(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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
