One of the more fun design elements we incorporate into many of our kitchen renovation projects is some kind of lightbox, or coffered ceiling, over the island. It’s a great way to add more detail, play around with patterns, and elevate the look of your entire kitchen.
If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up your kitchen island, and are looking for some new ideas, below we are sharing 5 of our most popular coffered ceiling designs.
1. Herringbone
Timeless and classic, the herringbone pattern continues to be a very popular choice among our clients. This pattern was named after it’s resemblance to the skeleton of a herring fish, marked by a distinctive V-shape. It has a long, rich history and its origins can be traced back to the Roman Empire, when it was first used in road construction around 500 BC.
Shown above is a project so old it doesn’t even have a blog! This was one of our very first light boxes in a double herringbone pattern.
2. Chevron
Sometimes called “French Herringbone,” the chevron pattern is another timeless choice with a long and rich history. Its origins trace all the way back to Ancient Greek pottery, around 1800 BC, so if you’re wondering if this pattern is too trendy, it’s been around for a very long time!
The chevron pattern is a little bit cleaner than the herringbone, with a straight line running down the middle of the v-pattern, making it a beautiful choice for a coffered ceiling light box if you’re going for simplicity and charm. Shown above in our Rundown Teardown Goes Ultra Modern project, as well as some close-ups of a more recent home we built.
3. Natural Wood
The beauty of natural wood never fails to add warmth and comfort to any space, making it a perfect choice for a coffered ceiling detail over your kitchen island. With an endless amount of color and pattern options, natural wood can fit seamlessly into any kitchen design. Shown above in our 60’s Colonial Reveal project.
4. Shiplap
We all have Joanna Gaines to thank for reviving shiplap and making it a popular choice to achieve the modern farmhouse aesthetic. With simple clean lines this material can really fit into a variety of design styles, which makes it a fan favorite among our clients when choosing a design for their kitchen island lightbox. Shown above in S1E6 of Renovation Rekindle.
5. Basketweave
The basketweave pattern is often seen in textiles such as rugs, blankets, and pillows, but it’s also an excellent choice to add some interest and detail to your coffered ceiling design. It’s a great way to incorporate a timeless pattern in an unexpected place. Shown above in S1E4 of Renovation Rekindle.
