• Home
  • About
  • Portfolio
    • Private Residences
    • Public Spaces
  • Books
    • Italy of My Dreams
    • Books by Others
  • Press
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

White Webb

Over the Top: Making a Ceiling Statement

Design Log

30 Oct

Why stop at four walls when you can make a statement overhead? The ceiling is often the most overlooked surface in a room, yet it holds the power to completely transform a space. We see a room’s ceiling as a creative opportunity, whether through bold pattern, architectural detailing, or unexpected color, a statement ceiling brings dimension and drama that elevates the entire design. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite statement ceilings from past projects!

Wallpapered Ceilings

Whether adorned with a subtle texture, a shimmering metallic, or a bold pattern, wallpaper overhead adds depth, warmth, and a sense of surprise to a space. It draws the eye upward, enhancing proportions and infusing personality, turning a room into an experience rather than just a space.

Coffered Ceilings

Coffered ceilings bring a sense of timeless architecture and sculptural beauty to any room. Defined by their recessed panels and geometric rhythm, they introduce depth and dimension that immediately elevate a space. They not only draw the eye upward but also create a framework that anchors the entire design, lending both grandeur and intimacy to a room.

Tray Ceilings

Tray ceilings introduce architectural elegance that redefines the character of a room. With their recessed center and layered edges, they create height and dimension while framing the ceiling as a feature in itself. Whether expressed in crisp rectilinear lines for a modern effect or softened with graceful curves for a more fluid feel, tray ceilings adapt beautifully to any style.

Painted Ceilings

Sometimes the simplest gesture makes the biggest impact. A painted ceiling can add drama and whimsy with just a brushstroke. From bold, saturated hues to soft washes of color, painted ceilings prove that design transformation doesn’t always require structural change.

Clad Ceilings

Clad ceilings bring material richness and craftsmanship overhead, transforming the ceiling into a design feature in its own right. Whether covered in warm wood paneling, gleaming tile, or a soft textile, these surfaces add texture, depth, and dimension. Layering materials where least expected offers a tactile elegance that anchors the room while infusing it with character and distinction.

Previous Post: « Design Spotlight: Inside a Glass-Walled Library Above L.A.
To add a touch of drama to a NYC loft, we designed To add a touch of drama to a NYC loft, we designed a folding screen inset with antiqued mirror as a backdrop for a stunning Buddha figure.  Set atop an architectural fragment we repurposed as a console and flanked by gorgeous Klismos chairs, it’s a study in serenity and beautiful forms.  📸 by @artgrayphoto  #whitewebbinteriors #interiordesign #nycloft #foldingscreen #nycinteriors
Marveling in the clipped perfection of these topia Marveling in the clipped perfection of these topiary gardens @chateaudelaballue  #designinspo #landscapedesign #gardendesign
Dog people, cat people and bird people are a breed Dog people, cat people and bird people are a breed among themselves. Matthew recalls the memories of past lives of his beloved dogs from childhood onward, through old photos and other meaningful objects. Not that he needs reminding of their existence or their love. The exhibition catalog of “designers and their dogs” titled BARK, with photos by @andrewfrenchphotographer was produced by @samanthanester 
#dogs #beagles #dachshunds #bassethounds #hounds
For a home we designed in New York’s Hudson Valley For a home we designed in New York’s Hudson Valley, a pair of antique globes set the stage for some serious exploration in the library just beyond.  📸 by @artgrayphoto  #interiordesign #hudsonvalleyhomes #hudsonvalleyinteriordesigner #library
Some juicy color whets the appetite on an outdoor Some juicy color whets the appetite on an outdoor dining patio we designed in New York’s Hudson Valley.  📸 by @artgrayphoto
Repost from @modern.architect. It’s AI, but who’s Repost from @modern.architect.  It’s AI, but who’s up for making it real?  We love the melding of old and new in this visionary seaside design by @matitectura.
Three of these clocks have been in Matthew’s colle Three of these clocks have been in Matthew’s collection for more than twenty years, all have stories. The rooster clock is carved wood, possibly Italian, or perhaps Scandinavian? The most recent addition and most simple in design holds layered meaning that is deeply felt. This English clock from the 1930s gets wound every Sunday and keeps excellent time, each quarter hour heralded by resonate chimes. Matthew loves old clocks so much he wrote a book on the topic! @abbevillepress #antiqueclocks #clocks #clockchimes
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
AD Badge: Pro Directory | 2026 Featured Designer

Copyright © 2026 White Webb · About · Contact