Creating Architectural Character | DIY Discussion
I was inspired by our in progress office design that includes picture frame molding to discuss architectural character and how to go about including it in your home. There are so many different ways to incorporate character and warmth into a space with ceiling details and molding. But, where do you begin and which ones are more DIY friendly?
Coffered Ceiling | High End Look
Truth be told, it can look a bit overwhelming to try to incorporate such incredible design details into a home, if it was not already built that way. But, I want to break down which architectural characters are easier to install yourself and which ones I would go about outsourcing, if you truly desire the look.
The Coffered ceiling shown to the left is an absolute stunning feature suited for an office, living room or even a wine room. It is very meticulously put together and just like cabinetry I view the installers as artists in their own right. This is something you would want installed by professional craftsman who know exactly what they are doing. I highly recommend outsourcing for this type of coffered design. Or maybe you are lucky enough to already have it in your home, in which case you are very blessed.
Image By: Brooke & Lou
Image By: Domino Magazine
Vertical Shiplap | DIY Friendly
Shiplap is one of my favorites currently, especially hung vertically not only does it give such a straight forward design element, but it is easy to install yourself and draws the eye up the wall to make the space feel bigger. The board just slides into the back of each other and it is like a simple puzzle piece to install. However, you will need a saw to cut down your boards at the ceiling, corners and or your preferred wainscoting height.
Bead Board | Easy DIY
Our powder bath has beadboard sheets that we simply sourced from our local home depot. We installed our tile, new baseboards and placed our bead board directly on top to maximize the standard height that we purchased. I found a simple board to trim out the top and added caulk, paint and behold an easy DIY was completed.
Image By: Studio Madeline Deisgn
Wainscoting | DIY
For the style of wainscoting shown it is a bit deceiving in the ease. Purely from a visual symmetry stand point. I changed my mind a lot about how spacious we did or did not want to the entire length of the wall and to be consistent in spacing. So, overall easy but just be prepared for the math that comes along and some debate on what looks right to the visual eye.
Our Dining Wainscoting
To the right you can see we installed a single accent wall in our dining space in order to feel like we had more separation from the kitchen since they coexist in the same room. I wanted the space to feel a little bit more formal by adding some character to this wall. I love it so much, that I have been thinking about adding it on the window walls as well.
Picture Frame Molding | Easy DIY
Picture frame molding is one of the easier DIY’s listed as you do not even have to go out and get a saw. You can purchase trim cutters and cut your pieces down manually in the same room as your piecing together the design. I would recommend measuring and taping up where you are thinking you would like for the molding to go before staring to use your nail gun.
Image By: Lindsey Black Interiors
Picture Frame Molding, can be used in a simpler form or you can do two to three sections on one wall for a higher-end designer look. Image By: Crate & Barrell
Ceiling Beams | Two Options
When it comes to ceiling beams, you have two options. Source a solid piece of wood, typically sourced from an old barn for example. Or you can take three pieces of wood and build faux beams. Obviously, a solid beam is more ideal, however sometimes it just does not meet the budget requirements. In the end people walking through your home will just admire the beautiful beams and will not be analyzing it like you do yourself.
Image By: Studio Mcgee
Image By: Atelieroleana
Board and Batton | Medium DIY Friendly
I personally have not installed Board and Batton as shown above, however there is a bit more math involved compared to some of the other architectural DIY molding projects listed above. This would be your call, if you are not as experienced with a saw I would recommend hiring out for this. If you are great with math and your saw, you can totally figure this one out. Just take your time with all your cuts and measurements. As my husband says. measure twice, cut once.
