The Fifth Wall - Gold and Silver Ceilings

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many homeowners paint their ceilings "Decorator's White." They don't realize that the ceiling is a room's "fifth wall"  - an extra canvas they can use to add drama to a space. Metal-leaf ceilings transform entryways, powder rooms, master baths, and libraries. According to decorative painter <a href="http://www.willemrackestudio.com/">Willem Racke</a>, who is based in San Francisco, "Ceilings are a good way to make a room more cohesive."  He notes in the <a href="http://www.wallstreetjournal.com/">Wall Street Journal</a> ("<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323374504578221691051717694.html?KEYWORDS=willem+racke#articleTabs%3Darticle">From Chinoiserie to Faux Tortoise Shell</a>" by Sarah Tilton, January 10, 2013) that "metal-leaf ceilings are always popular . . . though the trend has moved from gold to silver." I think silver and gold are equally beautiful, and I offer examples of both below. Which do you prefer?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryDZ_Lc7eI43H9V_VTc6PVAGYO4sMBhD4u5R4UaxBTreaBTy94K9ytKh1wWHhyphenhyphen7lQw8SnZoFKSZSUEl89EZeIg6XEDixnAIWXlF1Uy1oNxHk-4meUaVwvROoJjh4SWnL8O5rl14XDQ9tt/s1600/img_glamour-sophis_ss6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryDZ_Lc7eI43H9V_VTc6PVAGYO4sMBhD4u5R4UaxBTreaBTy94K9ytKh1wWHhyphenhyphen7lQw8SnZoFKSZSUEl89EZeIg6XEDixnAIWXlF1Uy1oNxHk-4meUaVwvROoJjh4SWnL8O5rl14XDQ9tt/s640/img_glamour-sophis_ss6.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"At the end of the hall, a trumeau reflects a row of crystal chandeliers. Antique Silver Leaf ceiling treatment. Decorative painting on eglomise: <a href="http://simesstudios.com/">Simes Studios Inc.</a>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lake Forest, Illinois home of Ditomassos family.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior designers: Kara Mann and Kristin Nelson, <a href="http://www.karamann.com/">Kara Mann Design</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Werner Straube.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Krissa Rossbund.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/sophistication-home-design_ss6.html">Glamour and Sophistication</a>" produced by Hilary Rose.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a>.</span> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgque-tMZ5rIGfEAzzM1ldw0rtNS_ll0GGCt2a-L7vwCohSu2LdnG75r8sDG84LIuxoII8sb69kpO8vkD-HUZZ_bDOISqupr5cSPnIjjwonyIkgSZf5iyjI0xVu1LsU_r_JR6ytvC_WMSbZ/s1600/img_glamour-sophisticationl_ss13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgque-tMZ5rIGfEAzzM1ldw0rtNS_ll0GGCt2a-L7vwCohSu2LdnG75r8sDG84LIuxoII8sb69kpO8vkD-HUZZ_bDOISqupr5cSPnIjjwonyIkgSZf5iyjI0xVu1LsU_r_JR6ytvC_WMSbZ/s640/img_glamour-sophisticationl_ss13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Ditomassos, who frequently entertain, wanted the butler's pantry to equal the glamour of the rest of the home. Vaulted ceilings shine with a silver leaf finish [by <a href="http://www.designredstudio.com/">DesignRed Decorative Painting</a>], and white built-in cabinets house the homeowners' collection of porcelain serving pieces."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lake Forest, Illinois home of Ditomassos family.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior designers: Kara Mann and Kristin Nelson, <a href="http://www.karamann.com/">Kara Mann Design</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Werner Straube.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Krissa Rossbund.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/sophistication-home-design_ss13.html">Glamour and Sophistication</a>" produced by Hilary Rose.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a>.</span> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbryp-hL1eCGR-QbvvMVPEGrhKmCCwyXDD2f1djpC4cRKw1gazS242TVJwOXEUcMWLfjnsZ-e7sYhx5Ru9XGjHYtlFI10xHlhM6bVOKputWAJmXq3mlV6Iozu5dGo950LcevN-5pBHwPpI/s1600/hbx-library-with-lacquered-walls-and-silver-ceiling-0512-thomas09-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbryp-hL1eCGR-QbvvMVPEGrhKmCCwyXDD2f1djpC4cRKw1gazS242TVJwOXEUcMWLfjnsZ-e7sYhx5Ru9XGjHYtlFI10xHlhM6bVOKputWAJmXq3mlV6Iozu5dGo950LcevN-5pBHwPpI/s640/hbx-library-with-lacquered-walls-and-silver-ceiling-0512-thomas09-lgn.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Red, white, and blue gets a bohemian twist in the library with lacquered walls, a silver ceiling, and ethnic textiles."