
Think of the ceiling in the opposite way as you might otherwise - that is, a VERY important design element which closely relates to the entirety of the space. A ceiling can add:
Texture
Rectiliniar Order
Continuity of the Design
A Focal Point
A Creative Opportunity
Texture - We see this, of course, in the use of beadboard, wood beams, and other materials, creating texture or pattern. Texture can be used to add a charming, rustic, feeling, or to contrast a sleek, modern, space with the surprise of a traditional element, thus, speaking a modern language.
Rectiliniar Order - a wonderful opportunity to create "shape" to the space, whether to square it off visually, widen, or elongate the space, the idea is to play with the lines and understand the effects of the lines in terms of size, proportion, in connection with the shape of the framework.
Continuity of the Design - Whether the wall color flows into the ceiling which is purposely unadorned, to be viewed as a "block", or we are using texture or pattern, the ceiling affords a unique and interesting opportunity to make a design statement of its own, or to support the general design elements. The design of a room comes in layers, with one piece building on to the next. Look at the individual tree (the ceiling design), yes. But, also look at the forest. One must look repeatedly at both, to understand relationships of one element to another. When my clients pick up a small countertop sample and analyze the small chips therein, I remind them that this piece will be seen from a distance as well as from relatively up close. This same exercise applies here. Look at the forest AND the trees, not just the trees!
A Focal Point - An interesting concept, the ceiling as focal point. If a space is an open floorplan, a ceiling focal point can draw one into the space and can be a welcome area for the eye to find interest. In every size kitchen, the proportion, if this is to be a focal point, will be the important concept to understand. Color, texture, proportion must be carefully thought through. I offer no "shoulds" here, just to consider all elements with care, especially in regard to how simple or busy you wish the ceiling to appear...a good place to start, perhaps.
A Creative Opportunity - Take your time in the design process to consider the ceiling, as the ceiling can send many different design messages. It can tip the balance toward one style or another. It can work to define specific areas or boundaries of the kitchen or breakfast area. It is an opportunity to play with color and texture, to truly spice up the kitchen with feeling!
General notes:
After the kitchen plan is done, the ceiling plan begins. Of course, the planning can be reversed if the ceiling needs to drive the plan, but that is not usually the case. Sometimes, I will need to tweak the kitchen plan to accommodate the ceiling plan. Whatever the order, it is a process which must coordinate the design of elements on the floor and on the walls (windows/doors) with the ceiling design. It must not be left to chance, or later consideration. Adding "life" to the ceiling comes in countless ways, so let your imagination run!
Think of the ceiling in the opposite way as you might otherwise - that is, a VERY important design element which closely relates to the entirety of the space. A ceiling can add:
Texture
Rectiliniar Order
Continuity of the Design
A Focal Point
A Creative Opportunity
Texture - We see this, of course, in the use of beadboard, wood beams, and other materials, creating texture or pattern. Texture can be used to add a charming, rustic, feeling, or to contrast a sleek, modern, space with the surprise of a traditional element, thus, speaking a modern language.
Rectiliniar Order - a wonderful opportunity to create "shape" to the space, whether to square it off visually, widen, or elongate the space, the idea is to play with the lines and understand the effects of the lines in terms of size, proportion, in connection with the shape of the framework.
Continuity of the Design - Whether the wall color flows into the ceiling which is purposely unadorned, to be viewed as a "block", or we are using texture or pattern, the ceiling affords a unique and interesting opportunity to make a design statement of its own, or to support the general design elements. The design of a room comes in layers, with one piece building on to the next. Look at the individual tree (the ceiling design), yes. But, also look at the forest. One must look repeatedly at both, to understand relationships of one element to another. When my clients pick up a small countertop sample and analyze the small chips therein, I remind them that this piece will be seen from a distance as well as from relatively up close. This same exercise applies here. Look at the forest AND the trees, not just the trees!
A Focal Point - An interesting concept, the ceiling as focal point. If a space is an open floorplan, a ceiling focal point can draw one into the space and can be a welcome area for the eye to find interest. In every size kitchen, the proportion, if this is to be a focal point, will be the important concept to understand. Color, texture, proportion must be carefully thought through. I offer no "shoulds" here, just to consider all elements with care, especially in regard to how simple or busy you wish the ceiling to appear...a good place to start, perhaps.
A Creative Opportunity - Take your time in the design process to consider the ceiling, as the ceiling can send many different design messages. It can tip the balance toward one style or another. It can work to define specific areas or boundaries of the kitchen or breakfast area. It is an opportunity to play with color and texture, to truly spice up the kitchen with feeling!
General notes:
After the kitchen plan is done, the ceiling plan begins. Of course, the planning can be reversed if the ceiling needs to drive the plan, but that is not usually the case. Sometimes, I will need to tweak the kitchen plan to accommodate the ceiling plan. Whatever the order, it is a process which must coordinate the design of elements on the floor and on the walls (windows/doors) with the ceiling design. It must not be left to chance, or later consideration. Adding "life" to the ceiling comes in countless ways, so let your imagination run!
A stunning focal point to the story of a garden kitchen. The accent of olive green trim adds structure and strength to the design. The ceiling creates a sheltered sense of place.
A very interesting way to treat a ceiling with a mixture of painted beams and natural wood to create "blocks" of interest.
It simply works. The space is light filled with the luxury of a high ceiling. Tying in the teal color, adding a textural element, adds great charm and interest.
It can be as simple and easy as adding beams and painting them in a unifying color. The visual statement is there.
An unadorned, but otherwise dramatic ceiling structure needs nothing more. The forms tell the story and provide the interest.
A section of glistening metal blends perfectly with stainless appliances and other metals, providing a perfect textural response.
I love the continuity of white on countertops, backsplash/walls, ceiling, accented by dark, contrasting beams. It is not overdone, just a simple call to a rustic feeling.
Another view of the kitchen above. It's a strong ceiling, with a relatively light framework which does not overpower.
The use of a ceiling to tell a story. To house useful/decorative items, the textural relationship of authentic sunken river beams, merging with the beadboard ceiling..a gentle mixing of metaphors creates a unique vision.