Rethinking the Look of Things No. 69 - Ceiling Medallions

 

I believe that the ceiling medallion could be one of those design elements that has been designated as belonging to only traditional architecture, told to "stay in your lane". So, I am delighted when I see this piece of jewelry contrasted with a modern chandelier. It reminds me of the 1996 Oscars when in response to a fashion emergency, Sharon Stone followed her costume designer's solution and paired a Gap black tee with a Valentino skirt strutting down the red carpet to rave reviews. Two years later, Stone paired a crisp classic white button-down shirt with a lavender Vera Wang skirt showing that simplicity can be most memorable, whether on the red carpet or in the home.

Let's not let the ceiling medallion be scraped off the ceiling during renovation like the popcorn ceiling. It's worthy of staying and being embellished with just the right chandelier dangling from it like a showy trinket. It is important that the ceiling medallion, be included in your moulding plans, whether renovating or building so add this architectural item on the checklist. 

Just like any design element keep in mind too much is just, well too much, but don't limit the ceiling medallion placement to the dining room where it is traditionally installed. Mouldings are a statement in any room - plan thoughtfully.

Pairing a ceiling medallion with a well-selected chandelier hits the interior design principles of harmony, contrast and detail like a home run. Proportion and scale are crucial to pulling this off right. Take your time, explore all your options the right shoe will find the left shoe and it will be stunning.

We know that the foundation of a design plan, like an area rug is a good place to start, however we also know that there are times when we find that piece that we fall in love with for our home and a plan is designed around it. Be okay with this happening with the chandelier that might be the bauble dangling from the ceiling medallion that you haven't finalized yet. Sometimes design works backwards. If it belongs in your design biography it will fall into the design plan in just the right spot.

Look up! What is your ceiling design telling you? Is your chandelier missing its piece of jewelry? Is your ceiling missing embellishment and is it a ceiling medallion with a well-chosen chandelier?

Sources: Domino Magazine, Art House Antiques, Nordic Design, Lindsey Ademan Studio, Gunter & Co., Devita, Emily A. Clark, Architectural Digest, Pinterest