This California home's stone-and-plaster walls conceal a high pe…
This California home's stone-and-plaster walls conceal a high performance core built with insulated concrete forms.
Chris Larrance
A wall of lift-and-slide doors opens the great room colonnade to…
A wall of lift-and-slide doors opens the great room colonnade to a covered terrace with an outdoor fireplace.
Tim Maloney
With every room opening to the outdoors, this Napa, Calif., hous…
With every room opening to the outdoors, this Napa, Calif., house promotes a casual relationship with its site.
Tim Maloney
While the forms and materials used in this residence make refere…
While the forms and materials used in this residence make reference to vernacular agricultural buildings, the craftsmanship and performance are contemporary.
Michael O'Callahan
Clerestory windows feed light from the uphill side of the living…
Clerestory windows feed light from the uphill side of the living room through a wood-and-steel roof structure.
Christopher Barrett
Architect:
Farr Associates, Chicago;
Builder:
Goldberg Genera…
Architect:
Farr Associates, Chicago;
Builder:
Goldberg General Contracting, Chicago. Blond wood beams support the butterfly roof that appears to be floating above this Chicago-area great room. The light wood provides definition and depth to the pale color scheme in the space.
Read more about the builder of this house and see more iamges of the project here.
Christopher Barrett
Architect:
Farr Associates, Chicago;
Builder:
Goldberg Genera…
Architect:
Farr Associates, Chicago;
Builder:
Goldberg General Contracting, Chicago. The beams extend beyond the transparent walls of the airy space to support a wood-clad overhang that shades the glass.
Read more about the builder of this house and see more iamges of the project here.
Barbara Karant/Karant⡲⚭
Architect:
DeStefano and Partners, Chicago;
Builder: Goldberg …
Architect:
DeStefano and Partners, Chicago;
Builder: Goldberg General Contracting, Chicago. The tall, narrow great room in this infill house is made more personal by a ceiling finished with finely detailed wood panels placed asymmetrically in different directions.
Read more about the builder of this house and see more iamges of the project here.
Barbara Karant/Karant⡲⚭
Architect:
DeStefano and Partners, Chicago;
Builder: Goldberg …
Architect:
DeStefano and Partners, Chicago;
Builder: Goldberg General Contracting, Chicago. The pale wood panels have variegated depths to increase interest and texture on the ceiling.
Read more about the builder of this house and see more iamges of the project here.
Sharon Risedorph
Sliding sandblasted glass doors in the living quarter borrow atr…
Sliding sandblasted glass doors in the living quarter borrow atrium light and views.
Sharon Risedorph
Across the long bridge is Sagan’s living/sleeping studio, wher…
Across the long bridge is Sagan’s living/sleeping studio, where a bath and closet are tucked behind the white wall.
Derek Rath
Inside, a "tree house"—the master bedroom closet—floats abov…
Inside, a "tree house"—the master bedroom closet—floats above the living room.
Eric Williams
A cascading stairway leads to guest rooms and eventually the roo…
A cascading stairway leads to guest rooms and eventually the roof.
The phrase “great room” evokes images of open, airy, expansive spaces capable of housing various activities with multiple gathering areas. The idea of families being able to cook, eat, do homework, read by the fire, watch a movie, entertain, enjoy surrounding views, or sit down at the piano in one all-inclusive room continues to be a desired feature among homeowners. Great rooms often have vaulted or double-height ceilings to generate a sense of awe, but such large volumes also can be overwhelming or cold if not thoughtfully designed. Adding wood to those high ceilings is one way to mitigate an unfriendly feel. It brings warmth and texture into the space, plus it can be detailed to blend with a variety of architectural styles. We’ve gathered a gaggle of gorgeous great rooms that manage to convey a cozy vibe thanks to interesting ceilings detailed with wood beams, panels, or trim.
