The Up Side

A fresh crop of Utah Valley homes takes style to new heights with striking, wood-embellished ceilings 

A Woodland home’s mountain setting inspired handsome wood features throughout the home. The kitchen’s gridded wood ceiling panels and a lowered ceiling level help delineate its open space from the adjoining great room. They also foster a cozy, warm feel for the kitchen area. Builder: Vanko Construction; interior design: New View Design.

Photos: Utah Valley Video (1,2,3); USD (4)

A theater room features wide, light-toned wood panels that flow from the walls onto the ceiling for a seamless, contemporary look in a Highland home. Recessed lighting is integrated into the wood features, providing a soft, ambient glow that enhances the room’s cozy ambiance. Builder: Millhaven Homes; interior design: Millhaven Interiors. 

Photos: Utah Valley Video (1,2,3); USD (4)

Richly finished wood beams crown the light-filled entry of a Lake Shore home. Their geometric angles complement the characteristic V-shaped weave of the herringbone-patterned wood floor below. Builder: Innovate Construction; interior design: New View Design.

Photos: Utah Valley Video (1,2,3); USD (4)

Fashioned with layered wood panels articulated in triangular forms, a trio of recessed ceiling trays delivers dimension, height and dramatic lighting to an Alpine home’s game room. The ceiling’s dark color accentuates these lighted architectural features. Builder: E-Builders; interior design: Heather Hansen Design.

Photos: Utah Valley Video (1,2,3); USD (4)

Designed to add texture and warmth to the Highland home’s primary bedroom, a white oak slat system drops from the ceiling and is backlit to add a warm glow. The feature helps “visually soften the room’s stone and add depth to the plaster walls,” says designer Allison Campbell. Builder: Hawkstone Luxury Homes; interior design: Allison Campbell Design.

Photos: Utah Valley Video (6, 7); USD (5)

In a Highland home, a great room’s vaulted ceiling features broadly spaced, warm-toned wood beams in a symmetrical pattern that contributes to the room’s balanced look and spacious feel. Lighting strips cleverly accentuate the beams and help illuminate the open living areas. Builder: Millhaven Homes; interior design: Millhaven Interiors. 

Photos: Utah Valley Video (6, 7); USD (5)

With the look of light-toned walnut, a Longboard-clad ceiling crowns a Mapleton home’s light-filled entry, indoors and out. The ceiling’s rich wood tone visually warms the glass-walled entry and creates a seamless transition from the exterior into the home. Builder: Brinkerhoff Custom Construction; interior design: Four Chairs Furniture. 

Photos: Utah Valley Video (6, 7); USD (5)

Large windows allow natural light to flood into the great room, accentuating the beauty of its wood-planked ceiling and the substantial beams running horizontally across the space. The wood ceiling, with its natural tones, balances the soaring height, creating a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Builder: KB Builders Custom Homes; interior design: House of Jade. 

Photos: Utah Valley Video (8); USD (9, 10)

In the main hallway of an American Fork home, crossing box beams overlay the rift-cut red oak planks that clad the eye-catching ceiling. The design team backlit the beams with LED lighting and dressed them with special covers to diffuse the light. Large pendants and three picture lights add to the space’s dramatic lighting. Builder: Kaizen Custom Homes; interior design: Eclectic Design Co. 

Photos: Utah Valley Video (8); USD (9, 10)

Custom box beams crisscross the ceiling of an Alpine home’s primary bedroom, adding character and warmth to the space. Their rich, mid-tone finish complements the room’s wood floors and transitional furnishings. Builder: E-Builders; interior design: Heather Hansen Design.  

Photos: Utah Valley Video (8); USD (9, 10)
Portrait by Amanda Peterson

“Often referred to as the fifth wall, the ceiling is an opportunity to deliver additional warmth and texture to a room.”

—Designer Allison Campbell


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Brad Mee
Brad Mee is the Editor-in-Chief of Utah Style & Design Magazine.