Design Tip: Ceiling Treatments

Ceiling treatments can create high perceived value in a home. Take this dining room: it has a barrel-vaulted ceiling with what appears to be solid wood beams. However, each “beam” is actually made of three 2-by-6s, stacked and covered with drywall and decorated with wood corbels at the bottom. A faux finish completes the effect. Builder David Schenck of Wolfe Homes in Greensboro, N.C., says the ceiling was fairly easy to construct. “You just have to be exacting in your framing and take your time. It looks more expensive than it is.” The 6,950-square-foot showcase home was designed by Carolina Design Group of Cornelius, N.C. The Gilded Lily by Patra in High Point, N.C., handled the interior design.