Tag: architecture

The art of running cornice

After yesterdays short interview on KCLR96FM we’ve been getting a few questions about the secrets behind running cornice. We decided to give you a bit of a sneak peak when Brian runs some bespoke cornice as a part of a restoration job in a Victorian house in Dun Laoghaire.It is a long process requiring not only exceptional skill but great patience. If the cornice has enrichments they are cast separately and fitted in situ.

The principle is straightforward, a perfect shape of the cornice and casting plaster, the details are trade secrets! Speaking of that, back in the day the trade secrets were kept close and often the doors would be locked as the craftsmen ran out the cornice by hand on the ceilings.

The story starts with some mesh for support and a layer of plaster

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We pour the hand mixed plaster by hand

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Slowly building the base

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A shape is starting to be pulled through

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A good few more layers added on  and the design of the cornice has started to come through

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Some closeups

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Finished! All it needs now is a few days to dry out naturally and the to its off to its proper home.
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If you have cornice that has seen better days, but you don’t want to loose the original designs, give us a shout on 059 9143930

Cornice Kitchen Dreams!

Many of us dream of a big country kitchen, the centre of the home and family. This week we’ll show you some design ideas of how cornice can help with that effortless, homely and yet enviable look f the Country Kitchen Dream  (even though Dermot Brennan clearly reminded us that there is such a thing on Room to Improve last Sunday on)

Lets start with something white, bright and light. See how the cornice just frames the room, barely there, just that extra touch to complete a flawless design

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Want it even cleaner? Check out how the thin cornice works with the wood paneled ceiling on this one!

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The other too plain? Look at this indulging kitchen, the cornice framed cupboards and the beautiful  decorative plaster design on the ceiling.

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Looking for something more detailed and a splash of colour? Here’s what kitchen dreams are made off! The cornice and ceiling work is just beautiful.

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If the previous kitchen was to old fashioned, check out this classic yet modern design in black and white.

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Hidden treasure, beautiful cornice in Dublin

It is time to highlight some of the beautiful cornice and decorative plaster work here in Ireland. With all the Georgian and Victorian architecture here, there is a lot of hidden treasure.

If you have been a student at UCD you might have had the privilege of calling in to Newman House on Stephens Green. Comprising of two unique Georgian houses it holds some of the most beautiful cornice in Ireland

Exterior of Newman House
Exterior of Newman House
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Landing Newman House
One of the rooms with the most exquisite detailed plaster work
One of the rooms with the most exquisite detailed plaster work

Making your design dreams come through

As sleek as possible or 100 hundred roses, whatever you want we can make. If you have a design you want for cornice, centrepiece, a door surround or any type of ornament inside and out, let us know and we can make it happen!

 

In modern design plaster work can give a great impact. It provides texture and inspires creative thinking.  Get inspired by these powerful pictures

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By Nashville based Heather Thompson, painter and designer

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Wall designed for SFMoMA Exhibition Sensate: Bodies and Design in 2009 by Matsys a San Francisco based design studio that appears to constantly challenge the idea of design. The exhibition  was the combined works to represent new ways of thinking about the entanglement of human bodies and the designed world. All ideas that are so relevant to our home environment.

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Lobby at the 5 star St Regis Bal Harbour Resort on Miami Beach. Designed by Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership

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Rooftop Bar, Upstairs at the Kimberly, New York City. Architect  Frank Denner

 

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