Kitchen Design Inspirations from the Top Down

(HIT) - When today’s homeowners think about remodeling their kitchen, most immediately think that appliances, cabinets and countertop upgrades are the key to transforming the heart of their home. The majority seems to overlook the surface area with the most unobstructed square footage — the ceiling. It’s time for homeowners to look up and consider the fifth wall as an untapped resource for design inspiration.

Homeowners in search of a simple solution for their kitchen remodel need only look up to find inspiration. The kitchen ceiling is often a blank canvas that offers homeowners a perfect place to start updating their space from the top down. Beyond the traditional application, decorative ceilings are a design element that can be applied in a variety of ways. Armstrong is one company that offers a diverse line of products that provide multiple options for kitchen remodels, including ceiling, backsplash, wainscoting and wall applications.

Armstrong provides multiple options for kitchen remodels, including inspirational products for ceilings, backsplashes and wainscoting applications. Designed from the top down, the kitchen above includes Armstrong’s Tin Look™ mineral fiberboard panels painted in silver on the ceiling; a Metallaire™ decorative metal backsplash in stainless steel and painted WoodHaven® laminate planks as a wainscoting.

"When I want to add verve to a kitchen space, the ceiling is one of the first places I consider to achieve that special dash of originality. Kitchens are truly the heart of a home, and I use decorative ceilings to achieve the warmth and texture that reflects that ideology," said Eric Cohler, founder of Eric Cohler Design and Armstrong Michelangelo Design Council member. "Ceiling tiles can be used in a variety of style solutions from contemporary to traditional. My favorite design approach is to take a product with its design firmly rooted in the past, such as Armstrong’s Tin Look™ tiles, and use it to create an updated look for today’s lifestyle."

Tin Look™ is used solely for ceiling applications and is available in eight distinct patterns that replicate the look of stamped-metal ceilings. Made of 40 percent recycled materials, homeowners can install the mineral fiberboard tiles in their original state, or paint or faux finish the tiles to match individual taste and existing decor.

"Using the fifth wall for inspiration allows homeowners to look at design in an entirely new way and create a personalized sanctuary with products unique to their individual lifestyles," said decorative painter Shannon Kaye, host of Fresh Coat and Armstrong Michelangelo Design Council member. "To quickly and easily personalize your kitchen space with Tin Look™ paintable ceiling tiles, spray or paint each tile with your favorite metallic or pearlescent color. Then, I like to wash over this coat with a thin layer of glaze mixed with just a hint of white to soften the sparkle and add a little age to the look. For a richer luminescent effect, paint the ceiling tiles in a deep color topped with your favorite metallic paint."

Presently, the industry is trending toward more contemporary design looks, which can be adapted to suit a number of different tastes. Homeowners can infuse conventional design into a modern kitchen space by using a more traditional product like Metallaire™ as a backsplash to contrast with sleek, updated cabinets and hardware. Not only is this a simple remodeling solution, but it provides the same dramatic result as installing brand new countertops or appliances without the price tag.

Armstrong’s Metallaire™ line of decorative metal ceiling panels are perfect for kitchens and can also be used in wall and backsplash applications. The product line features 12 styles and offers five finishes including brass, copper, chrome, paintable white and steel. Backsplash panels are available in a stainless steel finish. Metallaire™ ceiling panels reflect the classic 19th century look of pressed metal ceilings and are made of 60 percent recycled steel.

Brighten up any kitchen with Armstrong’s Metallaire™ stainless steel backsplash panels.

"Metallaire™ is a popular selection for a traditional design look," explains Ann Miller, product designer at Armstrong. "It reflects light, making your kitchen appear larger, and accentuates the warmth factor inherent in everyone’s kitchen. For those with less conventional design tastes, Armstrong’s WoodHaven® ceiling planks reflect a more casual style and achieve the same result."

True to the name, Armstrong’s WoodHaven® laminate ceiling planks create the warm look of real wood. The product offers homeowners yet another versatile design option, with nearly 20 different finishes available, as well as the appeal of being made of 100 percent recycled materials. Additional applications include wainscoting and backsplash, available in Painted White and Beadboard finishes, which are paintable.

"Using WoodHaven® creates incredible drama and the illusion of height on even the lowest ceiling," said Cohler. "The planks are beautiful on their own, but the flexibility of the product is evident when you begin to play with paint colors and positioning. For a dramatic effect, they can be used to create a pinstripe or alternated in horizontal and vertical patterns."

To achieve a unique kitchen remodel, homeowners can use multiple ceiling products in different applications. For example, applying Tin Look™ to the ceiling, installing a stainless steel Metallaire™ backsplash and using WoodHaven® as wainscoting creates a complete kitchen solution for every taste. Although the products are different, they work together to add texture and depth to any kitchen space.

"People are always looking for new design ideas," said Rich Wiley, associate marketing manager for Armstrong’s residential ceilings division. "Ceiling designs can inspire an entire kitchen remodel, and the versatility of decorative ceiling treatments allows homeowners to achieve stunning results within their budgets. Even the simplest of updates can provide a significant return on investment."

But, that’s only the beginning. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, start at the top and check out all the ceiling options at www.armstrong.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center