Those beams support a second floor? Wow... don’t jump too hard up there...

I think the beams can add a nice touch, but a lot depends on your budget. Unless they are done just right, it’s going to look unfinished and out of place.

Not so uniform beams would be OK if your home decor style is rustic, steam punk, farmhouse, etc. If your home is more formal, and the beams are really close together, they may look less scary if coffered.

I would simply cover them and have a nice clean look. By doing this you can also incorporate some hi hats which is always welcome for task lighting in a kitchen

J Design Group
225 Malaga Ave
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Ph: 305-444-4611
https://www.JDesignGroup.com

I agree to cover them and that will give you the space to run electrical for pot lights where ever they are needed and I think in a kitchen the easy to clean surfaces are the best.

You’ve got structural issues. Major structural issues. You may have to have them sistered and cross braced. Get someone with a clue in there now. Like a real licensed contractor or structural engineer. Frou Frou is completely useless to worry about until things aren’t gonna fall on your head.

This ain’t a decorative issue.

And fire the unlicensed hack that did all of that without addressing the real issues. And fire the designer on this project too. They are clueless as well.

If it was me, and the budget was tight, I would make sure everything is structurally solid and then forget the whole exposed beam look and hang drywall or a grid ceiling.

Cover them to even out their appearance. DO NOT INSTALL tin appearance anything on your ceiling. It will further lower the appearance of the ceiling. Consider installing Armstrong ceiling planks between the beams.

The ceiling is structurally sound. The house is one story so it doesn't support a 2nd floor. It is almost 100 years old so the original low ceiling was removed and new collar ties were placed higher in the attic above the unfinished drywall that you see sitting on top of the original joists.

The goal was to make the ceiling seem higher.

Oh and can lights have already been installed.

Thanks Beverly! I love that idea!

Marylut thanks the kitchen will be a farmhouse style

https://www.armstrongceilings.com/residential/en-us/suspended-ceiling-systems/wood-look-ceiling-planks/item/480.html

You can order the ceiling planks at HD or Lowes

Nope. Collar ties only work to counteract the outward thrust of the roof. They keep the walls from spreading apart at the top. They don’t take the place of the integrity of the rafter ties, which is the function of those obviously defective and undersized ceiling joists.

Red tag.