A dining room can feel small and dark or open and airy, depending on a home’s layout. But a well-placed mirror can brighten it up and add a sense of intimacy.

Mr. Jenkins achieved a similar look in a dining room with Venetian plaster burnished to a high gloss. “It almost looks like a pool of water on the ceiling, upside down,” he said.

It's a great feature for kitchens and dining rooms, ... If you want a truly show-stopping feature in any room of your house, ...

Jenkins achieved a similar look in a dining room with Venetian plaster burnished to a high gloss. “It almost looks like a pool of water on the ceiling, upside down,” he said.

5. Fireplace. Using your fireplace to emphasize your room height is also a great way to create a focal point. By bringing the finish on the face of the fireplace all the way up to the ceiling, you ...