Architectural Salvage

World’s Most Beautiful Marble Walls

Admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 01:21:04 +0000

The Palazzo Rondinini was a family that was apart of the Roman aristocracy. In 1744 Marquis Giuseppe Rondinini bought a small palace which had belonged to Cavalier d'Arpino; a famous painter.

Rondinini had gathered an important collection of antiquities and decided to enlarge his new property which properly displayed his valuable collection. The palace was designed by Alessandro Dori. The walls of the courtyard were decorated with inscriptions and small reliefs, while the finest pieces were placed in the rooms of the palace where he entertained his guests.

Siena Free discusses the presentation of the book "The Marble Palace of the Ancient Rondinini",by Daniela Candilio Bertinetti and Marina in the setting of Palazzo Rondanini in Rome. The volume is a valuable catalog, made by Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, in agreement with the Superintendence for Archaeological Heritage of Rome, which details the collections in the marble palace. The building reveals the aesthetic taste of ancient owner, the Marquis Giuseppe Rondinini (1725-1801)

Nov Architectura shows some additional pictures of the outside of the building

Palazzo Rondinini by Luigi; Enrico Paribeni Salerno (Hardcover - 1964)

Palazzo Rondinini by M. Bertinetti D. Candilio (Hardcover - Jan 1, 2011)

Palazzo Rondinini Photographer Roberto Schezen- Featured on Philip Bewley's FB

Raised Plaster Border Stencils

Admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:06:27 +0000

RAISED PLASTER KENSINGTON FRIEZE STENCIL From Victoria Larsen

If you have ever put up wallpaper and then removed it years after, you know how much of a pain it is to get rid of wallpaper. My mother took down wallpaper in a room, and to the eye the walls looked very clean before she painted. She didn't make the mistake of not scrubbing the walls, however they missed a couple spots that when it came to painting, some of the paint in the room ended up peeling off. She missed the glue in some of the areas causing them to sand some areas down. It was a disaster. One really easy trick of updating a room which has outdated wallpaper trim is to leave it on!! Instead of getting rid of that wallpaper trim, consider painting over it and using plaster stencils to stencil over the previous raised trim areas.

Paint over top of the wallpaper using a good primer and the same color as the rest of your walls.

Simply tape the stencil to the wall, ceiling or intended item, spread joint compound over the stencil openings with a plastic scraper, gently peel the stencil back to reveal the design and let dry.

You now have a raised design on your walls in the area that was once your wallpaper trim. The look is simple and breathtaking! Paint the same color as your wall for ultra raised elegance or you can pre-tint the joint compound with craft paints to create a colored raised design. The best thing about these stencils is they will give the look of adding architectural detail without dating your room like wallpaper trim does.

Raised Plaster Grapes Border Wall Stencil, Painting Stencil
US $19.99

Raised Plaster Rope Border Wall Stencil, Painting Stencil
US $16.99

Raised Plaster Acanthus Corner Border Stencil, Wall Stencil, Painting Stencil
US $24.99

Victorian Pedestal Mailboxes

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:57:16 +0000

Antique Mailboxes From Sans Sanity Flicker Photostream

These lovely antique mailboxes can be a perfect addition to your home. Amco's Victorian Pedestal Mailbox is the perfect complement to any home and is the nicest of all the reproduction Victorian Mailboxes. Its lightweight construction is durable to withstand all four seasons. This locking mailbox features security locking and a solid brass mail flap with an opening of up to 2 1/2" depending on your mail volume. Quality craftsmanship goes into this mailbox for added strength and durability for years of enjoyment. Choose from eight designer finishes in durable baked enamel to match any home exterior. 9 x 15 x 31 inches ; 45.4 pounds Amco sells their antique reproduction mailbox for just under $270

Colonial Pedestal Mailbox - Patina - Cast Aluminum

Red English Mailboxes

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:20:45 +0000

Anthony Trollope was an 1815 English novelist. He was one of the most successful and prolific English novelists of the Victorian era. Writings: Chronicles of Barsetshire. He is also responsible for introducing the familiar red pillar mailboxes in Britain (1853). Paint your existing antique styled mailbox or antique reproduction mailbox with Rust Oleum's regal red oil paint for a durable finish which will last years.

