A stunning new great room addition in Seattle is making waves for its jaw-dropping soaring ceiling that immediately captures attention. This expansive open concept living space perfectly balances sleek modern design with warmth and livability.
Introduction to This Impressive New Great Room
This light-filled great room was added onto a 1950s brick rambler to create a contemporary open flow. It features a tall, sloped ceiling that peaks at 24 feet at its highest point. This dramatically tall ceiling lends an airy, spacious feel and helps the great room feel bright and welcoming.
The soaring ceiling is undoubtedly the star of the show. It features exposed wood beams and trusses for an ultra modern industrial vibe. Skylights run the length of the ceiling, flooding the space with natural light. The ceiling evokes a cathedral-like feel, drawing the eye upwards.
Why the Owners Opted for a Soaring Ceiling
The owners wanted to create a great room filled with natural light that would serve as the core gathering area for entertaining and family time. They prioritized capturing views of Seattle’s green landscapes. The soaring ceiling and skylights perfectly achieve those goals.
The owners worked with an architect to cleverly add this tall addition onto the original footprint of the rambler. The end result is a spacious, modern great room that feels like a standalone addition. The gorgeous ceiling steals the show.
Design Details That Enhance the Soaring Ceiling
Thoughtful design choices enhance the feeling of airy openness in this great room. Here are some of the key details:
A Neutral Color Palette
The space features a soft neutral color palette of warm whites and light wood tones. This allows the eye to be drawn upwards towards the focal point – the ceiling. Dark colors would feel too heavy and overwhelming. The light color scheme contributes to the airy vibe.
Hardwood Flooring
Wide plank oak hardwood floors flow seamlessly from the great room into the open dining area and kitchen. The continuous hardwood creates a smooth, spacious feel and allows the ceiling to take center stage.
Large Windows and Glass Doors
Floor to ceiling windows and glass doors provide views of the wooded backyard and flood the interior with natural light. This connects the indoor space with the outdoors and makes the tall ceiling feel even more expansive.
Minimalist Decor
The furnishings and decor are minimalist and streamlined. This removes visual clutter so the ceiling and open floor plan can shine. Simple decor like a sectional sofa and unadorned tables keep the focus on the architecture.
Open Floor Plan
With no interior walls, the living, dining, and kitchen spaces flow together seamlessly. This open concept floor plan heightens the feeling of airy spaciousness, perfectly complementing the tall ceiling. Traffic flow is easy and natural.
Unique Lighting Fixtures Enhance the Ceiling
The great room’s lighting choices artfully enhance the soaring ceiling:
- Suspended modern pendant lights over the dining table contribute an industrial loft-like feel.
- Recessed lighting on dimmers keeps the space well-illuminated for tasks like cooking.
- Sconces mounted on the ceiling beams provide ambient lighting.
- Strips of LED lights along the perimeter of the ceiling mimic skylights and steer the eye upwards.
These varied lighting sources provide both beauty and function. They creatively highlight the architecture.
Achieving an Airy, Spacious Ceiling Height
For homeowners considering adding a taller ceiling, here are some tips:
- Work with an architect experienced in ceiling modifications and adding height.
- Evaluate the existing roof structure to see what’s feasible. Some retrofitting of roof supports may be needed.
- Building codes regulate ceiling heights, so ensure any plans meet local regulations.
- Adding skylights, clerestory windows, or glass doors boosts natural light.
- Include “filler” architectural details like exposed beams to draw the eye up.
- Keep furnishings low-profile and wall decor minimal. Let the architecture shine.
- Repeating design elements like continuous flooring or ceiling lighting visually expands the space.
This Great Room Addition Hits the Mark
This Seattle great room expansion is a case study in maximizing ceiling height for an airy, uplifting ambiance. The soaring ceiling here succeeds in creating a refined yet comfortable gathering spot bathed in natural light.
Homeowners wanting to incorporate similarly impressive tall ceilings and modern flair into their own great rooms or additions would do well to take inspiration from this elegant design. Its strategic use of ceiling height, open concept layout, abundant light, and crisp finishes come together seamlessly.
This great room’s breathtaking ceiling truly steals the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dramatic High Ceilings
Here are some common questions about achieving an impressive tall ceiling height in a great room or other living space:
What are the benefits of a tall, high ceiling?
Some top benefits include:
- Creates a feeling of openness and space
- Allows more natural light
- Provides architectural visual interest
- Can make rooms feel more airy and expansive
- Ceiling height can impact mood – higher feels more uplifting
- Allows flexibility in decorating and furnishing
How high should a great room ceiling be?
Typical modern great room ceiling heights range from 10-12 feet. For a particularly dramatic statement ceiling, aiming for 18-24 feet or higher is recommended. There is no absolute maximum, so setting ceiling height depends on room size, architecture, and personal preference.
How much does it cost to raise a ceiling?
Costs vary based on scope of work. Raising a ceiling 1-2 feet by removing a dropped ceiling and exposing trusses may cost $2,000-$5,000. Major renovations to completely change roofline and achieve cathedral height could run $20,000-$50,000. Get quotes from contractors.
What type of ceiling is best for large, open spaces?
Ceilings with architectural interest and height work well in great rooms. Some top options are cathedral ceilings, raised/coffered ceilings, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, and ceilings with skylights. Avoid low, flat ceilings.
Should I paint my high ceiling a dark or light color?
Light ceiling colors like white or soft greys keep the space feeling airy and expansive. Dark ceiling colors can feel heavy and overwhelming. If wanting drama, use dark colors only on accent beams or architectural details.
How do I decorate a room with very high ceilings?
Use tall furniture like floor lamps, shelving, and highboy dressers to fill vertical space. Hang art high on the walls. Repeat visual elements like lighting or trim at the ceiling line to draw the eye up. Keep furnishings low-profile to avoid clutter.
Conclusion
This impressive Seattle great room addition proves that maximizing ceiling height can create an expansive, uplifting ambiance. Strategic architectural design, abundant natural light, and minimalist decor all enhance the soaring ceiling as the focal point. For homeowners looking to incorporate similarly dramatic tall ceilings, this space shows that the right execution can help a ceiling steal the show. With careful planning and creative vision, a high ceiling can transform an ordinary room into an extraordinary statement space. This great room’s lofty yet livable aesthetic provides inspiration for designing ceilings that steal attention in all the right ways.
