Renovating
A Dramatic Transformation
A once invisible coffered ceiling in a vanilla-beige dining room comes to life with artistic layering of texture and color for a one-of-a-kind look.


Before

After
Challenge: To marry a vertically expansive, neutral room accented by coffered ceilings, crown molding and full-length windows with the homeowner’s existing furnishings.

Solution: When Belinda Mays moved into her new condominium, she sought the help of Gail Doveikis, ASID, president of G. M. Doveikis & Associates, to add color, texture and interest to a neutral dining room.

Working with the existing architecture, Gail created borders of black and camel taupe within the frame of the crown molding, bringing the eye upward to the tray of the coffered ceiling. She then applied a dramatic wallcovering, using a camel taupe trellis with a fleur-de-lis pattern on a black background, and embellished the edge of the wallcovering with custom taupe and black trim. “Gail knows I absolutely love the color black, and she created a stunning effect without the room appearing too dark or gothic,” says Belinda.

An elegant light fixture of oil-rubbed bronze and black wrought iron is centered within the ceiling frame. The leaf-detail arched arms of the chandelier gracefully draw the eye downward onto the transformed room. The natural motif is repeated in the sheer, tone-on-tone window treatment, designed by Gail.

Making choices inspired by existing furniture, artwork and Belinda’s favorite colors, Gail brought dimension and elegance to a dining room with great bones.