Red Mailbox From Nemo's Great Uncle Flicker

Red English Mailbozes From Silly Jilly's Flicker Photostream

Architectural Urns

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:37:27 +0000

This lovely photo captured by Howard Lee Puckett Photography shows how beautiful an architectural urn can be in a formal livingroom or dining room. Special oversized urns can be given a grand pedestal to really highlight the classical appearance of their design. Amazon carries a lot of smaller urns perfect for bookshelves, but not oversized urns like the picture above. One incredible sourse I have found on Amazon is Orlandi Statuary. Many of their products disappear quickly, which leads me to think they carry specialized decor, or one of a kind decor. I have to say their collections are stunning. Finding a high end oversized urn with Orlandi Statuary is not a problem. Do check their stock for that special one of a kind classical look.

Orlandi Statuary Embellished Urn 31 Inch with Lid

Architectural Hose Pots

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:45:30 +0000

Beaded Stonecast Hose Pot - Grandin Road

There is nothing worse than having several 50 foot hoses all piled around your property. Today there are a number of options available for hiding away the excess length of water hoses. Connect your gardens with style using these garden containers which look beautiful while being functional at the same time.

Architectural European Roman Tile Mosaics

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:00:35 +0000

Arizona Tile tells a absolutely stunning natural mosaic tile called Torreon Window Pane which has a combination of marbles and gold details. Arizona Tile sells a number of high end tiles ideal for floors, walls, backsplashes, fireplaces, tub surrounds and showers Make a statement in your home with collection mosaics. These natural stone tiles provide a dramatic look which would otherwise be very time consuming for the average person.

Antique Marble Mantel Clocks

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:27:27 +0000

Large European Antique Style Marble & Bronze Mantel Clock

Mantle clocks can be made in a variety of materials such as copper, bronze, spelter, silverplate, silver and gold the last two will cost the most because of what they are made from. You can also have mantel clocks made from stone such as marble or slate these are really heavy and will need to be placed on a substantial surface. Mantle clocks can also be made from wood such as maple, walnut, mahogany, oak, boxwood and fruitwood these can be a cheaper option but still look great.

vintage marble & bronze w/violinist mantel clock
US $150.00

Antique quality Victorian French mantel clock Marti Bronze white marble
US $394.00

French Bronze marble bronze mantel clock Greek Warrior Paris Barbedienne Hercule
US $2,400.00

ANTIQUE FRENCH GOLD PLATED BRONZE & MARBLE LOUIS XVI MANTEL CLOCK - VERSAILLES
US $15,749.00

Antique French Bronzed & Onyx Figural Clock with Beautiful Woman (Marble Mantel)
US $665.00

Antique 19C Delafontaine Bronze Sculpture 3 Piece Mantel Clock w Rouge Marble
US $3,500.00

Antique French Marble & Bronzed Figural Mantel Clock , Signed Moreau
US $750.00

Bronze & Marble Dolphin Desk Mantel Nautical Tropical Beach House Office Clock
US $97.20

French Barbedienne Paris large marble bronze mantel clock w/ perpetual calender
US $3,995.00

Architectural Salvage Clock Parts

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:12:40 +0000

The best place to look for clock parts is on ebay. Customize that favorite clock face with parts from an antique clock.

Architectural Cast Iron Black Urns

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:56:35 +0000

Architectural Outdoor Gardens Angelina Jolie Vogue Dec 2010

Black cast iron urns can really transform a room or garden into an area that is prestigious. Feature these architectural urns in a line of sight outside a pair of french doors, or as a focal feature at te the entry way into a garden. These architectural urns really give this photo with Angelina Jolie a regal look.

