This clever ceiling trend gives Jesse Tyler Ferguson's living room a 'cozy and intimate atmosphere' – designers say

With this detail, the Modern Family actor and his husband Justin Mikita turn their living room effortlessly chic

jesse tyler ferguson
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The ceiling is one of the most overlooked elements in interior design. Using innovative ceiling materials, textures, or patterns can elevate any space to look original and intentionally designed, so it's important not to forget. And nobody inspires us to take the ceiling more seriously than Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

The living room ceiling in the home shared by Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita perfectly embodies just how impactful this feature can be. The couple's living room is cozy and textural, with elements that look at once modern and classic. Their natural wood-panelled ceilings tie the look all together.

Experts love the space created by Mandy Cheng Design. Zeina Halwani, interior designer at Gorman's Home Furnishings & Interior Design states: 'I find that incorporating paneled ceiling in an open living room can elevate the overall design by emphasizing the architectural uniqueness of the space. The vertical lines created by the panels not only add visual interest but also contribute to a heightened sense of spaciousness and aesthetic cohesion.'

Zeina Halwani
Zeina Halwani

Zeina is a Michigan-based interior designer. She has an MFA in Interior Architecture from the Lebanese University and 25 years of experience in the design industry. She currently works as a manager and interior designer at Gorman's Home Furnishings.

She continues on the living room ceilings, stating: 'The ceiling paneling provides an open and airy feel, maximizing vertical space in the living room. The design creates a visually striking focal point, emphasizing the distinctive structure elements and creating a more expansive atmosphere. Additionally, the paneled ceilings can contribute to a cozy and intimate atmosphere, balancing the open design and a touch of warmth and style.'

Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens adds: 'The ceiling idea in this space is so effective because it adds yet another dimension of texture in Jesse and Justin's space. Though the color palette in the room is simple, the hardwood floors, matte cream walls, natural stone fireplace, deep blue accent wall, and light paneled ceiling add visual interest that gives the room a bold, innovative, and new feel.'

Jennifer Ebert
Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

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Jesse Tyler Ferguson's living room is the perfect example of how a ceiling can act as a 'fifth wall' and create texture and interest in any room. To build a space space with an ultra-stylish and finished look, don't neglect the ceilings. 

Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.