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A 1960s Washington, D.C. town house.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Hillary Thomas and Jeff Lincoln.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Eric Piasecki.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/house-pictures/mad-men-decorating-style-0512#slide-9">A 1960s Town House With a Touch of Mad Men Style</a>" by David A. Keeps.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a> (May 2012).</span> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tY7TRbudcZXb_A07gvbex1tfwuo1451AkJliB79ZFyYnE45qTpxI-J1_6vOpSRNxn3Z_d_e3KNucW6K80oPg8Plpq9XT1RV38yw9HG-is94uFn2VIAvUScGGnupolqkR23BJQuGNr_Nj/s1600/101560835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tY7TRbudcZXb_A07gvbex1tfwuo1451AkJliB79ZFyYnE45qTpxI-J1_6vOpSRNxn3Z_d_e3KNucW6K80oPg8Plpq9XT1RV38yw9HG-is94uFn2VIAvUScGGnupolqkR23BJQuGNr_Nj/s640/101560835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hollywood glam rules in the dining room with a gold-leaf ceiling and chairs designed by Billy Haimes covered in Clarence House coral velvet." Ceiling wallpaper: "Gold Leaf" by <a href="http://zuber.fr/">Zuber Inc.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hollywood Regency-style house.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design by Timothy Corrigan, <a href="http://timothy-corrigan.com/">Timothy Corrigan Inc.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Mark Edward Harris and Michael McCreary.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Amy Elbert.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/hollywood-regency-remodel_ss9.html">Hollywood Before and After</a>" produced by Laura Hull.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtimH8GyhMOVcNhkemJayEoj0SEPhXJ06jEAKvMMS63L3YZJwlou8j-2Wvz7p9Ddw_CeBb9Iwhk3dVonsx-fhccnvXm9RpW0JJyYvRGD-ftOfiAw6MolyOv4OkJt7pR5qv1HSusZBeHFL/s1600/101560840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtimH8GyhMOVcNhkemJayEoj0SEPhXJ06jEAKvMMS63L3YZJwlou8j-2Wvz7p9Ddw_CeBb9Iwhk3dVonsx-fhccnvXm9RpW0JJyYvRGD-ftOfiAw6MolyOv4OkJt7pR5qv1HSusZBeHFL/s640/101560840.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hollywood glam rules in the dining room with a gold-leaf ceiling and chairs designed by Billy Haimes covered in Clarence House coral velvet." Ceiling wallpaper: "Gold Leaf" by</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://zuber.fr/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zuber Inc.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hollywood Regency-style house.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design by Timothy Corrigan, <a href="http://timothy-corrigan.com/">Timothy Corrigan Inc.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Mark Edward Harris and Michael McCreary.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Amy Elbert.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/hollywood-regency-remodel_ss10.html">Hollywood Before and After</a>" produced by Laura Hull.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_9SJohsH9pS_KpiWwaIJX-_shh5i6JKOO3MSbiNf85Xp4M5FLJcNdazATubCMObzGmO6bnNsAFCnn4daHaC9dwJyKU2tD3bIEjD0-PgHNjxNHvm_5473m8FEr8zhNovNXrN0s9otMGGf/s1600/BlogShimmeringCeilingsDomino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_9SJohsH9pS_KpiWwaIJX-_shh5i6JKOO3MSbiNf85Xp4M5FLJcNdazATubCMObzGmO6bnNsAFCnn4daHaC9dwJyKU2tD3bIEjD0-PgHNjxNHvm_5473m8FEr8zhNovNXrN0s9otMGGf/s640/BlogShimmeringCeilingsDomino.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"[Mary] McDonald envisioned a clubby space with gray walls, graphite wool drapes, crisp while molding, and a handsome vintage Jansen table. Still, she says, 'I've got an 18th-century Francophile fetish.' Ceiling, meet Versailles: Gold wallpaper adds major opulence. Mementos in a single shade - emerald - introduce sophisticated punch."</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary McDonald's Hollywood guest house.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by <a href="http://www.marymcdonaldinc.com/">Mary McDonald</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Bold and the Beautiful"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dominomag.com/">Domino</a> (Fall - Winter 2012).