Black cast iron garden urns and pedestals-gorgeous!!
US $749.00

Black Cast Iron Wide Mouth Urn Planter With Pedestal
US $1,105.00

Black Cast Iron Urn Planter With Pedestal
US $4,700.00

Architectural Landscaping

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:28:02 +0000

Architectural Landscaping - Picture Credit Christian Oth Photography

Create an architectural garden in your own back yard with creative pruning. Learn how to create architectural details out of hedges, and plants to get the most out of your property.

Gold Swan Faucets

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:05:49 +0000

These brass Swan faucets could make your bathroom look very rich!

PVD GOLD BRASS SWAN ROMAN TUB FAUCET 800P4
US $399.85

BRASS PVD GOLD ROMAN SWAN TUB FAUCET 800P4
US $399.00

TUB FAUCET PVD GOLD BRASS SWAN ROMAN 800P4
US $398.99

Architectural Gardens

Admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:41:28 +0000

Architectural Gradens: Grand Courtoiseau French Gardens

Inspiring Interiors featured some lovely photographs of a 17th century manor house is located in Loiret, France. The estate is known as the Grand Courtoiseau. The magnificent grounds bear the label "Remarkable Garden" awarded by the French ministry of Culture.

Architectural Gradens: Grand Courtoiseau French Gardens

Architectural Gardens Grand Courtoiseau French Gardens

Topiary Architectural Art

Admin — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 01:21:25 +0000

Topiary Art Photo Credit Full Moon Goddess on Flicker's Photostream

Topiary art is the sculpting of shrubs to create shapes and designs most often for the use of visual art. Creating a topiary plant can take patience and a willingness to maintain the appearance by trimming it weekly because they do grow fast and can get out of hand. The pay off for all the hard work can be tremendous as topiaries are visually stunning. Topiaries come in a variety of shapes ranging from animals to the very basic of geometric shapes. These plants generally use shrubs and sub-shrubs such as arborvitae, bay laurel, box, holly, myrtle, privet, and yew. To create unique shapes, a shaped wire cage is used as the plant grows. The most common types of topiary frames are those that come in basic shapes such as globes, pillars, and cones. Often times these shapes are seen combined with one another. The extra large elephant frames seen in the lavish French gardens are now available in different sizes on Amazon. The uniquely hand crafted topiary frame is constructed of high quality metal and finished in an elegant matte black powder coating to resist the elements. With every frame being hand made, this makes each topiary an almost one of a kind sculpture. The empty wire topiary sells in the largest frame measuring 60"H x 89"L x 29"W and sells for $849. A series of carefully planned topiary plants would really highlight a home and create an atmosphere of well planned gardens.

Imax 29121-2 Mossy Sphere Topiary - Set of 2: Imax 29121-2 Mossy Sphere Topiary-Set of 2

Imax sells a couple sets of TWO topiary plants which are artificual, for the lowest price on the market.

The Sphere set of topiaries sell for around $70 making them roughly $30 dollars a piece. The Cone shaped Topiaries sell for the same price.

The sets of mossy topiaries are planted in wooden boxes which gives a Swedish touch.

Imax has them for only $45 at this link for the set of two, making them roughly $20 a piece.

Copper Brass Mailboxes

Admin — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:18:42 +0000

This stunning decorative copper steamer trunk mailbox is worthy enough for even people with the most sophisticated taste to give a second look. This lovely mailbox features handcrafted brass detailing and an etched copper finish which highlights the solid copper mailbox. Style has finally been added to function. These stately copper mailboxes were inspired by the steamer trunks and chests of old-world. Every copper mailbox includes mounting hardware for mailbox posts. This mailbox will gain a lovely patina with age and weather! The size of this mailbox is 18"L x 9"H x 8.5"W.

