As interior design gains popularity, individuals are increasingly exploring creative avenues to personalize their living spaces. The interior of a home serves as a canvas for reflecting the homeowner's unique personality. The ceiling, often overlooked, presents an opportunity to experiment with diverse patterns and lighting fixtures, adding depth and character to the space. While many ceilings remain a simple white canvas, they hold immense potential to introduce captivating design elements that can transform a house into a truly bespoke home.
"The trend in ceiling decoration has evolved significantly over the years. While decorative panels, often crafted from Plaster of Paris (POP) were once predominant, modern homeowners now have access to a wealth of design inspiration through platforms like Pinterest and Google. As a result, there's a growing preference for simpler yet aesthetically pleasing designs," shares Fardina Faridi, Architect at Best Holding Ltd.

When it comes to highlighting a space, a little can go a long way. Before jumping on the bandwagon, it is important to consider some factors to ensure a sleek ceiling design that will enhance the aesthetic of your home.

Consider the height of the ceiling

The height of the ceiling can greatly impact the feel of a space. High ceilings can make a room feel more spacious and grander, while low ceilings can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. When designing the ceiling, the proportions of the room need to be considered with an aim for a balanced look that complements the overall scale of the space. False ceilings can be a great option for optimizing the best use of high ceilings. On the other hand, low ceilings can be beautified with colors, various light fixtures, and textural elements.

Integrate lighting design

Lighting plays a crucial role in any space, and the ceiling is a prime location for incorporating different lighting elements. Recessed lighting provides general illumination, while track lighting can be used for highlighting artwork or architectural features. Consider pendant lights or chandeliers for an added touch of elegance. Don't forget the power of cove lighting, which creates a soft, ambient glow by placing light sources behind a strategically placed soffit or molding.

Photo courtesy: Next Space Associates

Add a layer with false ceilings

False ceilings are a great way to bring elegance to a living place. You can also integrate various lighting layers within the added ceiling to bring more depth and dimension to the space. It is important to consider the type of room and space as well. A bedroom and a living area will not have similar ceiling frames. While POP (Plaster of Paris) false ceilings are widely used for their low-maintenance and long-lasting attributes, they are more appropriate for offices and large areas. For a more elegant and classier look, wooden frames are a great option. Whether it is exposed wooden beams, wood planks, or wooden frames with intricate designs, it gives the living space a modern touch. "Another popular choice is gypsum as it is lightweight and easy to install. These are also more fire resistant," shares Khondokar Shakhawat Hossain, an interior design enthusiast and a businessman dealing with wood and hardware. While the price of wooden frames can go up from 600tk to 800tk per square foot, gypsum frames may vary from 300tk to 800tk per square foot.

Don't forget ventilation and HVAC

Ceiling design should also take into account the placement of ventilation ducts, air conditioning vents, and other HVAC components. Ensure that these elements are integrated seamlessly into the ceiling design to maintain functionality while preserving aesthetics. Nowadays, there are various decorative ceiling fans available that can complement any intricate ceiling design.

By considering these factors, you can transform your ceiling from a neglected surface to a design element that elevates the entire space. Remember, the possibilities are endless – so unleash your creativity and design a ceiling that reflects your personal style and enhances the functionality and ambiance of your home.

Faridi suggests, "Consider consulting with an interior design firm to handle all aspects of your project using their network of resources. However, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, your local carpenter can be invaluable in realizing your vision, leveraging their expertise and experience in the field."