Home on the range

I have a ranch style home built in the 1960's.  The ceilings are low and I'm not sure what to do with them.  If I have room, should I make the ceilings higher by trey (?sp) ceilings.  Will adding this modern design make the house look funny?  Are there any other suggestions to update the ceiling and/or make them look taller?

melanie

Since your house is a ranch style, you could alter the ceiling heights by removing the existing ceiling joists and vaulting the ceiling.  This will require  you to pay close attention to the structural framing of the ceiling and roof.  Consult a structural engineer before you remove any ceiling joists.  You can achieve some dramatic affects by vaulting the ceilings.  You can also add some really cool lighting details, either indirect or pendant lighting.  Good luck and good remodeling.

P.S. I don't know what you mean by "trey" ceilings.