Architectural Styles: Review Of Creating A New Old House

Admin — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:28:43 +0000

Many of you might be searching for a new house to buy, or perhaps you are hoping to reinvent your current home with some old classical details to give it that old style charm. I have a book for you! Many people don't even approach the idea of building a house, because imagining a new house, or the expenses associated with starting from scratch can be daunting thought. Many people touring new homes looking for ideas find nothing but cookie-cutter copies in which they then find themselves combing through the bookstore shelves looking for inspiration in which they can add to their homes to give that old world feel. Russell Versaci was inspired to write Creating A New Old House when he was in architecture school. It was then that he discovered the modern American homes didn't even have a trace of the past, as if they abandoned the architectural elements all together. He turned to history for inspiration, and while searching through dusty volumes in the library he discovered America was rich with forgotten styles, from the first colonial dwellings and styles of the new republic through early-twentieth-century classicism. Russell spent 30 years studying the qualities that make old houses so appealing—and learning how to re-create these qualities in new homes for modern living. Amongst those who love new styles, there is an even bigger population that clings to the old.

Google Books Has a generous preview of Creating A New Old House Here.

Also Versaci's Roots of Home: Our Journey to a New Old House preview is also on Google Books

Creating A New Old House will show you homes which were built from scratch which incorporated elements which were patterned after tradition. The houses in this book have been created by some of the best architects, builders, and homeowners who dedicated their craft to creating styles based on classic designs. The homes presented in the book cover different styles ranging in different regional styles across America. You will see portraits of eighteen new houses in classic traditional styles. The examples given were selected from more than 300 homes, presenting the very best in each style. Creating A New Old House became an instant classic when it was published in 2003 and is now used as a tool in hundreds of traditional architecture practices.

About the Author

Russell Versaci was a graduate of Yale, and studied architecture at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1985 he formed the award-winning residential practice Versaci Neumann & Partners, based in Washington D.C. and Middleburg, Va. Then in 2006 he founded Russell Versaci Architecture which has a goal of improving the quality and value of traditional homebuilding. Versaci's designs have been featured in national magazines, including Traditional Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and Southern Living, as well as on Good Morning, America.

Russell Versaci offers 8 guide points to consider when designing a new house with classical strong traditional design.

1. Invent within the rules- When creating new designs, work within the traditional language of architecture.

2. Respect the character of place- Honor the local building traditions.

3. Tell a story in your home about the growth over time. Imagine changes
made by alterations and additions over time, and design within those ideas.

4. Build for the ages- Build with durable materials and time-tested construction techniques which are built to last.

5. Pay Attention to detail. Authenticity of details define house character making it more convincing.

6. Build with natural materials- The timeless beauty of natural materials will always remain in style, while the modern day plastics will always become dated at some point in time.

7. Create the patina of age by natural weathering processes. Build with salvaged antique materials.

8. Intergrate modern room functions but hide new technologies.

Index Information:

Introduction - Page 2

Reviving the Classic Homes of the Past Page 4

A Portfolio of New Old Houses

CALIFORNIA SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL- Recapturing the Romance of Spain Page 24

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANCH- Rive House in Big Sky Country Page 36

SPANISH-PUEBLO ADOBE- Reviving A Primitive Power Page 48

MIDWESTERN GREEK REVIVAL- An Honest Prairie Farmhouse- Page 60

CONNECTICUT VALLEY COLONIAL- Relocating A Relic Page 70

PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH FARMHOUSE- A New Farmstead with a Past- Page 82

HUDSON VALLEY GREEK REVIVAL- Building By The Book Page 94

MARYLAND TIDE WATER PLANTATION- Preserving History Page 106

GERMAN STONE FARMHOUSE- Bringing a Farm Back to Life Page 116

CAPE COD COTTAGE- A. House of Salvaged Bones Page 128

SOUTHERN PIEDMONT FARMHOUSE- A New Farmhouse For An Old Village Page 138

SOUTHERN ANTEBELLUM PLANTATION- Proper Southern Planners Page 150

FRENCH CREOLE COTTAGE- A Weathered Bayou Cottage Page 160

TEXAS GERMAN RANCH- Sunday House on the Prairie Page 172

FRENCH COLONIAL PLANTATION HOUSE- A Portrait of Louisiana Heritage Page 184

CRAFTSMAN ARTS AND CRAFT'S BUNGALOW- House of Fine Woodworking Page 196

COLONIAL REVIVAL SHINGLE STYLE-New England in the Northwest 206

Directory of Architects 218

Architectural Tin Ceilings

Admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:50:42 +0000

(Tin Ceiling -Pink Rose Pastry Shop in Queen's Village in Philadelphia From Nates Girl on Flicker)

