Q: Dear Tobi,

I am in the middle of a remodel and starting to plan my color scheme. I definitely don’t want to forget my ceilings, because I love the idea of branching out a bit and doing something other than a basic white. Do you have any ideas for thinking outside the box when it comes to ceilings?

Rhonda, Monticello

A: Hi Rhonda! You have asked one of my favorite questions! Why have a plain white ceiling when you can use color — and even pattern! — to make that fifth wall really stand out?

When I’m working on a project, I consider the ceiling to be an integral part of the room and give it the attention it deserves in the design process. There’s no end to the options that you can come up with as long as you take your overall design scheme and look into account.

Here are three projects of mine where I have pushed the boundaries on ceilings!

#1 Complete Classic

I designed this room for the Richmond Symphony Showhouse last year. Blue ceilings are one of the more popular color selections you will see featured in homes around the country. This is probably because they are calm, serene and remind us of the sky! If you’re working on an outdoor remodel I also love blue porch ceilings. This trend, which started in Charleston, SC, was said to ward off evil spirits and protect Southern homes several centuries ago. Spirits or no spirits, I love the look both indoors and out!

#2 Glowing Glamour

If you’re more of a glamour girl, then I suggest metallics. Have a faux-finish painter create a metallic work of art on your ceiling. This polished trend is a great accent not only for bedrooms, but also in shared spaces of your home. Greeting guests in a foyer with a metallic ceiling sets the tone for a polished and elegant home.

#3 Preppy Pattern

Last, but not least, adding pattern is a great way to think imaginatively when it comes to ceilings. I personally love using stripes, because they are a classic traditional pattern that can come to life in any palette, like this room I designed for the Hamptons’ Showhouse. If stripes aren’t your thing, you might also consider wallpaper. You can select a graphic pattern or try something a bit more whimsical like a botanical print.

I hope these ideas are helpful for your project! Good luck with your remodel.

Happy Decorating!
xo, Tobi

P.S. Want advice on your color dilemma? Send your questions to [email protected] or leave a comment here.