There was once an old abandoned cottage in the middle of the California countryside.
It had broken windows, light bulbs hanging from bare wires and a house full of unfinished ceilings.
But that little cottage talked me and begged me to give it a chance and to see what it could be rather than what it was right now.
And I smiled and said ‘I already do.’
You know, honestly, the damage and disrepair in this cottage was hard to overlook.
But for some reason, I didn’t see that as much as I saw the potential.
One of the first things that I noticed when I walked in was what vintage was there
and was untouched.
The wood plank walls, the hardwood flooring throughout, the 8′ wide original fireplace and those old kitchen cupboards.
Of course I saw all the damage and huge amount of work- but that wasn’t what stood out.
I saw what the cottage could be with a little bit (okay- a lot) of work.
And one of the many things on the list of to-do’s were the ceilings.
Somewhere in between the 1940’s and the the 2000’s – the original ceilings whatever they were – were replaced with sheetrock. Except for where they weren’t replaced and were left open to the attic.
Well, that sheetrock was unfinished. As in- gray, dull, paper covered sheetrock with a little bit of taping here and there and paint- not texture. Just paint.
That is the dining room when we moved in.
That small window is now where the french doors are
and that lightbulb hanging from a wire?
Well, let’s just say it was replaced with a little more bling.
You can also see the unfinished sheetrock ceiling.
Taking a cue from those wood plank knotty pine walls- I wanted the ceilings to feel like they were a part of the house that had always been there.
And so- we used bead board and beams to create the look.
So many of you have asked me to share a bit about the ceiling how-to. Bead board is not difficult to install – but you do need more than one set of hands to make it happen.
Pick your ceiling
You can either use individual boards that you slot together or use the sheets of faux beadboard. If using the sheets- the easiest way to maneuver those heavy sheets is to cut them into manageable sections. For example- in the living room- they are cut in half into 4′ long sections.
We knew that we would be adding beams over the seams so that was a no brainer for cutting them. But if you are not going to be using beams – I would recommend you invite another 3 friends over and use the whole sheet because those seams will stand out like a sore thumb.
Secure it
Make sure to nail and/or screw into wood along the rafters.
Do not just secure to the sheetrock- it will not be enough to hold it
sheets of beadboard are heavy.
You can also use a bit of liquid nails on the sheets for extra strength.
When putting up those sheets- that is where you need some extra oomph and extra hands.
Find the biggest muscles in the neighborhood and invite them over for a cup of coffee and to hold the sheets in place while you secure.
Trust me when I say that it is harder than it looks and your arms will be shaking after a few sheets-
so make sure you have reinforcements to help out or wait until you do.
Beam it
We used 4×4’s for our beams in the living room and kitchen.
They are real and they are heavy and if they fell could do some very serious damage.
My dad is a contractor – so we have a bit of a bonus in that he knows all the details and how to’s and help with installing something like a big piece of wood on the ceiling.
So-my advice- enlist the help of a contractor or carpenter for that one to make sure
they are put up correctly.
Planks
In the cottage- we took a different approach.
We used thin pieces of grooved wood on the ceilings.
It was much easier in my opinion and much preferred as well.
They are not heavy, simple to cut and simple to install.
You can find them at Lowe’s.
Paint
I like a more glossy paint on the ceiling- but that is personal preference.
I used a semi gloss or a satin for a little sheen and to make the lights bounce a bit
but you can use whatever you like- and most paint stores recommend flat paint I think.
but you can use whatever you like- and most paint stores recommend flat paint I think.
I also went with a bright white- and sometimes just a wash -on the beams in the bedroom
for example.
For me- a ceiling needs to feel like it floats rather than is heavy in a room
so I avoid any tints of color or anything else.
for example.
For me- a ceiling needs to feel like it floats rather than is heavy in a room
so I avoid any tints of color or anything else.
But if you have a nice height or peaked ceiling it could handle something with a bit more pizazz.
We actually just did another planked ceiling in the house that is a little different than the others.
I will share all the details and how to’s on that one soon.
I hope that helps answer some of your questions!
Happy Tuesday everyone!
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Teddee Grace says
Always love seeing your little cottage and what you've done with it. Per se may refer to: Per se (terminology), a Latin phrase meaning "in itself".
carol jane says
Your home is so "dreamy" and beautiful. Did you always love this shabby vintage style or did you discover you loved it after trial and error? My house is such a Mish mash of stuff because I have yet to truly find my style. Sometimes I love cottage / coastal, sometimes more modern, other times I love your beautiful romantic style. I'm just so confused. For one thing I know, I love white and light colors. Well maybe it's a start?
Courtney says
I think style is always evolving and I have had some crushes on different styles, colors, etc. But for the most part, I know what I like and what speaks to me all.the.time. (which can be a lot of things 😉 ) I love a bit of modern with French Country and a touch of Coastal with shells or coral on a bookcase. I think no matter how you decide to incorporate the styles you love – or even mix some of them together- if it makes you happy- it is all good. 🙂
carol jane says
Oh. And I absolutely adore your linen armoire. I've always wanted something like that. Gorgeous.
Unknown says
What pretty ceilings! I like the glossy paint you used.
Best,
Michelle from simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com
Jemma@athomewithjemma says
I loved reading about how you turned your cottage into your beautiful home. I also enjoyed the description of enjoying the "floating feel," of the ceiling. I have mentioned before that we are building our "French Country Home," and I am going to use your recommendation of a glossy planked ceiling. Thank you!
Jemma
laura says
Gorgeous… I'm so glad you saw the potential and made it back to the 'love'. So enjoy your blog.
Unknown says
Dear Courtney,
This is so divine…I love your bathroom, the stunning kitchen, the solid wood combined witht all the delicate finishing touches…loving your arrangements and you are such an inspiration…
The ceilings makes such an impact on all of the rooms….plus the chandeliers!!! truly amazing..
Have a wonderful Wedensday – Anna
Sandy says
You have done the most remarkably beautiful changes to you cottage and its hard to equate the 'old house' with the new!! Its all absolutely beautiful Courtney!!
Fiona, Lilyfield Life says
So beautiful!
Doreen @ Hymns and Verses says
Great information! Thanks, Courtney for your tips!
Anonymous says
I love planked everything! It gives it such a cozy homey grounded feel. You have done an amazing job putting this cottage together! You should be proud! Dripping with talent you are!
Smiles!
TErry
Unknown says
Oh Courtney – I have so much hope when Isee your beautiful home !
We bought a fixer upper last year and I'm nowhere near where you are but this makes me feel maybe we didn't make the mistake of our lifetime.
LOVE everything you've done !
xxx