Ceilings are often ignored as a decorating option. It was common in ancient times that ceiling were painted a color. It was only until recent that white was the most common choice. Ceiling tile is an attractive way to conceal pipes, wires and sloppy ceilings. Ceiling tiles come in various styles and textures including antique tile and tiles that are manufactured to look vintage.

Faux tin ceiling tile comes in a large variety of colors and patterns and can simulate antique tin. Antique Tin can be costly, as well as hard to find in the quantity you are needing to tile a ceiling. The Faux Tin tile is lightweight and often is quite easy to install as it often has a tongue and groove design for easy placement.

Styrofoam Ceiling Tile is another consideration as the cost is quite affordable. It also serves as a good source for insulation. Styrofoam tile is also lightweight and easy to work with.

If you plan on purchasing the antique tin tile, be sure to measure out your ceiling before you purchase so you don't run out of material half way through the job.

Architectural Windows

Admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:10:13 +0000

Antique Architectural windows can be just a click away. Many reproduction companies duplicate the old styles in forms of castings that you can buy. Today, you can buy concrete designs, as well as foam castings of antiuqe architecural moldings. With the foam architecture, there are treatments that make it look like concrete or stone. There are plenty of options for your home to look like the styles found in Europe.

Architectural Roman Aqueducts

Admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:34:47 +0000

A painting shows the complex interlinking system of ancient Roman Aqueducts

Ancient roman architecture is still one of the most authoritative and innovative areas of design. More than two thousand years ago we can still see some of the most beautiful architecture standing today testifying to the engineering intelligence of the ancient Romans. Stone and metal artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum have served inspiration through the 18th century which is still used today in design. Roman ceilings were vaulted and painted in brilliant colors, or they were divided into panels by beams. Doors were richly paneled and carved, or plated with bronze, or made of solid bronze. Doorposts were sheathed with beautifully carved marble.

The Romans were influenced by the Greek culture and owe a lot of their wealth of knowledge to the Etruscans who provided functional architectural solutions, such as the construction of arches which supplied water to their many cities. As the Roman empire expanded, fresh water became a necessity as citizens became very sick drinking contaminated water. Local governments decided to construct long stone channels which would carry fresh water from nearby hills to the towns. Aqueducts were built on high arches as well as along the ground in stone channels, or even under the ground in tunnels. Some of the larger Roman cities had 10 or more. This innovative idea was quite challenging to build as the engineering had a number of factors to get just right for the aqueducts to function correctly. One consideration was to get the water running, rather than pooling in one area. A precise slope was to be factored in so the water wouldn't flow into the city to fast. Looking at the marvelous high arched architectural Roman aqueducts can make any person pause at the beauty of such innovative design.

Create An Architectural Space With Vertical Vines

Admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:06:11 +0000

Climbing Vine Photo Credit Willow Decor-Blog

Amazon.com Widgets

Increase your homes square footage by adding some architectural elements to the outdoor spaces. Imagine having more lounging options to read the latest novel than in the living room. After being in a stuffy house, the outdoor can seem like a retreat, especially when the sun sets and the breeze brings about fresh air. The front and back yard areas in most homes are often not utilized while most of the attention to decorating and design is focused in doors. While stone retraining walls can create a visual room, don't underestimate the impact that lattice walls can bring. Lattice is rather easy to put up and could be used in combination with posts in the ground to secure them when bad weather arrives.

