Give Your Home Some Added Charm with Architectural Details
Some homes come with an abundance of unique features, while others, not so much. Whether you're inspired by a particular style, like Art Deco or Victorian, or you happen to own a historic dwelling that's lacking it's original charm, it's never too late to add character with architectural elements. By doing so, you'll enhance your home with striking details.
WALLS THAT WOW. Window treatments in the form of wood shutters or blinds add depth and dimension. A similar effect can be achieved with ornate drapery hardware that lends architectural interest through shapely finials and timeless materials such as wrought iron and wood.
Wallpaper can be deceiving in a good way. Clever designs that depict everything from an enchanted forest to library shelves let you have fun with playful patterns that deliver faux architectural details. Lattice adds another layer of intrigue when applied over traditional wallpaper or contrasting paint color for an artistic edge that makes any space more noticeable.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. Ceiling medallions add allure whenever they are displayed. Whether you opt for the proper spot to accentuate a light fixture like a traditional chandelier or display the ornamental objects in a grouping on a wall as an eye-catching art installation, their intricate carvings work like a charm every time. Leave them neutral or paint them in a bold shade that compliments your décor, whichever you prefer.
Vaulted ceilings and other modern elements don't always offer the best configuration for classic details like crown molding. In that case, consider installing French doors for a fine architectural feature. Built-in storage and display niches can be recessed into walls as attractive accents. A floating ledge for art and a simple nook for firewood are also well-suited for a contemporary setting.
Rip up that old rug and replace it with wood floors or tile that looks like wood. Cork is another option that lends texture underfoot. These materials add richness to any room, making them a great starting point for a home's more notable components.
AROUND THE HOUSE. Enhance what you have by adding a mantel to a flush fireplace or affixing an ornamental fireplace for an instant focal point. Attach molding to a standard bookcase for a more tailored silhouette. Turn a corbel into a shelf or an end table, and accentuate kitchen cabinets with posts or pilasters to make them feel like furniture.
Existing features like windows, cabinets, and doors become more prominent with paint or paper. Cover door panels with patterned paper to make them pop. Highlight the area below a chair rail with paint and above with wallpaper or a contrasting color. Paint a nondescript staircase railing to make it pop with opposites like a black handrail and white posts, or use paint to create the illusion of crown molding, wainscoting, or a headboard for your bed.
EASY DOES IT. Old frames, pedestals, windows, and other relics that catch your eye lend a sense of history to your interiors. Mirrors illuminate architectural features through reflections. Those with ornate frames bring more attention to your walls.
It doesn't take much to add that extra spark to your basic box of a room, whether you choose wainscoting for the walls, beams for the ceiling, or both. As a whole, architectural details provide a finishing touch to your home, making it more aesthetically pleasing and a pleasure to spend time in, too. Written by Jeanine Matlow YHL