Have you ever noticed that houses built in the 1960s and before seemed to have more detail in their architecture? Wider moldings, arches, niches, built-in cabinets and bookcases. Details such as columns and corbels were used along with interesting room dividers and detailed doors.
Builders in the 1970s discovered that by removing unnecessary details, they could cut costs and build more homes, increasing profit margins. Certainly that was a good “business” move, but it left us all with plain, uninviting rooms. Thus, post-1970 homes lost that attractive “architectural interest” we now crave.
With a new move to focus on interior spaces across the country, a trip to your local home store now produces a wide selection of ornate molding, wood accents for cabinets and DIY door kits to bring that architecture back home. Our homes.
Architectural details are the “backbone” of interior design and are often the first consideration when contemplating a room renovation. Usually rooms are stripped of all furniture and curtains to reveal what the room really has to offer.
With little of that detail added by the builders, it’s up to us as the owners to restore it.
Molded plaster is a way to add architectural interest to a simple room, as are moldings, corbels, columns, fireplace mantels, and other details created by attaching permanent fixtures to walls and ceilings.
As our country has embraced a new conservation attitude in recent decades, we are seeing more and more “faux” (faux) items being introduced to the world of interior decorating. An example is the new and highly ornate moldings made of resin. These detailed moldings appear to be carved and painted wood. However, they are a wood-plastic material that stands up well to abuse, rot, and insects, and is stronger and more durable than ordinary wood trim. A similar material is being used to create outdoor decking products.
So how do you go about adding architectural interest to your room? Here are some ideas:
Use 1 x 6 boards around the inside edge of your roof to create a “frame.” Fill cracks between wood pieces with paint putty or joint compound and smooth. Paint the ceiling a very pale blue, and then paint the new frame the same color as your walls. This creates an instant “tray ceiling” that is so popular with new home builders and is an inexpensive yet great way to add instant detail to the ceiling. Continuing the project by adding crown molding against the new framing at wall level will add a more finished look.
Create your own easy columns:
Create two open-ended square boxes of pre-sanded wood measuring 6×6″ (you’ll add a 6×6″ top to each of the boxes later). One will be used as the top of the column and the other as the bottom. Before adding the lids to each of the boxes, attach a sanded 4×4 post between them with heavy-duty bolts. Add the lids to the boxes, then stand upright and knock into place between the ceiling and the floor with a rubber mallet. Finish the top and bottom with crown molding, then paint to match the color of the wall. The measurements of your 4×4″ post will depend on the height of your ceiling. Don’t forget to include the length of the top and bottom of your combined column in your final measurement. The entire column can now be further embellished with cast plaster ornamentation or raised plaster stencil for more details.Shorter columns can be created in the same way to use as plant supports.
Corbels are a fabulous architectural addition and are becoming more and more popular. These can now be purchased at your local chain store or specialty websites (just do an internet search for corbels) or find super deals on auction websites. Corbels come in many different varieties and sizes, and can be used under a mantel, under the ends of kitchen cabinets, on the inside of wide doors, or to create unique door elements by placing them on the edge. exterior of a door or window, then add a glass or wood shelf on top to display collectibles.
Even if you don’t want to go through the hassle of replacing your existing trim, check out the exciting trim accessories now in your home goods store. These are wood corner fixtures that add so much interest to room corners and can be directly incorporated with your existing trim. Straight versions of the same designs are also available. I prefer to use them in the top corners of door frames for an antique “Victorian” look.
There are many ways to increase the interest of your rooms. Enlist the help of the owner of your local hardware store for more ideas.