4 minute read
ALL IN THE DETAILS
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS CAN ADD REAL CHARACTER TO A HOUSE. HERE’S HOW TO DO IT RIGHT
Words SHARON STEPHENSON and LYNNE TESTONI
Jillian Dinkel, interior designer
Getty Images. Some photographs
Photography
feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. T here are some homes that just make you go ‘wow!’ when you walk through the door. They may not necessarily be the biggest or most expensively styled, but they exude a sense of charm and individuality. Much of this appeal comes down to character – that elusive element that turns a house into a home. For a new build or large renovation, details such as architraves, cornices, skirting, doors and windows are key. Choosing the right trims throughout your home also helps to provide cohesion in style and design.
House in the Hamptons
It’s easy to see why the Hamptons style has caught on, as the fresh palette works so well in Kiwi homes. Wellington interior designer Sarah Brown suggests focusing on the light side. “Think white walls, skirtings and cabinetry,” she says.
Restore a heritage aesthetic by adding decorative panelling to your walls
Add some elegance
Curved elements bring a natural feel and help to soften the effect of hard angles in furniture
Cornices can help to brighten up a room by diverting light from shadowy corners
Wainscoting (decorative panelling positioned on the lower third of the walls) works beautifully in hallways and formal living areas to create an elegant look – as does Shaker-style cabinetry, especially in kitchens. Panelled interior doors can add character without fussy detailing, while tongue-and-groove timber panelled walls add interest.
Heritage building
Jillian Dinkel (jilliandinkel.com) is a specialist in adapting period homes and putting authenticity back into a home that has had the detailing stripped out. “My first tip would be to refer to original details that still exist,” she says. “Look at any cornicing, doors and windows that are original, and use them as a clue to choose other elements.” Jillian suggests bringing a piece of architrave, or photos of existing doors, in store to help source the right matches.
Contemporary cool
The trick to a contemporary aesthetic is to add interest without fussiness, says Jillian. Think large windows, simple textures and neutral tones. Contemporary homes work well with a shadowline ceiling, which is a small recess between the wall and ceiling bordered by a metal strip that’s plastered over to a smooth finish. A shadowline cornice (where this process is ready-made) is a more budget-conscious option. These cornices can also incorporate full- length curtains for a seamless look.
Cornicing and skirting options can introduce more warmth and personality to a room, often adding that final flourish needed to give a space its completed look.
Go with the flow
If it’s a statement you want to make, consider the renewed trend for plaster curves. While curved archways and doorframes make more of a subdued design impact than straight lines, they still create a visual wow-factor.
Christchurch interior designer Alex Fulton (alexfultondesign.com) explains, “Curves and arches bring out a softer side to architecture. From doorways to joinery, the ancient arch is really having a revival.” Alex believes a well-designed curve is great for moving your eye around a space in an organic way. “This is not only soothing, but it feels really fresh and contemporary,” she says. ◆
Recessed curtains in a shadowline cornice give a sleek, modern look to this space
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Add character to your windows: bunnings.co.nz/how-to-diy-architrave
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Keep in mind...
n Regulations regarding what you can and can’t do vary from council to council, particularly when it comes to heritage buildings. Check with your local council before you start renovating.
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