Sunday, September 26, 2010

A Notch Up - the ceiling





I love to add interest to ceilings a la some of the pictures in my post: All Taped up. But my favorite is this one that I painted and decoupaged in my dining room. I would have loved to repeat something similar in the family room remodel but the ceiling is rough plaster and you need a smooth surface to do painted techniques...so, I was a bit stumped? Than an idea struck!





I sent away for these. And this is what I did. First I put up a very inexpensive molding leaving a 24 inch border. The border was painted the same color as the walls; the center of the ceiling was painted white. This lends an amazing visual effect, adding dimension and depth, creating the effect of a recessed ceiling. This was nice but I have always wanted a ceiling with decorative plaster accents and this was my chance!

First, I applied rope trim around the molding to give a touch of color and finish off the edges. Rope trim is a wonderful way to add definition between contrasting paint colors in older houses where walls and ceilings aren't straight. Then in each corner I applied a decorative onlay - easily glued on, spackled and painted the same white as the rest of the ceiling.


Here is the before...(this picture was taken before I painted  the ceiling border the in the wall color)





And here are...the afters











I am very pleased with the results. Actually, doing the ceiling was easy; the hard part was trying to take these pictures! (I so want a wide angle lens) I hope you like it and it has inspired you to do something creative with your, "fifth wall": your ceiling.

Resources:  Crown-molding.com
                   Trimsplus.com

15 comments:

  1. There are so many intriguing things you can do with molding. Your ceiling project is lovely...

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  2. ...and I finally translated your title. Nice!

    The only language I ever studied was Latin which, while invaluable for picking through most romance languages, was not doing the job for your title.

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  3. your den is looking mighty fine!
    I'll bet Raleigh's applauding your choices...
    don't get overheated today!

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  4. Hi thankyou for your sweet comment on my blog, I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know you came by. Love your ceiling treatment. I have some molding panels on my living room and entry. If you go to my archives you will see one on the 5th wall also!! Nice to meet you,kathysue

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  5. I am anxious to see your new ceiling ornamentation! When I went to the Showcase House last year, all the interior designers decorated the 5th wall. Great job!

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  6. Your ceiling looks gorgeous. Amazing work with a real wow! effect.

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  7. How pretty! You did a great job.

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  8. Well that looks wonderful! I love how that turned out. Your first embellishment was also beautiful. Very nice. Thanks for stopping by.
    Sherry

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  9. That is so beautiful!! I love it!! I never would have thought to add a touch of elegance to my ceilings...thanks for the idea and for sharing.
    Fondly,
    Ann
    @
    The Tattered Tassel

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  10. You have gone and done it again. I love, love, love your ceilings!

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  11. I love this idea! This is the first time I've seen this done!

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  12. I love what you did to this ceiling! Beautiful!

    I'm sorry I'm just now replying to your sweet comment, we were out of town and just returned late tonight!

    Nice blog!

    Katherine

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  13. I really like the ceiling treatment. Now all you need is a comfy couch to lie down and relax while looking up at your creation.
    Dayna

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  14. Wow!!! Such a simple addition...but it added so much impact!! Beautiful!

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  15. How utterly romantic! I love the detail you've added to this ceiling. Simple things can definitely increase the beauty quotient. ;)

    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com

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