We push furniture up against them and hang light fixtures off them, yet our walls and ceilings remain some of the most overlooked design features in our homes. Well, the time has come for us to start giving them the attention they deserve, as both wall and ceiling treatments offer the opportunity to make a dramatic statement. If you’re looking for cost-conscious and time-sensitive ways to reinvent your space, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite style treatments from our model homes across Atlanta.
Ceiling Treatments
“Ceilings are oftentimes a forgotten part of a room and an opportunity missed for creating a dazzling focal point,” says Courtney Rogers, Director of Design at Empire Communities. “Calling attention to a ceiling can be one of the most powerful style statements you can make, so look up — not overlook — this fifth wall.”
The Harleigh model home at Halcyon in Alpharetta, GA.
Transform with Paint
Accent walls are a favorite design move because they allow us to introduce a pop of color and contrast to our spaces without taking too big a risk. Should you find yourself itching to take your design game to the next level, take a cue from Michelangelo and give your guests a reason to look up and marvel by painting the ceiling. “Using an accent color on the ceiling is one of my favorite design moves,” says Rogers. “It’s a relatively inexpensive way to elevate your space and create a custom look. Plus, white crown moulding will pop beautifully against a rich, moody hue.”
The Ashland model home at Larkspur in Alpharetta, GA.
Transform with Shiplap
While shiplap paneling is predominately used as a wall feature, it’s fun to shake things up and install this trim detail on a ceiling. “Using shiplap on the ceiling draws attention to the height of the room and can tie together other elements in the space,” says Rogers. “A stained finish in the Larkspur model adds texture, warmth and polish.”
The Concord model home at Harlow in Alpharetta, GA.
Transform with Coffered Ceilings
If you’re looking for a little drama overhead, enliven the room with a coffered ceiling. “Coffered ceilings can be painted all-white for a more traditional look, or in contrasting colors for greater visual effect,” says Rogers.
Wall Treatments
If you want to add an element of artistic flair to your home, then you’ll want to look into wall treatments like paneling and wallpaper. Using a wall treatment will easily enhance the look of your space through bold pattern, color and texture, creating a lasting impression you’ll love for years to come.
The Concord model home at Harlow in Alpharetta, GA.
Transform with Paneling
Considering walls are the largest surface in most rooms, they’re the perfect canvas. Wall paneling is an elegant upgrade that adds warmth and dimension, creates openness in a smaller space and, when applied vertically, heightens the feel of a space. “Adding wall paneling will immediately change the feel of the room. There are countless styles to choose from, including shiplap, beadboard and board and batten,” says Rogers. “You’ll be amazed by how much a wall treatment can transform the look of a space… you could walk into two identical homes and leave feeling that they’re completely different based on these details alone.”
The Ashland model home at Larkspur in Alpharetta, GA.
Transform with Wallpaper
Ever walked into a room that instantly impressed you with personality? Chances are it was decked in a fabulous wallpaper. A long-standing player in the interior design game, wallpaper is best loved for its versatility in pattern and texture, allowing for any number of looks and increased character in a space.