There are many selections when it comes to climbing vines, some are the honeysuckle, Clematis, Boston Ivy, Engleman Ivy, Mandevilla, Jasmine and Hybrid Climbing Roses. Again the weight of the vine can cause damage to your lattice, so as it grows, be sure to prune it to control the shape. Another vine option is the Virginia creeper and silver lace vine, which grows fast in just a few years. Morning glory is another fast growing vine, and it keeps coming back year after year. Trumpet vines also are a great option, and they are known to grow 30 feet or more in one season. Plant trumpet vines away some distance from the house or flowerbeds on a lattice. There are so many varieties of vines with a wide range of colors. Pick a vine which works in your area and within the colors you are most attracted to.

Growing Vines Vertically on Your Home:

: Climbing Vine

The key to growing a vertical vine on your home is to have a lattice which the vines can grow on. Some vines are notorious for being very invasive and destructive to the bricks or stone often breaking apart the brick mortar, which could collapse a house over time. Roots of most vines tend to be deep, which could cause a lot of damage to foundations and some times can invade sewer lines.

Build a trellis or latice which is secure enough to support the weight of a vine over time. Vines send out tendrils which are a thread like shape which wrap it self around whatever it touches. Building your lattice structure away from your home slightly will allow adequate room to water and pruning the vine to obtain the greatest amount of growth.

If you plan on creating outdoor walls away from your home, consider facing your lattice towards the sunlight, as the leaves grow toward the sun and roots grow away from the sun. Following these tips you will sure to have that English cottage appeal that has become famously vogue!

Architectural Salvage Lion Door Knockers

Admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:04:18 +0000

Architectural Door Knockers

Some of the most interesting embellishments of the 18th century door design have been the ornate brass details of the door knocker. Door knockers send a sophisticated first impression of class and style. Lion door knockers are some of the most exquisite knockers which signify courage, valour, and bravery as it serves to protect the home.

(Picture Lion Head Knocker Design Carter)

There are a couple things to consider when buying a door knocker, and size is one of them. Buying a door knocker that is too small for your door will end up looking silly in relation to the size of the door. Lion door knockers come in a vast array of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration architectural details of the door and find an appropriate knocker that will fit with your existing elements.

Architectural Door Knockers - Lion Head Knocker Picture Credit Xingwushu PhotoStream

Picture Credit Xingwushu PhotoStream

Architectural Wire Urns

Admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:57:07 +0000

Architectural Wire Urns are some of the most perfect pots to grow your flowers in. Many of the urns are reproductions of vessels originally found in European Gardens. These french urns can be stuffed with moss or natural materials such as jute, burlap, hemp fiber and anything that is really organic in nature. Pair these containers together indoor or outdoor flanking a doorway, patio or garden entry or as a decorative piece on a table top. They add great architectural decor to your outdoor areas.

Architectural Painted Moulding & Millwork

Admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:12:39 +0000

Wall mouldings can add interest and detail to a room. Crown and base mouldings can enlarge a room, giving it a stately feel, but wall mouldings bring it up a notch. They add the dramatic detail of the old world charm often found in classic architecture. Chair-rail mouldings, -similar to wainscoting which divide your wall, giving the illusion of taller walls. Wood mouldings can be the most expensive, but if you are after the natural wood look, it is worth the investment. Polyurethane mouldings and Foam Mouldings are an alternative choice for painted walls. If you are hoping for wood panels, (but without the cost), consider a faux paint artist who is talented in creating wood looks from paint. Consider looking for antique mouldings for half the cost or foam mouldings and consider painted detail.

Architectural Painted Wainscoting Moulding & Millwork From Hooked on Houses

Architectural Painted Wainscoting Moulding & Millwork From Decor Pad

Architectural French Doors

Admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:42:55 +0000

Featured on My Home Ideas, - This pair of teak French doors was rescued from the garbage, found at a local landmark.

French doors are often referred to as a French window because the majority of the door is made up of panels of glass. A French door is often used to bring more natural light into a home. A french door does a spectacular job of dividing up two rooms, while at the same time connecting them. While a French door can be functional, it is typically used more for aesthetic purposes, to create a dramatic effect. A french door is so versatile, it may be a repeating theme in a home.