You may think it goes unnoticed, but every part of your home, including the ceiling, can do with some dressing up every now and then. Here are some ways to turn a forgotten ceiling surface into a fantastic home improvement project.

Raise the Roof

Change the look of your ceiling by lifting it up a bit, making room for dormer windows or clerestory windows that increase natural light at the same time. If your ceiling is flat, your contractor may be able to adjust its height, creating a custom raised ceiling. Ceilings higher than the standard 8 feet include cathedral ceilings, which ascend upward into a peak, tray ceilings, which duplicate an inverted tray with a flat center and downward-sloping sides, or a cove ceiling, a rounded variation of the cathedral ceiling.

Dress It Up

Whether you've got a raised or standard ceiling, it's always possible to add a few highlighting elements, including crown molding or cornices, located between the ceiling and wall to heighten visual importance. Try using textured edges. Or, if you've got a higher ceiling, installing exposed wooden beams lend a beautiful organic look, while a tongue and groove ceiling consisting of wooden planks and intermittent beams create rustic appeal.

Add a Dash of Color

Imagine a ceiling frescoe, or for something more toned down, ceiling wallpaper. You can always experiment with the color of your ceiling paint, though lighter shades are recommended for lower ceilings while darker shades are recommended for those above the standard 8 feet. Try using different textures or finishes. You can also go with decorative ceiling tiles, which come in various materials, are easy to install, and heighten the possibilities of an ordinary ceiling.

Speak with your local remodeling contractors to find out different alternatives for dressing up your ceiling.