It all started with an invitation to a business card exchange. I hadn’t planned to attend, but as a first-time guest, I figured it was worth checking out. Little did I know, that decision would lead to one of the most creative projects I’ve ever tackled.
As I mingled and introduced myself to new faces, I ran into someone I recognized—not from real life, but from Facebook. We started chatting, and she mentioned wanting to do something bold and fun with her dining room ceiling. She and her husband are self-described “rockers,” and their home décor leans toward that edgy, rock-and-roll vibe.
“How about the universe?” she asked.
I’ll admit that idea stopped me in my tracks for a moment. But the more we talked, the more her vision started to take shape in my mind. She imagined their chandelier as the sun, surrounded by swirling gases, stars, and planets. It would be a complete universe, right there above their dining table.
By the time I left the event, my creative wheels were spinning. As soon as I got home, I dove headfirst into research. I poured over photos of the universe, read about how stars and galaxies form, and studied the textures, colors, and patterns of nebulae. I wanted to go beyond just “painting a ceiling” and create something that felt alive—something that could transform with the light and mood of the room.
When the day came to start the project, I prepped the room carefully. I masked off the walls, covered the floors, and took a moment to just look up at the ceiling. The existing texture wasn’t perfectly smooth, but instead of seeing that as a challenge, I decided to use it as part of the design.
I began by painting the chandelier’s base as the sun, radiating vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and gold. From there, I added swirling gases and clouds, layering blues, purples, and hints of red to mimic the glow of nebulae. Slowly, the universe started to take shape.
Tiny stars were scattered across the ceiling, some clustered into constellations. Planets and asteroids appeared, each with its own little details that made it unique. I even added a personal touch by creating constellations for each family member, based on their zodiac signs. Little star clusters marked their birthdays, adding a subtle, meaningful connection to the cosmos.
and the light softens, something magical happens. The ceiling begins to glow, and the swirling gases seem to shift. It’s like the universe comes alive in the low light, giving the feeling that you’re standing directly beneath the vast, swirling expanse of space.
After a few days of work, the ceiling was complete. When the couple walked into the room for the first time, their reactions made all the effort worth it. They loved how the room transformed, how it reflected their personalities, and how it became a focal point for their home.
For me, this project was an unforgettable journey. It started with a chance encounter, grew through creative collaboration, and ended with a dining room that’s truly out of this world.
And honestly? I think we all need a little universe in our lives—a reminder of how vast and beautiful the world (and beyond) can be. If you’ve got a space begging for something special, let’s create something unforgettable together. Who knows where the next idea will take us?
