Ceiling beams can look as rustic or contemporary as you'd like.
Vaulted ceilings open up a room, and are frequently used in the room designed to be the family gathering place; as such, it's not unusual to find them in kitchens. When initially decorating the kitchen, the only thought generally given to the ceiling is how far the exhaust assembly will have to reach, but taking a closer look at the ceiling as a design element instead of just the "lid" to the room can elevate an average room to something special.
Use Color
Instead of just slapping on a coat of ceiling white, consider painting the ceiling one of the colors you used in the rest of the room. A dark color will visually draw the ceiling down and make the room feel more intimate, and it has the added advantage of hiding the stains that can gather as the result of smoke or cooking fumes. If dark colors are too bold for your space, consider using a tint that coordinates with your dominant color. For example, if your walls are a deep gold, paint the ceiling a very pale, neutral yellow or beige to warm the room without losing the sense of height.
Add Beams
If your kitchen decor tends toward rustic, consider adding beams. They can run vertically along the steep sides of the ceiling, laying flush against the surface, or they can run side-to-side at any height. If you hang them low enough, they double as a place to hang pots and pans within easy reach. There's no need to use solid wood beams, which can be pretty expensive in that size -- a skilled carpenter or handyman can build hollow box-like beams solid when viewed from below.
Add Texture
Forget the stucco, popcorn and knockdown ceiling textures you're used to. A vaulted ceiling offers much more room for creativity with texture. Consider pressed tin panels, either painted or in polished metal -- these can be pricey, but most home improvement stores sell thermoplastic reproductions real from a distance, at a fraction of the price of the originals. Wood paneling is also a popular option due to the sheer variety of wood available. Choose planks that match your wood floors, or a contrasting color for emphasis. Planks made specifically for ceiling applications are thinner than planks made for flooring, so may be lower in price.
Drop Half
Dropping a portion of your vaulted ceiling creates a cozier space and a dramatic visual statement. Consider installing a drop ceiling over the kitchen work area -- this allows room for recessed lighting where you need it most, but leaves the spaciousness of the rest of the room intact. Painting the dropped section a different color than the high section adds interest. The new high wall created on the front of the dropped portion can contain built-in shelves or a small display loft, which will draw the eye upwards and add to the illusion of space, making the area with the low ceiling feel less closed-in. This is a big job, and is best left to a professional.
Tags: rest room, that look, vaulted ceiling