Room of the month: Check out this masterful blend of design and engineering in Berkeley Hall

Harmony in heights

Photos by Wayne Moore, Back River Photography

In the world of residential design, creating a space that is both visually stunning and functionally sound requires a delicate balance of artistry and engineering. Builder Ron Boshaw of Boshaw Residential recently shared insights into the creation of a room in Berkeley Hall that perfectly exemplifies this balance. 

Embracing height with elegance

The room’s tall ceilings presented both a challenge and an opportunity for the design team. Boshaw’s solution was the incorporation of truss-style stained beams. These beams not only draw the eye upward, adding a sense of grandeur to the room, but also soften the overwhelming sense of space. This architectural choice creates a visual journey for the occupants, guiding their gaze through the room’s vertical expanse.

Balancing scale with detail

To counterbalance the room’s lofty ceilings, stained floating shelves were strategically added. These shelves serve a dual purpose: they echo the materials and colors of the beams, creating a cohesive aesthetic, and they introduce a lower linear element. This design choice effectively lessens the room’s expansive volume, ensuring that the space feels both open and inviting. As a result, visitors experience a comprehensive view of the room, appreciating both its grand scale and intricate details.

Softening structures with angles

The room’s tall fireplace, a potentially imposing feature, was skillfully softened by adding angles. This design choice transforms the fireplace into a source of visual interest rather than overwhelming mass. The angled structure not only complements the room’s overall design but also enhances the cozy ambiance that is essential in a living space.

Illuminating with purpose

A standout feature of the room is its unique light fixture. Boshaw notes that selecting this piece involved extensive research and product reviews. Positioned approximately 14 feet from the mirror-image beam near the fireplace, the light fixture had to harmonize with the room’s other elements, particularly the irregular live edge dining table desired by the homeowner. The meticulous selection process ensured that the lighting not only serves its functional purpose but also acts as a complementary artistic piece, tying the room’s various elements together seamlessly. The interior designer on the project was Sara Boyles of Kelly Caron Designs.