Colourful Cornice inside and out!

Normally we think of cornice as a frame to the room where the wall meets the ceiling but it can also be used externally, both for its aesthetically value and for practical uses to lead away rain water. Externally you can use traditional plaster and seal it or use fibre cement. Whatever you choose to go with make sure it reflects the building and the surroundings.

Typical use of external plaster mouldings.
Typical use of external plaster mouldings.

In ancient Greek architecture cornice is used as the top ornament externally, above the architrave and the frieze

A gerat example to see how cornice was used during antiquity, carved in stone rather than cast.
A great example to see how cornice was used during antiquity, carved in stone rather than cast.

A fun fact is that classical Greek and roman architecture is often thought of as pristine and white, when in fact it highly coloured. The idea of the whiteness springs from the Classicist movement and preserved pieces were vigorously cleaned to bring them back to their whiteness

 

A great example that shows the colouring in antique statues, here is a part coloured in helmet on a statue, from the great exhibition “White Lies”

There is no need to keep your cornice white, just look at these stunning examples from Farrow and Ball

Farrow and Ball living room
A great example of how a painted in Cornice or Centrepiece can add a unique an classic look to your home. Works just as well on new as on restored plaster work
Another example of how well painted cornice looks, here in a kitchen
Another example of how well painted cornice looks, here in a kitchen

For more inspiration, give Elin in the office a call on 059 9143930

 

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