HIGH and MIGHTY
Unique ceiling designs raise the bar on style and sophistication in a room . BY DRESDEN SCOTT
When you walk into a home , which elements do you typically notice fi rst ? Perhaps it ’ s a dramatic entry foyer with custom inlay fl oors , or walls decorated tastefully with contemporary art . But shift your eyes up , and you might fi nd yourself underwhelmed by a white , fl at , featureless ceiling .
Too often , ceilings are overlooked from a design perspective . However , they can have a tremendous impact on a home ’ s ambiance — as , if not more than , its walls and fl oors . A beautiful ceiling design , whether it is in the living room or the dining area , the kitchen or the bedroom , can elevate the character of a space , leaving your guests and visitors with a lasting , grand impression of your home .
There is a precedent for decorating the ceiling , as it was often the architect ’ s preferred place to hide fl oor or roof construction . We only need to look to Michelangelo ’ s painted ceiling in the Sistine Chaipel , the beautiful fan-vaulted ceiling of the Cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral in England or the scale-pattern design of the skylights in the great hall in the Library of Congress ’ Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington , D . C ., for historical references .
“ A unique ceiling helps to defi ne a room and is a great opportunity to help defi ne the style of the interior of a home ,” says Steven Jallad , director of residential design for Naples , Florida-based MHK Architecture & Planning . “ Generally , the more primary the living space , the more intricate the ceiling design . We typically give the most attention to the living room , outdoor living room and master bedroom , followed by the kitchen , dining room and foyer .”
By treating the ceiling as a focal point , you can give your interiors an instant , luxurious upgrade . Whether it ’ s coffers and vaults , stained-glass skylights or artistic murals , these unique ceiling designs are the true highlights of six inspiring luxury properties currently marketed by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate .
Maitland , FL A magnificent lakefront estate , resting on 1.5 + acres with over 150 feet of lake frontage and breathtaking views across Lake Maitland , pays homage to the classic style with a warm and intimate study anchored by coffered ceilings , an antique fireplace and detailed molding . Page 59
Classically Coffered
Coffered ceilings can add instant dimension and character to a classically styled room . Take the rich coffered ceilings of this wood-paneled study in Maitland , Florida , as an example . Harkening back to Old World Europe , the grid pattern from above creates depth and a sense of rootedness for this space .
8 | Homes & Estates | Florida Collection