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF1_GqBPE5LhmoKhTFuneGNq9YVwfwhSOQ4IsRGJeqGO1kRCe3gIo0syHRoeqo9LgWbbdJyiLOMZXwu7dIRQPSHkp5L6zYShJkbG55SiYcrnqmEdsN3mBxwkpSXDP7qvvCOwKJ_cUQlIQ/s1600/EDC090112Wearstler01-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF1_GqBPE5LhmoKhTFuneGNq9YVwfwhSOQ4IsRGJeqGO1kRCe3gIo0syHRoeqo9LgWbbdJyiLOMZXwu7dIRQPSHkp5L6zYShJkbG55SiYcrnqmEdsN3mBxwkpSXDP7qvvCOwKJ_cUQlIQ/s640/EDC090112Wearstler01-lgn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The dining table, inspired by Jean-Michel Frank, is surrounded by Art Deco chairs; the chandeliers are of Venetian glass, the ceiling is sheathed in a <a href="http://www.degournay.com/">de Gournay</a> wall covering ["Gilded"]."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mercer Island, Washington home of Lara and Jeff Sanderson.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by <a href="http://www.kellywearstler.com/">Kelly Wearstler</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Mikkel Vang.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Celia Barbour.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/kelly-wearstler-design#slide-8">Shadow Play</a>" produced by Anita Sarsidi.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elledecor.com/">Elle Decor</a> (September 2012).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHXtj8L7RgRYs4xUEJLEPp6ZA6PaWwrm68p9fjra4yukOyB2E43oddgy5l1au32KF27B2jHAQ2PdRkGl538Fm1Zke5LlUc03y5V2TvHTlqGJM0-WKCgcJ2NXeGmvOgbOT08hv7HNvdZuy/s1600/modern-living-room-lavender-curtains-1011-healingbarsanti02-mdn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHXtj8L7RgRYs4xUEJLEPp6ZA6PaWwrm68p9fjra4yukOyB2E43oddgy5l1au32KF27B2jHAQ2PdRkGl538Fm1Zke5LlUc03y5V2TvHTlqGJM0-WKCgcJ2NXeGmvOgbOT08hv7HNvdZuy/s640/modern-living-room-lavender-curtains-1011-healingbarsanti02-mdn.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The living room ceiling is papered in 'Metallic Leaf' by <a href="http://www.phillipjeffries.com/">Phillip Jeffries</a>."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Family home in Scarsdale, New York.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Pat Healing, <a href="http://www.hbhome.com/">HB Home</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Maura McEvoy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/house-pictures/interior-design-color-ideas-1011?click=img_sr#slide-1">A Daring, Dramatic, and Colorful Family Home</a>" by Lisa Cregan.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a> (October 2011).</span> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayGTTU6Q_PLuNN18dBEOKmB6YhshrKhlOHU7sS0gD5xgDID6tvduvxIxonNIT6IW5nKSZaZxJpgrlWC3uPwOsigg7xxynJXdmlSpwwOdzbQMySRPnGkjzX1WhPLMMxJfcy9zvEBFm138G/s1600/modern-living-room-metallic-ceiling-1011-healingbarsanti03-mdn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayGTTU6Q_PLuNN18dBEOKmB6YhshrKhlOHU7sS0gD5xgDID6tvduvxIxonNIT6IW5nKSZaZxJpgrlWC3uPwOsigg7xxynJXdmlSpwwOdzbQMySRPnGkjzX1WhPLMMxJfcy9zvEBFm138G/s640/modern-living-room-metallic-ceiling-1011-healingbarsanti03-mdn.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The living room ceiling is papered in 'Metallic Leaf' by</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.phillipjeffries.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Phillip Jeffries</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Family home in Scarsdale, New York.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Pat Healing, <a href="http://www.hbhome.com/">HB Home</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Maura McEvoy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/house-pictures/interior-design-color-ideas-1011?click=img_sr#slide-2">A Daring, Dramatic, and Colorful Family Home</a>" by Lisa Cregan.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a> (October 2011).</span> </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmw7SodenX_qcoU8xdR18o50GrKJZ0C6BwUp_O-083SKxEEMKf6RaX-d_t0Qe5hQ0lRdEEhf5KdUo1ntQXLjP6p7LsrPEqK5dukTthzQPN80k-wGQNgJneExKYAV2v1oy7N7shtqEEj8j/s1600/pink-chairs-tree-chandeleir-diningroom-0311-sommers-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmw7SodenX_qcoU8xdR18o50GrKJZ0C6BwUp_O-083SKxEEMKf6RaX-d_t0Qe5hQ0lRdEEhf5KdUo1ntQXLjP6p7LsrPEqK5dukTthzQPN80k-wGQNgJneExKYAV2v1oy7N7shtqEEj8j/s640/pink-chairs-tree-chandeleir-diningroom-0311-sommers-de.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"To make the Tony Duquette chandelier feel more at home, [Ruthie] Sommers had decorative painter Peter Bolton create an elaborate tree design in gold leaf on the dining room ceiling. Jacaranda and plum trees inspired the vibrant pink Penny Morrison fabric on the front of the chairs and the Claremont floral on the back."