Designing For The Heights

Designing homes with unusually high ceilings can be a daunting task for any decorator or homeowner. These magnificent spaces present exceptional design opportunities, but there are challenges to consider to achieve a stunning and functional space.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Scale: Make sure the furniture and decor are appropriately sized for the space. Avoid tiny furniture pieces and accessories). Tall and Large-scale pieces can help ground the said area, making it feel less cavernous.
2. Lighting: High-ceiling buildings can be dark in some instances, so it's essential to use creative lighting to bring life to the space. For instance, extra Tall Pendant lights, chandeliers (between 8ft - 10ft from the floor to the tip of your light), and wall sconces can help highlight architectural details and not still feel diminished.
3. Color Scheme: Choosing a complementary color scheme to emphasize the height of the room can create a beautiful aesthetic effect. Lighter hues can give an airy feel while darker tones create a cozier ambiance.
4. Texture: applying various bold textures and patterns on elements like rugs, curtains, flooring, woven baskets, or wooden elements can add variety and warmth to the room.
5. Curtains: this is the best time to make a bold statement with floor-to-ceiling curtains which can easily complement the void space above.
6. Artwork: Hang oversized paintings or sculptures as a focal point to enhance the grandeur of the space. Back to our earlier point on scale, this is not the time to fill the space with tiny/smaller pieces of accessories.

But that's not all! In addition to these tips, here are some challenges to keep in mind when designing for high ceilings:

1. Lighting: Appropriate light fixtures that fill the space and provide adequate lighting can be challenging to find.
2. Acoustics: Echos can be loud and disruptive with high ceilings. Paying attention to room acoustics is critical to preventing sound from bouncing off walls.
3. Decor and Furnishings: Choosing furniture to fit the extra height that maintains its proper proportion is essential. Consulting an interior designer can provide valuable insights and support for the best possible outcome.

Designing interiors for high-ceiling buildings requires both a balanced and eye-catching design that considers all the challenges that come with it. Don't let the challenges discourage you; embrace the unique design opportunities of these magnificent spaces!