Living Life Well: Traveling Around Europe…Decorative Ceilings
by Lauren Ballas – LEED AP
Architecture in Europe is jaw dropping and aw inspiring. Especially when it comes to churches and castles! I have chosen six of my favorite decorative ceilings to highlight my travels. There is everything from painted ceilings to intricate wooden beauties. On a smaller scale, you can choose details you absolutely adore from these luxurious European ceilings and have one of your own.
Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy - Photo Taken by Lauren Ballas
Buried underneath this colorful wooden ceiling are a few of the greats…Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo Galilei! I admire the use of the truss to create depth. The colorful detail on the medium toned wood makes you take a closer look at the history of this larger than life ceiling.
St. George’s Basilica, Prague Castle - Photo Taken by Lauren Ballas
Even though it’s simple, the ceiling was the first thing I noticed when I walked inside. There is repetition in the beams, warmth from the magnificent color and texture from knots in the wood that is seen nowhere else in the interior.
Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), Florence, Italy
On the classical arts side of things this ceiling will WOW anyone standing under it. The layers and circle windows in the walls surrounding the dome lead your eye straight to the top. You could stand there for hours wondering how the painter was able to portray such elegance and delicate scenes from so far away!
Lueger Gedächtniskirche, Vienna, Austria
Located at the center of the largest cemetery I have ever seen is this surprise. We were there paying our respects to Beethoven and did not expect to see a church of such size and vivid color on the inside. It’s the bluest of blues!
Szentháromság (Holy Trinity) Square, Budapest, Hungary
Magical and enchanting verandas, walkways and towers are located in the castle district of Budapest. I felt as though I was in a Disney movie exploring this part of the castle! The simple curved ceiling accented by lanterns rests upon archways that look out onto the city. The never-ending abyss will make you NEVER want to leave.
The Old Royal Palace, Prague
Ahh my favorite saved for last! The organics of the ceiling give the atmosphere a healing touch. Starting from the columns on the sides the winding stone décor shape the highly 3D contour of the ceiling. Put the concept towards the design of an outdoor veranda and it will be a conversation piece for any guest that comes to visit!
Have you fallen in love with the detail from these European ceilings?
Let Luxury for the Home design a ceiling for you that has history and meaning!
Call for an appointment 281-701-2461.
