To some, the 15.5′ x 22′ ceiling 18 feet overhead would be intimidating. But for Antje Chenoweth, it was her Sistine Chapel.

Chenoweth had been doing work around the home for several years, always eyeing the ceiling. The lofty space felt cold and uninviting.

Last year the client was finally ready to tackle the ceiling. They wanted a rustic mountain lodge feel, since they liked visiting national parks.

Chenoweth had just the sample: a stenciled pattern using silver foil.

To achieve the unique look, Chenoweth sealed the surface with a primer, paint and plaster. Each piece of foil was cut, antiqued with chemicals, and dried in Chenoweth’s studio.

“I love the way the foil is not completely solid, even in the stenciled areas,” Chenoweth said. “It adds to the unique feel of the finish.”

After the final toning glaze layer was applied and the ceiling finish left to dry over the weekend, Chenoweth started work on the beams, adding multiple layers of stone plasters before glazing with multiple browns and blacks.

It took about five weeks to finish, but the project more than lived up to expectations. “My client is absolutely ecstatic.”