Molding
Architectural Details
When imagining a home, some people think only of the basics, such as rooms, windows, and doors, but for many people, it’s the special details that help to truly define a home. More than just the functional aspects of a house, the subtle extras and architectural embellishments are what create the feeling of a warm and welcoming home. It’s the careful attention to charming details, such as the small decorative piece that ties larger expanses together, or the carefully-placed trim that completes the look.
Architectural details that can enhance the look of a home include crown molding, which is often associated with homes of a certain historic period. More recently, this type of molding has enjoyed resurgence in popularity as decorators and homeowners discover the difference that strategically-place molding can make. Traditionally used as an embellishment where the walls and the ceiling meet, crown molding adds interest and elegance, and especially in rooms with high ceilings, imparts a look of balance to the room.
Baseboard molding is a similar type of decorative trim but is located at the other end of the wall. Used as a finishing detail for where the walls meet the floor, baseboard molding was traditionally used to hide imperfections, but modern uses for this type of trim are much more varied. Baseboard molding can draw out an element in the floor covering or the wall covering, or they can provide a transitional element for dramatic color changes between the flooring and the wall color. While baseboard molding do not need to match crown molding exactly, it’s important that they look as if they coordinate with each other rather than clash.
Ceiling medallions and ceiling domes add flair and interest at the highest point of a room. These interesting features can provide a focal point for the room, draw attention to a showpiece lighting fixture, or add the illusion of a higher ceiling. Whether painted to patch the color of the ceiling or painted in a coordinating color to stand out, these luxurious architectural touches bring a sense of completion to the large, blank expanses that comprise most ceilings. Although medallions and domes are historically found in the larger and more public rooms of a home, consider dressing up a smaller room, such as a bedroom or a bathroom, with an interesting and decorative ceiling trim piece.
While all of these architectural trims add style and beauty in their original functions, don’t be afraid to use them in nontraditional ways. For example, a piece of crown molding makes a perfect decorative ledge for the display of photos and small artworks. In a similar fashion, molding also makes an unusual but decorative frame for piece of artwork or a mirror; painted in the same color as the wall, the molding helps to showcase the art or mirror, but painted in a contrasting color makes the frame itself come to life as an artistic detail.
No matter how these decorative architectural trims are used — in traditional applications or in creative and unusual ways — they are sure to add character and inviting warmth to any room.
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the more layers of architectural detail the bigger the impact.
- John, May 16th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
I never really thought about using a medallion for anything other than the ceiling, however your picture proves medallions can be used for anything. I really appreciate this blog, it has given me much to think about!
- Samantha, May 16th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
I love the thought of putting a ceiling dome in my bedroom! I think it will really open it up and make the room that much more special!
- Tammy, May 17th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
Most peoples ceiling are just flat white surface – void of detail. The idea of adding a ceiling medallion, dome or ceiling moldings can really enhance a typically unadored ceiling.
- Adam, May 19th, 2011 at 10:43 am
I just love crown molding. Not to mention if you add other architectural elements on top of that, it just adds to the overall beauty to a home. My contractor is set to have everything installed in my home in a few more weeks and I just can’t wait to see everything completed.
- Hermione, May 23rd, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Ceiling madallions can abe used with or without a lighting fixture. This allows for a decorative impact in a room without a ceiling fixture.
- David, May 25th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
I just added a lot of architectural details (ceiling medallions, panel molding, chair rail, crown molding – I added it all)! It is truly incredible how much of a difference there is. My house is now gorgeous and like a whole new home for me. I am so glad I discovered InvitingHome.com!
- Amy, June 2nd, 2011 at 4:56 pm
I have had many people interested in this product. Many of them have refered me back to your wbsite to use your products and after working with this matrial I am pleased with the quality adn it is easy to install. I like this polyurethane material a lot better than wood.
- Jaime, June 3rd, 2011 at 10:46 am
I like foam crown molding myself. It is easy to install and easy to pay for! I must say you have an incredible selection.
- Clark Schnell, June 8th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
We have been building our home for the past 2 years (I know – a long and slow process) and we are finally able to start working on those final touches in the interior of the house. I must say, I keep finding myself coming back to this website. There are so many ideas and decorative touches that I haven’t thought about. I am discovering new ways to enhance my new home that much more. I am so glad I found you guys!
- Kimberley, June 9th, 2011 at 10:54 am