The ceiling, at times forgotten in modern design, was an architectural element which received as much consideration as the walls and floors in elaborately decorated interiors of the past. Substantial crown molding paired with ceiling murals, medallions and domes were common and gave the crowning touch to an elegant room.

In today’s homes, we are seeing a trend reverting back  to the ceiling once again being addressed in bold and dramatic ways. Interior designers, architects and home builders alike are using a design element that produces a big impact–the dome. A dome draws the eye upwards and gives a sense of completeness to all styles of décor.

While often a structural element included in the initial blueprints of a residence, domes are also created through the illusion of the tromp l’oeil technique. This technique tricks the eye into believing that an architectural element is real. For example, the in this elevator oculus dome mural below by Imago Dei artists was achieved with trompe l’oeil and gives one a sense of looking up into a jungle sky.

Another tromp l’oeil ceiling dome project was initiated by Michelle McManus of By Design Interiors. She knows the significance of a tromp l’oeil l dome in the overall design of a home. She worked with Imago Dei on a dome mural for a Houston area couple. The canvas was an 18’ diameter, 60’ circumference ceiling dome in the grand foyer. The outcome was a breathtaking view of 3-D carved stone surrounding several angels outfitted in royal finery glorifying God. Note that all the dimensional reliefs are created with paint. There is no architectural moulding on this entire mural.

Whether achieved by tromp l’oeil or as an actual structural element, the dome is giving way to a new standard of homes in which every possible surface is being used to create a more whole design. Today’s ceilings are a large canvas just waiting to become a resplendent work of art for which trompe l’oeil domes prove the perfect median.