Posted May 25 in Expert Tips & Advice

What is a raked ceiling and why is it a must for your new home?

Do you want to create a light, bright and airy space that radiates grandeur, without the hefty price tag? Perhaps you have a small home you wish to make feel bigger? Or you love oversized furniture but don’t want your abode to feel cluttered?

Raked ceilings may be the answer. We sat down with Boutique Homes Interior Designer, Nicole Messina, to help better understand the benefits of a raked ceiling.

 

What are raked ceilings?

Raked or vaulted ceilings are an incline ceiling, where the roofline soars upwards to merge at a single point. Unlike your usual ‘flat ceiling’, raked ceilings make use of the unused space above you and provide additional height to select rooms in your home.

‘I tell my customers to imagine a cathedral, but often it’s the photos that do the talking and communicate the ‘wow’ factor,’ says Nicole.

‘Raked ceilings are one of our most popular upgrades – and for good reason.’

There are two options when it comes to raked ceilings. A singular rake, where the highest point of the ceiling is to one side, creating an angled roofline. Or a double raked ceiling, where the two walls meet at a centre point, like a tent.

 

The benefits of raked ceilings

1. Create the illusion of space

Raked ceilings are perfect for homes with a smaller footprint. The raised ceiling – usually positioned above an open plan living area – instantly makes even a small lounge-dining space feel light, bright and airy.

‘The lowest part of the ceiling usually falls over the kitchen, simultaneously creating a cosy hub where the family can congregate,’ adds Nicole.

2. Produce drama and interest

Raked ceilings can quickly turn a run-of-the-mill room into a grand space, while being both easy to achieve and affordable.

‘Raked ceilings not only provide the illusion of more volume, they’re also an architectural feature that adds drama, excitement and emotion with little to zero styling needed,’ explains Nicole.

‘Your eye is immediately drawn upwards and to the living area, which quickly becomes the focal point of the home.’

Consider adding a wood-look fireplace to the living room wall to enhance your raked ceiling’s impact.

3. Provides greater airflow

Stuffy rooms are a thing of the past, thanks to raked ceilings. More space up above means better airflow throughout your home. This is particularly helpful in summer – open a window and let the hot air rise away from the living spaces while enjoying the cool breeze.

4. Reflects light

Raked ceilings reflect both natural and artificial light making your home feel even brighter. The additional height also means you can install larger, floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to take full advantage of the sun.

‘The ceiling height provides more opportunities for light to bounce off the walls and flood your home with natural light,’ explains Nicole.

‘Many of our customers who choose raked ceilings opt to include a feature window near the apex or top of the roofline, letting even more light in and creating a beautiful aesthetic.’

5. Help bring the outdoors-in

A raked ceiling over your open plan living space can enhance the flow of your home to your outdoor living spaces.

‘The additional ceiling height matches your interior to exterior, creating a grand entrance to your alfresco and a sense of bringing the outdoors-in – without actually opening the door,’ explains Nicole.

‘This is particularly helpful given the cooler climates of Melbourne and Regional Victoria.’

6. Adds extra style and substance to a space

Higher ceilings and the illusion of space means you can let your interior design creativity flourish (and include standout pieces) without the room feeling cluttered.

‘Many of our customers use the higher ceilings as an opportunity to experiment with darker flooring they might not have otherwise considered, for fear it would make the room feel small,’ says Nicole.

‘The use of opulent pendant lighting and oversized furniture that might have looked a bit too much are also very popular with our customers who favour the raked ceiling.’ Think feature floor lamps, large-scale artworks and that stuffed couch you’ve always wanted to snuggle into during winter.

Although architectural by nature, you can style your raked ceiling to fit your overall interior theme. What’s more, the raked ceiling doesn’t impact your choice of façade.

‘Raked ceilings are extremely versatile. The single rake designs work perfectly in modern or contemporary homes, or for a more urbanised look,’ suggests Nicole.

‘Adding elements such as profiled cabinetry can create a more traditional Hamptons-style or coastal interior design.

Things to consider with raked ceilings

Additional space within the home means additional energy bills, so raked ceilings might not be the best option for budget-conscious families.

Considered styling will ensure the home remains warm and inviting.

‘While I always tell customers to avoid over-styling – let your raked ceiling do the talking and be your focal point – adding the home ‘jewellery’ can keep your interiors feeling cosy,’ says Nicole.

‘Opt for paints with a warm undertone, and use lots of shaggy rugs, fibrous throws and greenery. Window furnishings are also really important.’

How your block is orientated will also need to be considered to make best use of natural light and warmth. Your friendly New Homes Consultant can walk you through the best floorplan for you.

Where can I see a raked ceiling?

Our stunning display homes offer a wealth of inspiration. Make sure to visit:

 

Have you found ‘The One’?

Share your home journey and connect with the Boutique Instagram community by using #ourboutiquehome

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