Decorating Obstacles: Big Open Walls (part one)

I got to see my best friend’s new home last weekend while we were traveling. It is a great space with a huge open floor plan with great vaulted ceilings. The wall space is a little intimidating though. Soaring over two stories high on several of the walls, the question on what to do with that much blank space is overwhelming.

Of course, she is not the only person in this situation. With the popularity of the open floor plan and vaulted ceilings, there are a lot of walls out there that need to be spruced up!

How do we add the flourish then? I have been pondering this and I am planning on giving you guys lots of ideas over the next several days.  (All photos below are from Houzz - go start your own ideabooks if you love these!)

Trim and Paint

For the first part of this series, I wanted to focus on the least expensive option, paint and trim.  These can work wonders in a room that might be all white right now.  Paint and trim work assist you in dividing up sections, allowing you to flow from one area into another, or creating the "focal" point in the room.  In the pics below, we can see how paint and trim can draw the eye up.

This photo of a loft library is one of my favorite pictures on Houzz. Done by Donald Billinkoff Architects, I love how the paint draws the eye up to the top window casement where they have added a thick molding. They have then painted the top section of the wall the same color as the ceiling. That color is then used on the back wall of the loft area as well. Genius!

This is fantastic and was done by Team 7 International. This is a great example of how to use the same paint color on both the walls and the ceiling. Here they have taken what could have been just a “nice” vaulted ceiling and by adding the trim work along all the different angles, it has been turned into a striking architectural feature. The built up mantel also helps fill the space, although personally I find that a little bulky. The mirror is a great idea though!

This space by Rosemarie DiSalvo, is a great example of how to highlight an alcove with a vaulted ceiling. Those of you with above-the-garage bonus rooms, take notes! I love how this nook has been painted a rich deep brown that draws you back into this sitting area. Coordinating window treatments that also pull in the color of the main room are another great touch!

So what about you? Please share your ideas for decorating big spaces. If you have written about it, I would love to see your links.

Next up tomorrow - Using built-ins to add storage and create visual interest! Make sure you don't miss it - subscribe to my blog or follow me on twitter.