Gordon Bock from the venerable publication Traditional Building has written an insightful article addressing the changing tides of taste receding from the heavy and dense designs of ornamental ceilings in lieu of a cleaner and lighter look and feel, without sacrificing the motifs of traditional ornamentation.

Mr. Bock quotes Stephanie Croce the Senior Designer at J.P. Weaver Co.; “Tastes have changed over roughly the last 10 years, from very ornate, dripping-off-the-ceiling decoration to very refined, almost minimalist designs.”

J.P. Weaver still sees an interest in ornamental ceilings, such as the ones shown here, and Stephanie notes that many clients want them painted white, like wedding cakes.

Stephanie Croce reminds us every zeitgeist comes and goes, and says, “but what’s really big right now are strapwork-style ceilings, using very geometric forms with interlocking parts.” The trend she says is definitely away from complexity but she still sees plenty of ornamental interiors. “We’ve done quite a few Adam-style ceilings,” she notes, “and we try to create whatever the client is envisioning, whether it’s a Rococo-style ceiling from the 18th century or Baroque or Neoclassical.”