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Los Angeles, California home of Ruthie Sommers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by <a href="http://www.ruthiesommers.com/">Ruthie Sommers</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/colors/how-to-decorating-with-pink-0211?click=img_sr#slide-7">Photography by Victoria Pearson</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interview by David A. Keeps.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Sweet Life" produced by Doretta Sperduto.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a> (March 2011).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtVNl_sFtSUagV1eOuLWqqDLfTWp7y8aOzDHGlNLZ8CIUylo0hMDOmLnJd7Z45vmwNUMJM23kN_rch_QKgT_nbu7gV3CKCZ4UoT4v0-DogsZZdKV6j1Io_bQkW1SCwHb-H5-LUFPR4cbk/s1600/ss_101719259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtVNl_sFtSUagV1eOuLWqqDLfTWp7y8aOzDHGlNLZ8CIUylo0hMDOmLnJd7Z45vmwNUMJM23kN_rch_QKgT_nbu7gV3CKCZ4UoT4v0-DogsZZdKV6j1Io_bQkW1SCwHb-H5-LUFPR4cbk/s640/ss_101719259.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Inspired by the sparkly powder room at Bemelmans Bar in Manhattan's Carlyle hotel, the room is sheathed in gold-patterned chinoiserie wallpaper and floored in penny tiles."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These penny tiles really do look like pennies.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ceiling: Custom, hand-applied gold leaf by Vonda Jessup.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Floor tiles: Gold penny tile by <a href="http://www.arizonatile.com/">Arizona Tile</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wall covering: <a href="http://search.brunschwig.com/Brunschwig-and-Fils-Print/BR69426050-1328/CoverInformation.aspx">"Chiri on Jute and Cotton"/Gold on Natural, Brunschwig and Fils</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scottsdale, Arizona home of Berkley Vallone.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Berkley Vallone, <a href="http://www.vallonedesign.com/">Vallone Design</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/small-home-big-style_ss9.html">Small Home. Big Style</a>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeV329U1T03-rCTz4zbR0SmOm2fEyKzQJE8GJA1gcaZSOBcXV8oaDuo_oswTtzW4sadMjPGivqhHlcJnw5yXLCi-gC1lVqxmyG4YOUAcE-0rFjsnqrHEN-aEjU8n_MonlMjWTTG74C38k/s1600/jerry-maggi-mehal-griffey-EDC-1212-03-lgn-34392088+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeV329U1T03-rCTz4zbR0SmOm2fEyKzQJE8GJA1gcaZSOBcXV8oaDuo_oswTtzW4sadMjPGivqhHlcJnw5yXLCi-gC1lVqxmyG4YOUAcE-0rFjsnqrHEN-aEjU8n_MonlMjWTTG74C38k/s640/jerry-maggi-mehal-griffey-EDC-1212-03-lgn-34392088+%25281%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The walls and floor of the master bath are covered in Bisazza tiles, the French mirror is 1950s, and the custom sink was handmade by Sicilian craftsmen; the fittings are by Hansgrohe, and the ceiling is covered in gold leaf." Note the "random gold tiles sprinkled in to pick up the gold leaf on the ceiling."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mehall Griffey and Jerry Maggi's apartment in Catania, on the island of Siciliy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Gianni Franchellucci.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Craig Seligman.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/interiors/italian-design-jerry-maggi-mehall-griffey-interiors?click=main_sr#slide-2">A Sojourn in Sicily</a>" produced by Anita Sarsidi.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elledecor.com/">Elle Decor</a> (December 2012).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HcqqLsOw7QkbFqOpBch0iCGu9pnSpt5zbMKULDBWeNpYIoD5YlYVRIQyoxE4qUKbBb8xXfA5XGHwUu1L4ghFH3_qHa6Dz0GsVIhRT6tUCggSn-Jf2wYKbCDep9ydXmmJKert3q6eqAeY/s1600/img_youngatheart_ss9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HcqqLsOw7QkbFqOpBch0iCGu9pnSpt5zbMKULDBWeNpYIoD5YlYVRIQyoxE4qUKbBb8xXfA5XGHwUu1L4ghFH3_qHa6Dz0GsVIhRT6tUCggSn-Jf2wYKbCDep9ydXmmJKert3q6eqAeY/s640/img_youngatheart_ss9.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Shining over the master bath, the ceiling is covered in torn pieces of wallpaper flecked with silver leaf."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Custom wall covering: "Ripped Silver Paper" by <a href="http://walterknabe.com/">Walter Knabe Studio</a>.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tub and faucet: <a href="http://kohler.com/">Kohler</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by <a href="http://suzannekasler.com/">Suzanne Kasler</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architectural design by <a href="http://wtbaker.com/">William T. Baker</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Tria Giovan.