How To Choose A Decorative Cornice

by Brisbane Plasterer

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Posted on 12-12-2020 10:11 PM

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Are you renovating a Queenslander or older syle home?
It can be daunting when working out how you are going to combine the modern day elements with period features.
Often these features are wall trims, skirting boards, cornices, ceiling roses.
Paint colours and tile patterns are also a part of the style brief

What Are The Different Building Eras?

Georgian: the period between 1750 and 1830. Cornices and mouldings tended to have a Roman influence and had fine details

Victorian: most popular in the period between 1837 and 1901 the Victorian period designs were based on imitation and reproduction. Mouldings had bold designs and tended to be heavily enriched. Many different styles were revived, and often had more than one influence featured on a single piece of cornice or moulding

Federation: Was between 1895 and 1915, inspired by existing European classical designs. This style featured  medallions, urns, bows, flowers and leaves and they were joined together by chains and drapes.

Art Deco: Most popular between 1907 and 1935, Art Deco began in Europe in the early years of the 20th century. It overlooked many traditional, classical influences in favour of more streamlined and geometric forms

Contemporary: from approximately 1950, following on the ‘modern design’ is the style that reflects anything currently trendy

Many Queenslanders fall into the Federation era.They also have a definite Asian influence as well. They are an iconic Queensland style.

Your New Cornice Style

When deciding how to renovate the rooms in an older style home you must consider the height of the ceilings.
Highset ceilings are perfect to use bigger and more ornate cornices and add features such as ceiling roses.
There is going to be a vast space to fill and larger cornices and decorative plaster like ceiling roses will not look out of place.In the main rooms of the house - They needcthese statement pieces so do take the calculated risk and opt for something a little larger than what you originally thought of.
Infact - you do not want to make a mistake and choose something not large enough.
In other rooms like a study or bedrooms you can choose something a little less grand.
We have done many of these types of renovations and we are more than happy to give some input into what we have seen and what has worked.

You Must Like The Decorative Plaster You Choose

 

When picking a cornice the NUMBER 1 Rule is 
You have to likethe design!!
Do not get talked into something that you really do not like.
Sometimes it can take time for you to develop your taste when looking at a new style era

Ok lets take a look at more suggestions when choosing decorative cornices.

1 – Choose cornice that you like:

2 – Consider your ceiling height: The higher the ceiling in a room the bigger the cornice you can use.
Aso look to see if there is a matching ceiling rose.
Large cornices used in a room with low ceilings will create an out of proportion effect and appear to shrink the room.

Will Your Cornice Be A Statement Feature Or Not?

Are you trying to make a statement with your cornice or will it be an integral but unobtrusive feature of your overall decorative scheme?
You will have to work out your style brief before you start buying cornice and other trims.

Choose A Timeless Design

Just like when you choose the wall paint colour, you want to choose something that you can live with for the next 10 years plus. It is not easy to replace a permanment fixture like cornices if you fall out of love with that style. 
There are dozens of classic designs to choose from so you will not be forced into only a few styles to pick from.
With paint colours or even lighting fixtures, you can change and update them when you decide you need to redecorate.
And just like paint comes in sample sizes, you can also buy samples of cornice so you can see how it will sit adjoing your walls and ceilings together.

We discussed building eras and most older himes in Australia are from the mid 1800's to the mid 1900's so the older homes will usually be Victorian and Federation homes.
Do not get hung up on the style of the home though.
Unless you are renovationing a heritage protected home, you will be able to let your design choices be heard.
You will be bringing in modern influences so it does not have to be a true representaion of that era but you do want to pay homage to it

Do The Renovation Work Right

Having decorative plaster done right will increase the value of your home when you do decide to sell down the track.
As we mentioned paint, light fittings and even carpets can be ripped up and replaced to be upgraded to a new look by the next owners.
Permanant fixtures like cornices adds the character to a home and people want these features and then to put their own spin on the style.

Make Sure You Hire The Right Plasterer

We are often called to a renovation to fix up the work of a previous plasterer or a home owner who decided to DIY.
When it comes to renovation work - The budget must be understood and it needs to be kept to 
When buying decorative plaster and trims, you must get your measurements correct.
You do not want to be wasting expensive cornice by a miscalulation.
It is not always easy to find the style that you want and if you run out part way they have minimum order amounts.
Plus the time it takes to leave the site and go chasing to go and get what you need.
It is not something that the local plaster and building supply outlet just keeps in stock
It is something that needs to be ordered in.

Experienced Plasterers For Renovations

We are well equipped to do this style of work. We love working with traditional styles and seeing a home owners vsion come to life when these trims are installed.
It is our favorite type of work to do
Call Brisbane Plaster Pro for your next Brisbane renovation job.
If you are looking for an experienced painter that we reccommend -  Brisbane Painting Pros are who we use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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