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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.
For an all stainless steel kitchen we designed in For an all stainless steel kitchen we designed in Los Angeles, we enlivened the space with a patterned wallpaper on the ceiling and a spiffy marble island.  What better spot for the chef to take a break and enjoy the view?  📸 by @artgrayphoto  #whitewebbinteriors #interiordesign #kitchendesign #lainteriors #apartmentkitchen
Staircase as sculpture. In this repost from @arch Staircase as sculpture.  In this repost from @archidit, we see Pierre Debeaux, the sculptor of this staircase at Maison Pradier, as he descends his creation.
Silver and gold. Metallic accents, crisp upholste Silver and gold.  Metallic accents, crisp upholstery and patterned, wood-papered walls add up to a lovely and calming guest room in a penthouse we designed in Los Angeles.  📸 by @artgrayphoto
Filing cabinets never looked so chic. Loving the Filing cabinets never looked so chic.  Loving the intricate and beautiful detailing of the Alba Filing Cabinet by @bronsinablon designed in collaboration with @alexlithgowdesign of @otrasformas.nyc
For a narrow powder room in Weston, MA, we install For a narrow powder room in Weston, MA, we installed a mural-like wallpaper whose undulating design brought life and a sense of expansiveness to the space.  📸 by @michaeljleephotography  #whitewebbinteriors #interiordesign #bathroomdesign #powderroominspo #muralwallpaper
When my mom gave me a copy of BILLY BALDWIN DECORA When my mom gave me a copy of BILLY BALDWIN DECORATES in the 1970s I consumed it as if I was starved for style. And in Amarillo, Texas, I pretty much was. I still think it’s the best American interior design book ever written. I read it as a teenager from cover to cover more times than I could count, and drank in the images, memorizing every detail. More than twenty-five years ago I saw these 19th century Venetian monkeys in a Christie’s catalog and recognized them at once. I was a determined bidder. They link Billy Baldwin’s profound impact on my personal style and my love of Venice and all things Venetian. When I pulled my falling-apart copy of BBD from my library shelf a letter fell out, it was a thank you note from Billy Baldwin to a gentleman who lived on East 63rd. I’d forgotten I had this charming note, and don’t now recall where I got it. Needless to say I have long been obsessed with Mr. Baldwin, and sharing his delightful monkeys with you brings back many lovely memories. MW
Punches of fun color bring a touch of whimsy to a Punches of fun color bring a touch of whimsy to a kitchen we designed in Boston’s Beacon Hill.  #whitewebbinteriors #interiordesign #kitchendesign #beaconhillhome
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