Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds's 'fifth wall' is the most interesting we've ever seen – and uses this material to add timeless charm
Design experts encourage us to give the most forgotten part of the room 'the attention it deserves' – and this couple has already followed suit


When decorating a room, the ceiling may be the last thing we choose to accentuate – but experts say this 'fifth wall' should no longer be forgotten. And it seems Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are already on board with this teaching.
It may come as no surprise that we're already long-time lovers of the couple's New York home – with every space, including this (their main bedroom), exhibiting a rustic yet modern aesthetic. Drawing from its natural surroundings (located in leafy Pound Ridge), it's hard not to note the home's organic architectural assets – starting, most prominently with its wooden-beamed ceiling that sets a precedent for the wider organic modern design choices.
While we can't all enjoy the same architectural features seen in Lively's home, their space is nonetheless a reminder of just how impactful our ceilings can be. Whether we paint them or incorporate new textures (wood included), we feel encouraged to take them, quite literally, to a new level.
A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds)
A photo posted by on
'Many tend to ignore their ceilings when decorating their homes, but interior designers refer to it as the 'fifth wall' for good reason,' comments Cathryn Sanders, Head of Creative at Earthborn. 'You'll be surprised to learn just how much treating your ceilings, just as you would any other wall in your house, can completely transform the appearance of your rooms.'
In Lively/Reynolds's case, they exhibit statement wooden beams that complement the other wooden accents and paneling around their bedroom. However, we can still create an equally powerful talking point when beginning with a more conventional ceiling.
'Decorating the fifth wall has become a hit with interior designers and homeowners as it makes use of a crucial yet often neglected feature in your home and gives it the attention it deserves. The concept of taking what is essentially a blank canvas and making your own mark on it is hugely appealing and leaves plenty of room to let your imagination run wild,' Sanders explains.
A post shared by Blake Lively (@blakelively)
A photo posted by on
'With so much opportunity for experimentation, the possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your ceiling. Materials that would typically be associated with walls and floors, such as wood paneling or tiles, make for a really unique and striking aesthetic and are a clever way to challenge expectations.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
For a simpler alternative, we should also look to paint, or even wallpaper, that show we've taken the time to consider our fifth wall carefully.
'Wallpaper, artwork and murals have also become increasingly stylish options to decorate your ceiling with and create an air of decadence and sophistication. Faux effect wallpapers are especially great at this as they can recreate the appearance of luxury and high-end materials,' Sanders adds.
'Similarly, one of the most eye-catching ways to decorate your ceiling can be achieved with just a simple splash of paint. Whilst there is no right or wrong way to approach painting your ceiling, it can help to take into account how this will work with the overall design scheme of your room.'
Shop the Lively/Reynolds bedroom look
Ceilings aside, we can buy into the couple's bedroom with these inspired picks below.

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.
-
April is the ideal time to prune beautyberry shrubs – for a stunning display of vibrant berries this fall
Whether you choose to trim gently or hard prune, cutting back in spring promotes healthy and productive growth
By Drew Swainston
-
This kitchen has been transformed from cramped and outdated to warm and welcoming – and it's all thanks to a few thoughtful Japandi-style features
Warm wood tones, textural designs, and considered contrast are key to this beautiful transformation
By Molly Malsom