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Guest Editorial
Wood Works!
The beauty of wood cornices could
be a home’s most desirable feature.
by Ruth Barron
Architectural
details are powerful design elements. Finishing touches such as
chair rails, crown moldings, wood cornices and other decorative
enhancements can turn a beautiful home into a real showcase.
One of the hottest and longest lasting trends has been the use of wood in window
treatments, from shades to blinds, shutters and wood cornices. Whether you select
authentic or faux wood, stained or painted, it’s a look that clearly isn’t
slowing down. Why? Because using real wood cornices is an effective and versatile
way to infuse a rich, warm feeling into any design scheme.
With the option of choosing fabric or wallpaper to place in the middle or selecting
all wood, a cornice becomes more than just a functional item—it can incorporate
and coordinate with the other design elements in your room design. A decorator
can enhance the cornice design by using the same fabric, color or pattern found
in another area of the room, or by selecting complementary colors—the options
are endless.
Even if a client wishes to go with an unadorned wood cornice, the versatility
of wood shines through. It harmonizes with classic, traditional, contemporary
or any other design scheme. In addition, the variety of finishes and wood species
ensures that the right cornice can be found to match any existing woodwork.
On a structural note, cornices draw the eye upward and raise the height of a
room, pulling the space together into a unified composition.
WOOD AND MOOD
The species of wood selected for a cornice changes its look dramatically. An
already-furnished room may, therefore, lean toward certain types of wood. For
example, knotty pine bestows a natural, rustic look to a room’s decor.
Darker woods—mahogany and cherry—are formal and elegant. Maple, a
kitchen cabinet favorite, is airy, warm and light.
And, with the right stain or finish, most woods can be fine-tuned to a specific
shade.
HARD TO IMPROVE ON WOOD
In addition to all of these points, wood cornices are easy to maintain and clean,
highly durable, non-allergenic and easy to install. No further dressing is required.
It’s hard to find another material this strong in both looks and function.
Selected and installed with taste and care, your clients may find that classic
window treatments made from wood could even rival hardwood floors as one of the
home’s most desirable features. So why not go with the grain?
Ruth Barron is vice president of Creative Cornices, Deer Park, NY; www.creativecornices.com |