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Sarah Egge.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/young-at-heart_ss9.html">Young at Heart</a>" produced by Betsy Harris.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zclLKyg6tDYLWdhUt-z7vl2_xGeoJh0nsry0siWrnhzh1_JN-B9QOMXmpuwz5-VcHJ-SgY_8CD8M5m3aEB16BpdsmS-CsIPLMK9KB90IMhXGZnB71RXk_yxJ0USfPou5CRxQWLvo5ZyD/s1600/item6.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.07_alexa-hampton-connecticut-home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zclLKyg6tDYLWdhUt-z7vl2_xGeoJh0nsry0siWrnhzh1_JN-B9QOMXmpuwz5-VcHJ-SgY_8CD8M5m3aEB16BpdsmS-CsIPLMK9KB90IMhXGZnB71RXk_yxJ0USfPou5CRxQWLvo5ZyD/s640/item6.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.07_alexa-hampton-connecticut-home.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The dining room features a reclaimed-elm pedestal table from Mecox and a silver-leafed ceiling; the mirrored sideboard and silver candlesticks are from John Rosselli Antiques."</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architect: Joel Barkley.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decorator: Alexa Hampton.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Durston Saylor.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Jesse Kornbluth.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2011-06/alexa-hampton-connecticut-home-slideshow#slide=7">A Sophisticated Connecticut Home</a>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a> (June 2011).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXsOCVrK6uJcQ7zN8TaHJu8OOkoSVIZDibk01IG7uI4U08xpEt6nj9iZem82-tdtsM5cFNKMnoqI27y-fGwvTsM4s_b0IhFMYDwBy3q3r1yKemRkelNr7ihSp5-hlfvwZ0ZdfmYXyWXiO/s1600/item03.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.03_in_her_fashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXsOCVrK6uJcQ7zN8TaHJu8OOkoSVIZDibk01IG7uI4U08xpEt6nj9iZem82-tdtsM5cFNKMnoqI27y-fGwvTsM4s_b0IhFMYDwBy3q3r1yKemRkelNr7ihSp5-hlfvwZ0ZdfmYXyWXiO/s640/item03.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.03_in_her_fashion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Silver-leaf paper on the living room ceiling of Daphne Guinness's New York City apartment.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design by architect Daniel Romualdez.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Thomas Loof.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Styled by Carolina Irving.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/architecture/2011-03/in_her_fashion_slideshow#slide=3">In Her Fashion</a>" written and produced  by James Reginato.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a> (March 2011).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9WEPUwBQ1-A9TcgJYx9_gLf3QFQdgBWZP7nkryKyA5hAG066hwQmdiMyDySjmhizrZ9rW_VrUGSzqsFkPiBdrKdjvlwN4RCadOa193x9OugqmJ9waVtur4QNdKFr8mxUr_w67bkMd4EV/s1600/item2.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.arsl03_britt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9WEPUwBQ1-A9TcgJYx9_gLf3QFQdgBWZP7nkryKyA5hAG066hwQmdiMyDySjmhizrZ9rW_VrUGSzqsFkPiBdrKdjvlwN4RCadOa193x9OugqmJ9waVtur4QNdKFr8mxUr_w67bkMd4EV/s640/item2.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.arsl03_britt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Moroccan lanterns hang from the ceiling, which was papered and lacquered in silver. Clarence House leopard and brown fabrics."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greenwich Village apartment.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Thomas Britt, ASID.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architectural design by Peter Napolitano.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo credit: Scott Frances.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Penelope Rowlands.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/AD100/2010/thomas_britt/britt_slideshow_022007#slide=3">Bold Move in New York</a>" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a> (February 2007).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjGDdIcT8JcTrX2Uw2WbdMcEX2ix89iAV7TDoYc3WvyISPyabOEHBxQit6preSicU1G39erZbiO316aKHB3ftl-TR19GPeMNaEmnKHirIIBZvaKoHHI1YRsAjQQC-4t7P_Y3NNW4xQKvn/s1600/item6.