Does a plain flat ceiling work in a big open space?
Hi Houzzers,
this is our first time building I'd love your advice!
Our new house design has our kitchen, dinning and lounge room all in a row, creating one large rectangular space. The design leaves us with a plain flat ceiling the whole way across. Although our ceiling height is 2.7 m I'm worried this will look unattractive and oppressive (my husband thinks I worry too much, lol).
Should we break up this space somehow? or will look ok as it is?
We're on a fairly tight budget but I was considering options like an uplift (over the dinning area) or a baulk head across the kitchen (above island)? Or something? What do you guys think? Any thoughts, ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Comments (13)
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Comments (25)As Australias largest supplier of hydronic heating, we have been providing Australian homes with stylish, safe and comfortable hydronic heating and cooling solutions. As exclusive stockists of an extensive range of premium products, we ensure that all homes can enjoy the benefits of a low carbon, energy efficient system. We have just released an industry leading guide on Underfloor Heating, that contains information for both homeowners and installers, I believe the content within would be the perfect for many commenters on this post. If you're unsure on how to proceed with your project I recommend you take full advantage of our personalised consultation service, available for both homeowners and installers. Using the latest design software and coupled with the expertise of our Customer Service Team, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll design a bespoke solution that delivers superior comfort that is also environmentally friendly and energy efficient. If you would like a copy please email me on sophieo@huntheat.com.au, alternatively head to our blog to download a copy: Hunt Heating Blog...See MoreDoes the space you have dictate the style you use?
Comments (9)Suzineedsahouse, what is the era or character of the house you have moved into, because perhaps that will influence design style regardless of size? Also, if you have been knocking out walls is it likely to be more open plan?? I moved from a small 1960's era granny flat into an as-small Art Deco 1940's apartment and found I went with more classic furniture with the second place because it just suited the aesthetic of high ceilings, floorboards, wide skirting boards, fireplace, ceiling roses etc. Having said that, I live in a block of 6 apartments, and I have seen the other apartments decked out completely differently (all of similar layout), from really modern, to mid-century, also one with a real retro art vibe, and they all looked great and seemed to suit the space fine. So maybe go with your taste in the end??...See MoreThis or that: flat roof or pitched?
Comments (27)Flat roof with a box gutter down the middle is what we have on the house we have bought to move into after renovating - starting from the top down. i.e. A new roof. Present one a nightmare. Leaves from leafy garden - a major reason why we bought the place - pile up in box gutter, which overflows if not constantly cleaned out and anywhere the roof has been breached - e.g. Cable tv antennae and roof mounted airconditioner - somehow water trickles thro - no matter how much silicone gets poured into the crevices - or yet more flashing is replaced. We thought the place was tech-smart with everything controlled by remotes, but soon discovered the reason the 1980s house, built b4 internet, wifi, roller shutters, etc, is that it is impossible to hard wire thro the non-existant roof cavity ! Flat roofs tend to sit just cms above the ceiling. But none of that has permanently put us off the gorgeous minimalistic feel to the place - particularly as we have bought it, knowing it needed to be upgraded. . Aha, we thought. A nice big flat terraced roof with a fabulous view out over the treetops that we can use for a roof garden, entertainment area, etc - with easy access to the necessary box gutter to keep it free of debris, will be just the way to go ! Until our plans got to council - oh no, they said, roof terraces cause overlooking issues into neighbours' private spaces, and also they fear we might have a tribe of teenagers up there making a noise, or kicking a ball, disturbing the local amenity ! We were not that easily deterred. But it is not so easy, i have to warn those who have waxed lyrical about swimming pools and outdoor living with a view, etc, etc up on their roof ... we have had to compromise with 1800 high screening along one side, which fortunately we can camouflage amidst high overhanging trees, and pulling in terraced areas about a metre from the edge of the building - lessening the expanse of useable area considerably ... but we can still make it work, including solar panels on another part of the roof not in our terrace plans - they can easily be installed with angled brackets ( ie a flat or pitched roof is not really an issue when it comes to solar panels) - but turning a flat roof into a wonderful addition to the garden is turning out to be not quite what we originally envisaged And adding any extra weight on the roof, especially if it is going to be used as a living area, also invokes extra building regulations - like the earthquake code i.e think expensive engineers and extra strengthening of whatever is holding the roof up !...See MoreWould you have opened this space up or kept it partly divided?
Comments (22)I love what you have done with your renovation. I am very partial to large open plan living spaces. My only suggestion to this room would be to have 3 couches instead of one couch and a single chair. Situate one facing the tv and two on either side facing each other. This will define your space, encourage guests or family to talk and give a cosier feel to that area. The down side to large open spaces as mentioned by others are cooking smells, noise, heating and cooling costs. If the homes large windows are north facing with large eaves or shading for summer, the walls, floors and ceiling are well insulated and you have a well sealed home.This will dramatically improve the feel and comfort of this lovely home with out having high energy costs. I really hope your enjoying your new space....See More
ethanrd
8 years ago
PROLampert Dias Architects, Inc.
8 years ago
LouieT
8 years agoThat light is a David Trubridge design "Koura" and he has many different shapes and sizes.
This is an example of coffered ceiling looking though dining to kitchen. It will add probably costs to your budget.
Sydney House · More InfoCeiling heights are minimum 2400 mm high so 2700 is nicer for large rooms & agree with Lampert Dias Architects that 3000 mm would be more desirable. The extra volume would allow scope to add interest with ceiling height changes therefore defining the three zones.
By dropped ceiling I was meaning a feature panel over the dining table for example...
Contemporary Dining Room · More InfoBy a quick look at your idea book Our House I love this photo too and had only just added it to my own idea book this morning after looking for something to help you. That's cool!
Wheelers Hill Project · More Infojbantick
8 years agoethanrd
8 years ago
PROEnvirotecture
8 years agoethanrd
8 years ago- PRO
Lampert Dias Architects, Inc.
8 years ago ethanrd
8 years agoUser
8 years agofianou
8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
LouieT