Beyond the White Ceiling

I started my day off with the new July/August issue of House Beautiful, which I excitedly flipped through while power walking on the treadmill (the only thing that keeps my attention long enough to finish a workout!). One design area they tackle in this issue is color on the ceiling (p.24), which is one area of a room that often gets neglected. I'm totally guilty of this...I focus on the floor and 4 walls but the white ceiling tends to stay, well, white. They asked several designers their thoughts and suggestions on this topic..."It's the last great frontier in decorating, and I almost never leave it bare. To me, that would be like showing up for a party empty-handed!" -Marlaina Teich (recommends using a pearlized paint to give a little shimmer); "I always think of a room as having six surfaces - four walls, plus the floor and ceiling." - Christopher Maya (try using a soft pastel color on the ceiling with off-white walls). How do you feel about painting the ceiling in a room? Please share your thoughts!

"The ceiling is the most overlooked and underused opportunity in decorating." -Jamie Drake (likes using an ethereal shade, such as I Love You Pink by Benjamin Moore).

This white lacquered ceiling gives the illusion that the ceiling is higher and opens up the space visually (via Apartment Therapy).

Try carrying the ceiling color down the walls about 6" to give a little interest! (photo found here)

This neutral adds warmth to the space and compliments the chocolate brown walls nicely.

I can't imagine the ceiling being white in this room! The purple just finishes off the dramatic look and feel (via Holly Dyment).

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IMAGE CREDITS: HOUSE & HOME; HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; AMANDA NISBET DESIGN