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.arsl07_britt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjGDdIcT8JcTrX2Uw2WbdMcEX2ix89iAV7TDoYc3WvyISPyabOEHBxQit6preSicU1G39erZbiO316aKHB3ftl-TR19GPeMNaEmnKHirIIBZvaKoHHI1YRsAjQQC-4t7P_Y3NNW4xQKvn/s640/item6.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.arsl07_britt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A silver papered ceiling enhances the airiness" of the kitchen.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greenwich Village apartment.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Thomas Britt, ASID.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architectural design by Peter Napolitano.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo credit: Scott Frances.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Penelope Rowlands.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/AD100/2010/thomas_britt/britt_slideshow_022007#slide=7">Bold Move in New York</a>" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architectural Digest</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(February 2007).</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQz_Fg8_ofXQTuFGccYi0JM-_LvS8Y4S9rrzpevjs33kCrzl5blpJ_tsVpp4GJlXct7O1lmO4PcJpTX_jQtPTL6Pr-R_ZkIPRPL9215NzLb09az282Lk2abXT_1RZV-z-xMNSyuHA66To/s1600/item0.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.arsl01_allem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQz_Fg8_ofXQTuFGccYi0JM-_LvS8Y4S9rrzpevjs33kCrzl5blpJ_tsVpp4GJlXct7O1lmO4PcJpTX_jQtPTL6Pr-R_ZkIPRPL9215NzLb09az282Lk2abXT_1RZV-z-xMNSyuHA66To/s640/item0.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.arsl01_allem.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">" 'The space itself was inspirational,' designer Charles Allem says of a penthouse he remade for a Manhattan couple. Silver leaf adds drama to the living room's barrel-vaulted ceiling. [The silver leaf was "done by hand on a scaffolding . . . [and] took . . . three months."] Velvet draperies, hand-printed in Italy, 'never stop cascading,' he says, from the beveled-mirror rods he designed. Italian etchings and Murano glass lamp, left, Lorin Marsh. Stark carpet."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Charles Allem, ASID.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Paul Warchol.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Nancy Collins.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/AD100/2010/charles_allem/allem_article_042007">Manhattan Grand</a>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a> (April 2007).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdlz53WcgTbaADflnaoXoicMDv6IgnuW_icXrRkOq7YfQxnD21drz15wNJYv6zqvbCaVqWo7CqEiuZZNtFS_1WGt0wJmGNLHEPr9jHRqG0k_Z5IiirgQqsbsrzaQEofTUcPwqLj7-SYIQ/s1600/ss_101774345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdlz53WcgTbaADflnaoXoicMDv6IgnuW_icXrRkOq7YfQxnD21drz15wNJYv6zqvbCaVqWo7CqEiuZZNtFS_1WGt0wJmGNLHEPr9jHRqG0k_Z5IiirgQqsbsrzaQEofTUcPwqLj7-SYIQ/s640/ss_101774345.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Willem Racke and Leigh Edwards did not deviate far from the home's Mediterranean roots in this entrance hall. 'We wanted it to encourage guests to see more of the house,' Racke explains. The original woodwork and marble-tiled floor drove color direction. Gold highlights were added to the ceiling, finished to look like rich leather."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Willem Racke and Leigh Edwards, <a href="http://www.willemrackestudio.com/">Willem Racke Studio</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Entrance Hall, Traditional Home's 2011 San Francisco Decorator Showhouse.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Philip Harvey.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Clara Haneberg.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/showhouses/sanfrancisco-decorator-showcase-2011_ss2.html">2011 San Francisco Decorator Showhouse</a>" produced by Heather Lobdell.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A photo of the black-and-white striped "circus tent" bathroom that Willem Racke created for interior designer <a href="http://www.stephenshubel.com/">Stephen Shubel</a>'s San Francisco studio appears in my blog post, "<a href="http://aflippenlife.blogspot.com/2012/08/black-and-white.html">Black and White</a>," dated August 28, 2012.</span></div></div>

The Fifth Wall - Gold and Silver Ceilings

Many homeowners paint their ceilings "Decorator's White." They don't realize that the ceiling is a room's "fifth ...

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