If you click on "more info" below the pic, you'll see who designed the room (Noonan/Adler) as well as a link to a fun looking book. As for the ceiling, it does indeed look like the paint is brought down the wall a foot or more (see the recessed light above), but there's no telling if it's flat paint or has a bit of sheen. The little brass railing on top of the tile makes me think there's a ledge--very creative and different. Can't say I'd put all those books so close to a shower, but they make easy staging props.