In the past, the only rule of thumb when preparing a ceiling was to paint the ceiling a lighter shade than the walls in order to give the illusion that the ceiling was higher than it was. Most homeowners and builders painted it white. Those who were a little more adventurous opted for high-gloss paint in order to reflect light, but rarely would you find a completely different color or ceiling art as you do now.

Ryan Fancher of Desert Springs Construction has been putting more focus on the ceilings of the homes he builds, something his Production Supervisor Tenanco Borrego says is changing with the floor plans. In the past, homebuilders wanted rooms partitioned with walls. Now, open floor plans are much more elaborate, bringing more attention to the often forgotten ceiling.

“If you look at elaborate architecture around the world, you see they put a lot of concentration on their ceilings,” Tenanco says. “Focusing on the ceiling gives the room a feeling of grandness.”

Because the ceiling is important, Desert Springs Construction accentuates with different textures and paints, adding rope lighting to ledges along the ceilings, which brings a nice ambiance to the room. Skylights are also highlighted with various materials like slate, levels and lighting.

Fortunately, you don’t have to build a whole new home just to have a fantastic ceiling. For home improvement ideas that bring a focus to your ceiling, use the following:

• If you have a high ceiling and want to create a cozy feel, paint the ceiling a darker shade than the walls, making sure the color still fits in with the color scheme of the home.

• When using moldings on the ceiling, paint them the same color or a shade darker than the ceiling. The curves will add depth so a much darker color won’t be needed.

• In a small space over an entry-way or small room, add a mirror on the ceiling to add height and light to the space.

• Along the same lines as high-gloss paint to reflect light on ceilings, tin is a good way to reflect light in a dark area. Available tin tiles come in different finishes including brass, antique pewter, antique copper and chrome but can be pricey. Faux ceiling tin is cheaper and far enough away from the eye to look like the real thing.

• Ceiling fabric can be used to create an intimate feeling in a room and cover ceiling imperfections or electrical wirings. Try to use heavy, rich fabric and tent it with coordinating buttons.

• When using wallpaper to cover an unappealing or damaged ceiling, pick heavily embossed wallpaper and frame with a border or wood molding.

• Stencil ceiling with the same design used on the walls with horizontal or vertical lines, creating a continuing effect.

• Use crown moldings to frame a painted ceiling by placing them at the tops of walls and the edges of the ceiling, or even around ceiling fixtures like lights and ceiling fans.