A Ceiling That Steals the Show: Our Havwoods “Alabastro” Collaboration
When we first began this design journey after construction wrapped up, I honestly wasn’t sure our great room would feel large enough. After all, we were working within the same footprint of our former cottage — and I worried that the space might feel tight once everything came together. Boy was I wrong! 
European Oak Ceiling
With its soaring 25-foot vaulted ceilings, the room quickly became the most spacious and inviting area in the entire lake house. The light floods in from every angle, the views of Cayuga Lake are breathtaking, and the scale feels incredible. But I still wanted a true showstopper—something that would draw the eye upward and make the space unforgettable. How did we do that? With the stunning Havwoods Alabastro European Oak Ceiling—a design choice that completely transformed our home.
When designing our Cayuga Lake great room, I wanted a feature that would bring the beauty of nature indoors—a design element that felt as calming and expansive as the water views just beyond our windows. I found exactly that with Havwoods International and their stunning Alabastro planks.
Sustainable Sourced Hardwoods
Sourced from sustainably managed European forests, this real hardwood is as responsible as it is beautiful. Though traditionally used for flooring, we decided to take a design risk and use this superior material on the ceiling. The result? Absolutely breathtaking. The light oak tones with a soft whitewashed finish add a modern, organic warmth that feels both coastal and refined. It’s the very first thing our guests notice—right after the view, of course!
Each plank arrived in multiple lengths, making the installation seamless and natural. We chose a random installation pattern to maintain that effortless, organic look. As the boards went up, the transformation was instant. The ceiling draws your eyes up, expanding the height of the room and highlighting the architectural beams. The effect is airy, bright, and completely mesmerizing—a true “wow” moment from every angle.
Beyond the Sale
Working with Havwoods was an equally inspiring experience. Their sales and design team, based in London, were attentive and knowledgeable—offering guidance via FaceTime, discussing finishes, and ensuring every step from selection to delivery exceeded expectations. That level of personalized attention is rare in today’s world, and it made this partnership even more special.
No Product Left Over
When the ceiling was complete, I couldn’t bear to let any of the leftover planks go to waste. The Alabastro wood was too beautiful and meaningful to discard—so we got creative. Using the remaining pieces, we lined the back of our custom wine wall, visually connecting the kitchen and great room.
Every time I look up, I’m reminded that this was not just a design choice—it was an investment in craftsmanship. Havwoods’ commitment to quality, sustainability, and aesthetics is unmatched. I can’t wait to visit their New York City showroom soon, and one day, their London headquarters. Until then, I’ll be admiring my ceiling—a masterpiece of light, texture, and inspiration.
Materials Used:
Havwoods International – HW16404 Alabastro European Oak Plank
Sustainably sourced • Light whitewashed finish • Multiple plank lengths • Installed in random pattern
Kudos to our talented contractor, Paul, and his assistant Jon, who carried each plank and meticulously assembled the entire ceiling by hand. Watching their precision and craftsmanship come together was like witnessing a work of art being created above us. Their dedication brought this vision to life in the most beautiful way — and boy, are we lucky to have had them on our team!
The Golden Hour
As of now, we’ve chosen to forgo installing blinds — and honestly, I couldn’t love it more. The natural light that floods this room throughout the day is pure magic, creating the most beautiful shadow play across the Havwoods Alabastro European Oak Ceiling and walls. One of my favorite design changes was swapping the architect’s original square window for this round one. It instantly softened the geometry of the space. With so many strong lines and angles, the circular window feels like a gentle pause, a serene “porthole” framing the ever-changing view of the lake. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best design decisions are the ones made last-minute from the heart. 🙂
Some photos by @nextdoorphotos ROC
