Bedrooms are intended for sleeping, but that doesn’t mean they have to be dark and dreary. Take these seven primary suites from the WL archives, for example. High vaulted ceilings not only make them look bright and spacious—but also totally dreamy.

Photo: Janis Nicolay

Art Form

Is that a bed or a work of art? Rather than putting this essential piece of furniture against a wall, designer Denise Ashmore placed it in the centre of the room. Together with the vaulted ceiling and light fixture, it makes the space feel sculptural. Not only that, but the homeowners can enjoy the balcony views from the comfort of their bed. See the before and after renovation photos.

View Finder

This isn’t your typical cabin—or typical modern island home. “We didn’t want some manor with an imposing presence,” says the owner. “Nothing big and bulky, but something light that could flow naturally and take advantage of the beautiful topography.”

So, instead of one big monolithic structure, the team at Frits de Vries built a collection of smaller houses on the property. The primary bedroom and children’s bedrooms are in a cottage with a vaulted ceiling and unobstructed vistas of the ocean. Step inside this Bowen Island retreat.

Photo: Ema Peter

Eye Opener

When a ceiling is this breathtaking, you should do everything in your power to make it the focus. That’s why Lucila Diaz of Harmony Sense Interiors swapped out an attention-stealing dark wallpaper for a white and subtly textured design. The dramatic Foscarini pendants also draw the eye up. Get more design tips and tricks from some of our favourite spaces.

Photo: Ema Peter

Drama Queen

Designer Gillian Segal wanted this bedroom to be a “moody, cozy escape,” so she papered the entire thing (including the vaulted ceiling!) in grasscloth wallpaper for a dramatic effect. The oversized rattan light fixture—measuring 60 inches in diameter—adds impact, too. Check out the rest of this Whistler home.

Right Angle

Okay, no… this isn’t technically a vaulted ceiling. But the impact of this high slant is the same! “You have to be creative in a tight space,” says designer Matthew Leverone, who transformed this two-car garage into an oasis. He overcame the room’s problematic square footage by opting for horizontal fir wall panelling and an angled ceiling with strategically placed skylights. What was once grimy is now warm and inviting. Find out how to achieve this look at home.

Photo: Ema Peter

Happy Camper

The owner of this North Vancouver home, Herschel co-founder Lyndon Cormack, says that being in the primary suite is “like camping”—but we’re pretty sure he meant glamping! Here, a luxurious bed faces an opening that stretches the entire length of the room and a collection of multi-coloured Bocci lights hangs from above. Tour this modern waterfront oasis designed by Omer Arbel.

oak and white bedroom
Photo: Ema Peter

White Lie(-In)

It doesn’t get much lighter or airier than this primary bedroom! “[The owners] wanted it really cozy,” says designer Andrea Rodman. She incorporated texture and layered in softness throughout this entire 10,000-square-foot-home, but this high-ceilinged space is definitely the most cloud-like. Explore this Oak Bay home.