The ceiling is the most important wall in your home – and as a designer, this is how I get them right

Welcome to the first installment of a new column series by Tineke Triggs, designer and founder of her eponymous studio, as she joins Homes & Gardens’ By Design to reveal how she crafts rooms that are both artistic and luxurious.

When people enter a room, their eyes naturally take it all in – and when the ceiling is doing its job, they look up too. That’s exactly the point. I’ve always believed the ceiling is the most underrated – and yet most impactful – 'wall' in any space. It’s the fifth plane, a silent scene-setter that, when approached thoughtfully, can transform a room from the expected to the extraordinary.

For me, designing a ceiling is storytelling. It shapes intimacy, drama, light, and mood – and can even introduce a touch of whimsy or surprise. Here, I’ll share some of my favorite ways to get it just right.

1. Wallpaper – bring the drama overhead

Wallpaper on the ceiling is a bold move. Not for the faint of heart, it’s the perfect way to infuse a space with personality, or transform a tucked-away lounge into a jewel-box moment. Pro tip: a little sheen goes a long way.

In a recent project, we wrapped the ceiling in a dramatic, swirling paper that evokes both a stormy sky and a marble slab. Paired with navy cabinetry and brass accents, it introduces unexpected movement and depth. The eye naturally travels upward, and the room comes alive – moody, dynamic, and utterly captivating.

2. Paint – subtle can still be stunning

Not every ceiling needs to make a statement. Sometimes, restraint is the ultimate luxury. Paint is the simplest – and most versatile – tool in the ceiling playbook. It can ground a lofty space or bring elegance to a modest one, and it’s one of the quickest ways to give a room that polished, pulled-together feel.

I often pair wall and ceiling colors for a seamless, cocooning effect, or choose a darker ceiling to introduce subtle drama. In one serene living room, we kept the ceiling beautifully understated, letting the strong, dark fireplace and soft, neutral furnishings take center stage. The eye still rises, but more gently, creating quiet sophistication.

3. Decorative painting – turn your ceiling into a canvas

Why settle for ordinary when your ceiling can be a work of art? In one living room, we painted the coffered ceiling a deep navy and inlaid it with subtle metallic gold detailing. The tone-on-tone effect adds both structure and shimmer, while visually lowering the ceiling just enough to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

In a serene bedroom, we embraced a more playful approach. The ceiling was painted a rich green and adorned with delicately hand-painted gold leaf motifs that scattered around the perimeter like falling coins. Lighthearted yet elegant, it elevates the space without overwhelming it – a perfect example of how thoughtful ceiling design adds a bespoke layer of luxury.

Ultimately, a well-designed ceiling isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about how it makes you feel. Whether adorned with wallpaper, painted in a moody hue, or transformed into a mural, the ceiling sets the emotional tone of the space. So the next time a room stops you in your tracks, pause for a moment and look up.

Read more about how Tineke Triggs designs spaces here