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Design Details: Moldings — or Not?
16 new and unusual ways to trim your doors, floors and ceilings
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When we think of trimming out our doorways, walls and ceilings, traditional wood architectural moldings are what generally come to mind. But if you are looking for something distinctive to provide interest and definition to your passageways and ceilings, then here are some truly unusual, beautiful and fun alternatives. Of particular note are the line of contemporary moldings, skirting, cornicing and architrave pieces from the British firm, Solomon&Wu, which won Most Innovative Product at Decorex 2011.
Until now, people who wanted a contemporary look had to eliminate moldings altogether or use very plain ones. Architectural ornamentation defines the overall feel and style of a space, so these designs are more appropriate for modern dwellings, which tend to be more minimal than traditional spaces.
Until now, people who wanted a contemporary look had to eliminate moldings altogether or use very plain ones. Architectural ornamentation defines the overall feel and style of a space, so these designs are more appropriate for modern dwellings, which tend to be more minimal than traditional spaces.
by Solomon & Wu
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As Monty Python would say, "Now for something completely different." Solomon&Wu have reinvented architectural molding products. At first glance, this elegant wall covering and rich drapery make you think you are looking at a very traditional room. But look closely at that white baseboard. This is anything but traditional.
by Solomon & Wu
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The angular relief on this architrave is a fresh take on doorway trim. The larger molding pattern on the ceiling is just spectacular. Manufacturing techniques have changed dramatically with the advent of the silicone mold, so it is possible to create shapes unlike anything available before. Solomon&Wu's designs are carved from plaster blocks, from which a silicone mold is made. Then fibrous plaster is cast into the molds to create the final product.
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by Solomon & Wu
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| This skirting, architrave and 2-piece cornicing from their Caumont Series is meant to be reminiscent of an urban skyline. |
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by Solomon & Wu
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| If urban and angular don't appeal to you, then perhaps you'll like their Organic Structure Series inspired by the cellular structure found in nature. See how designers are achieving fresh looks with trim, next. |
If the unique molding products above are not your cup of tea, there are other beautiful ways to provide standout details. What I love here is that instead of drywall with an applied wood trim, these passageways have been pared down to nothing but the trim. The essence of minimal design at its best.
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The subtle, recessed area that goes up the wall and onto the ceiling is a very unusual way to give definition to each window in this hall.
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| Instead of using carved moldings, rustic beams add a casual farmhouse look to this space. |
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by AMI Designs
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| Without the angled braces, the beams feel more modern. They add such warmth to the white room. |
The natural and somewhat rough wood around this doorway combines well with the green color scheme to create a feeling of being out in nature.
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| Moldings can be a budget-busting detail, but a steady hand and a can of contrasting paint can be all you need to create a special trim around your door. |
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| Paint again is all that it takes here to define these archways. |
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Stone is another beautiful way to trim out a doorway. With all of the beautiful, thin stone products that can be applied to the surface of walls, you may not need a mason to achieve this look.
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I thought this fun nod to ancient ruins was a fun way to trim out this contemporary glass door.
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| The heavy wood lintel beams above these passageways look timeless to me. |
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Give tile some consideration when looking for an alternative to wood trim for doorways. With so many styles to choose from, you can achieve any look you want, from traditional to contemporary.
For pure fun, I just love the zebra stripe molding here. Fabulous no matter what you put it around!
What do you think? Are you ready to depart from traditional architectural trims and try something out of the ordinary?
More: Frame Your Views With Great Moldings and Casings
What do you think? Are you ready to depart from traditional architectural trims and try something out of the ordinary?
More: Frame Your Views With Great Moldings and Casings
Ideabook updated on Nov. 17, 2011.
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suburbandecorista -- Well, in my opinion, ALL homes with moldings are dated. Most of the homes being built today are trying to look like the Craftsman period, so they look dated the first day you open the door. We have lots of fabulous periods for architecture -- art deco -- victorian -- craftsman -- mid-century modern, and so on. What's wrong with having a brand new period? Now that the manufacturing processes are available, I hope moldings get out of their rut.
Flooring will be wood, kitchen cabinets painted Dove white, island stained dark wood.
We have large windows facing the lake in kitchen and living area, all one large room.
Can we mix, for instance, stained windows, and have white white floor trim? also, white trim with stained interior doors? HELP