Told my architect buddy his ceiling heights were overkill, now I get it

I used to think 10 foot ceilings in a house plan were just wasted space and extra material cost. Then I framed out a basement last month where the owner wanted 9 foot ceilings and it felt like a cave after living with 10 foot for a week at my buddy's job site. Seeing how much better the natural light spread and how open the room felt changed my mind completely. Has anyone else had a specific dimension or spec they hated on paper but liked in person?

2 comments

2 Comments

coleman.jamie20d ago

Nailed it. I fought my wife on 9 foot ceilings for years until we stayed at a friend's place with tall ceilings and I finally got it. That extra foot makes the room breathe and does something for the light that's hard to explain until you see it. Went back and changed our plans the next week. What spec have you changed your mind on after seeing it in person?

miller.jason20d ago

...and it's not just ceilings either. I was dead set against white trim everywhere until I saw a friend's house where they did off-white walls with pure white trim and it just pops in a way I didn't think was possible. Made the whole place feel cleaner and more put together without being sterile. Same thing happened with cabinet hardware - thought brushed nickel was the only safe choice until I spent a weekend at a rental with matte black handles and now I'm tearing out all my old ones. You really don't know until you live with something for a few days.