Treat your ceiling as a fifth wall

The ceiling of a room is usually the most under-decorated. Often, people direct a lot of time and energy worrying about how to make use of the four traditional walls and neglect the ceiling. If you want to re- decorate or are simply bored with a room, treat the ceiling as a fifth wall and discover ways to use it that will inspire your living space and give you a sense of wellbeing each time you look up. Lighting If you are completing a house and are contemplating a lighting system, consider the technique I am about to describe to you. Fix three or four lights across the middle of the room, such that they are descending from the ceiling. This will allow you to decorate the ceiling with light panels or boards to create a cozy atmosphere in the room. To make a light panel get a sheet of wood and carefully cut out round holes such that a light bulb can pass through each hole. To complete the job fix it to the ceiling in a suspending manner. This technique works best in dining rooms. A well decorated ceiling usually has a wonderful light fixture. Imagine how beautiful a room can look with customized light shades of unique colours. Coloured shades alter light. For example, if they are made from orange, the light in the room will be of a warmer tone. This type of lighting is effective when used in a room where relaxation is paramount. Make the ceiling unique Even the ceiling can be designed and painted to achieve a unique look. It can be left a plain colour, however, this shouldn’t apply in all cases. Painting various designs on the ceiling is an effective way to create an exclusive outlook on a room. The technique is particularly successful in children’s rooms. For subtlety, you may wish to use a ceiling colour which is slightly lighter or darker than the rest of your walls. Alternatively, a completely different colour on the ceiling will bring about dramatic atmosphere and completely liven the mood in the room. Once you have thought of wall imagery or paint colour that you are comfortable with, let your artist or designer know. However, if you feel confident enough, don’t hold back; paint it yourself! Remember to remove any furniture that may be in the way before you begin painting to avoid damaging them. Also, cover anything else in the room that you don’t wish to be painted, including the floor. As you chose colours, keep in mind that lighter ones make a room feel more open while darker colours will close in the room. Consider painting stripes or simple shapes such as circles with a colour that corresponds with the rest of the room. You could also add character to the space by running a design from the wall up onto the ceiling, or painting imagery around light fixtures- the options are limitless! It is quite common to place plants on the floor or shelves, but think about trying something different such as suspending them from ceiling hangers. So you see, ceilings don’t have to be boring. They are also an important wall in your home therefore utilize and incorporate them into the rest of your home design as much as you can. Ms.efuahagan@gmail.com