You want a room of your own and fancy it to be an extension of your identity. With time, it grows on you and becomes a part of your soul and existence. Reckoning this, a room therefore is not just a cuboidal structure but a space transformed into a unique narrative. It tells the story of a household, mirrors the person’s mind inhabiting it and reflects his/her tastes, preferences and personality traits.

Composed of four walls, a floor and a ceiling — a quadrilateral room or those of spherical, triangular or multidimensional shapes metamorphose an empty space into a designed universe of meaningful expressions. Thus waltzes in the concept of statement ceilings and walls to convey an underlying message, which is sometimes obscure and at other times, too obvious.

Sleek ceilings

Bold and eye-catching ceilings create a lasting impression. Moreover, bespoke ideas are à la mode now. That’s why décor planners customise patterns and motifs in sync with their clients’ likes and inclinations.

“A beautiful design can effectively add a sense of drama to any given space and elevate its visual appeal. Out-of-the-box thoughts may beautifully enhance a place, defining it in a large format like a massive floor area, demarcating a passage or highlighting a courtyard or an atrium,” shares Amita Trehan, founder of Bravur'a Designs, a leading Delhi-NCR-based interior design firm that specialises in converting living and business environments into aesthetic marvels with individualistic styles.

For designer Shabrin Mom, “a statement ceiling is much more than the fifth wall. It’s the pièce de résistance of a space.” The principal designer and founder of Skew Studio — a multidisciplinary design studio that promises to realign spaces with unconventional class and grace — explains that “it’s where form meets function, turning what’s traditionally an overlooked surface into an integral part of the design saga. Whether it’s through vivid hues, intricate patterns, textures or lighting, a statement ceiling can completely modify a room, appending depth and theatricality like a spectacular show. At our studio, we see ceilings as an opportunity to build on something extraordinary and unforgettable.”

The raison d'être of modern interiors and architecture is to regard a space as a canvas to construct something bizarre and mind-boggling on it. It should act as a stimulus to respond to. Interior designer Sonali Ashar of Hacienda Interior Architects feels, “ceilings are no longer a splash of whitewash or a coat of distemper used in painting the same today.”

Delightful decor

An array of decorative elements, designs, patterns, textures and motifs can be added to make statement ceilings stand out.

“Ceilings have become an exciting canvas in design, and there’s so much more we can do now than just paint or add POP. Textured finishes, for example, are an elegant way to create a visual interest without overpowering a space. Wood cladding is another favourite. It adds warmth and a timeless aesthetic. Laminates and stone textures are also fantastic options for ceilings when you want a luxurious aura,” claims Mom.

For softer and more tactile designs, one may love to experiment with upholstered panels or jute claddings. They are perfect for conjuring a cosy, layered appearance. “Then there’s the winner in wallpaper that ensures a sure-fire recipe for success. It’s an instant humdinger to lend drama, pattern or a palette to ceilings without much hassle,” reminds Mom.

In restaurants, a curious gazer will often see fabric panels or bright prominent patterns applied to ceilings to fashion an immersive ambience. At home, a 3D panel or even a beautifully encrusted wooden ceiling can completely change the milieu of a space, thus adding more depth and refinement.

Walls say it all!

Walls speak a lot about a room and the profile of a person living in it. E.g. kids, senior citizens, couples, girls, boys, etc.

“Singles or young adults often choose eclectic, modern styles with personal artwork or motivational messages to cling to. Minimalists may opt for clean lines, neutral dyes and simple, functional décor. Artistic souls may express themselves with abstract or bohemian wall art. In all these cases, walls convey a unique story about the people who live within them, tailored to their individual needs, preferences and personalities,” comments architect Rhea Sawant Founder of Tinge by Rhea Truptesh.

Bold and beautiful

Today’s innovative designers embrace bold, kitschy designs. They adhere to statement walls to flower their creativity.

“Statement walls have become a standout feature in modern interior designs, offering a bold way to express personality, creativity and grab attention. As a designer, I love exploring and experimenting with brilliant colours, graphic compositions and oversized murals to make a powerful visual impact and leave a lasting impression on the onlooker’s mind. We add our signature traits by using a unique marble design on the wall to create an expensive, sophisticated focal point,” espouses Sawant.

The marble not only enhances the room’s aesthetics but also adds texture and depth to it, thus turning the space into a timeless and high-end chamber. The natural venation in marble makes each wall unique, lending the room with a dash of elegance and organic accents.

Surreal stencils

Unique and interesting stencil designs have the capacity to accentuate a wall. The same can highlight a single wall to make it the eyeball-arresting centerpiece of a room.

One can make a bold statement with a vibrant, geometric pattern or opt for something more subtle, like a light wash of a vintage motif. In the living room project, we complemented the floral stencil with neutral furniture and minimal decor to allow the wall to truly articulate for itself. The design not only added an artistic touch but also gave the room a sense of movement and grace.

Stencil designs are also incredibly cost-effective compared to custom wallpaper or large-scale murals. They are a smart investment bet. The technique can be easily customised to fit any room size or a theme, making it the perfect choice for those looking to add a personal touch to their plush interiors. Whether it’s through subdued tones or bold contrasts, highlighting a stencil design on an accent wall can convert a room into something memorable while maintaining balance and refinement.

Paper power

Wallpapers are still in use. No doubt, they beautify the rooms and hide the flaws of the original walls behind but how difficult is their maintenance? Does the same protect the walls from developing moulds, dirt deposition and the layers of dust settling for years?

“Wallpapers are a great way to raise a room’s aesthetic value while also concealing imperfections on the walls. However, it can be difficult to retain its initial sheen. Vinyl or washable wallpapers are resistant to moisture and dirt, while paper-based wallpapers are more vulnerable to mould in humid environments. Dust and dirt can accumulate, leading to discoloration over time. Given these conservation concerns, we recommend a detailed briefing when selecting a wallpaper. Wallpapers do offer some protection against mould or moisture. However, proper ventilation is essential. Regular cleaning can help preserve their appearance but professional care may be required for long-term upkeep,” informs Sawant.

Oodles of fun with doodles

Wall doodles with thought-provoking cartoons and meaningful scribbles are a fad now among the Gen-Z.

This is a cool popular trend, especially among the youth, as they voice a desire for self-expression, creativity and individuality. It enables people to turn blank walls into personal canvases, offering a vent to communicate their ideas, emotions or social commentaries.

“In our design work, we’ve seen this trend embraced in youth-centric spaces like bedrooms, study areas and lounges. A recent design is a case in point where we integrated playful graffiti, funny notes, inspirational messages and motivational one-liners on a feature wall in a teenager’s room. The seemingly ordinary yet impactful drawings sparked an X-factor, thus amending a drab wall into a vibrant, interactive space,” opines Sawant.

This trend not only renders an arty brushstroke to a dull space but also develops an ambience where the walls replicate the occupant's mindset and interests. It's a great way to make spaces more engaging and visually stimulating while giving them a unique character that evolves with the person’s growth and ideas.