QUICK! How many walls are there in a standard square/rectangular room?
If your answer was: 4... obviously?... I don't blame you. But here's the deal: that response (which would have been mine if you asked a few days ago) tells me you're likely neglecting a serious opportunity to liven up your house.
New York City's "Contractor to the Stars" and Million Dollar Contractor star Stephen Fanuka — who has a long list of A-list clients, like Bruce Willis, Tina Fey, Beyoncé, and Michael J. Fox — wants you to scream this from the rooftops: "The ceiling is your fifth wall."
Once you see some of these ideas, you'll understand his point. A creative ceiling can completely change the look of a room, taking a space from so-so to stunning.
Paint it.
An easy and relatively inexpensive way to change a room? "Put a pop of color on the ceiling," Stephen says. A pale blue, like this, is a soothing pick for places where you want to relax.
Open it up with windows.
The Million Dollar Contractor star took natural light to the next level in this bright apartment.
Add wallpaper.
Wallpaper might be too much for you on all four walls, but if you want a dose of pattern, try putting it on the ceiling, Stephen says. It really ties everything in this office together.
Expose The Beams — Or Add Them In.
It adds character and draws your eye up, making the room look even more spacious.
Tile it.
Tin tiles bounce light, brightening up the room, while making it gleam. Check out this fun fifth wall in Meg Hoburg's kitchen.
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