When it came time for one of my best interior designers to renovate her own master suite, she called on us to work up some ideas. The most intriguing feature of the room was an existing barrel vaulted ceiling (see the "before" photo). Though an interesting feature, we didn't think it was contributing enough to the room. We added a stained beaded ceiling, a raised fireplace, classic paneling, arched mahogany doors, built in bookshelves and crisp white trim to to create a cozy yet elegant retreat for the owner. I think the ceiling gives the space a bit of a feel of an elegant nautical stateroom.