What are High Density Foam Products?

HDF Wood Beam Products One of the most common types of high density foam products is wood beams. HDF wood beams are made specifically for decorative purposes, and easily replicate the look of sturdy ceiling beams or trusses at only a fraction of the weight. They are extremely easy to install and secure without fear of damaging the ceiling structure.  

HDF Outdoor Planks

High density foam products are also ideal for use outside because they are not subject to rotting or breaking down like real wood. As such, you will see these products in spaces such as the ceilings of covered patio spaces. The finish on HDF planks is baked on at the time of manufacture, so they can stand the test of time even under bright sunshine or extreme weather.   Volterra Architectural Products carries a wide range of high density foam products for your home’s interior and exterior. From your window trim to your floor boards, high density foam is a perfect solution that is both durable and easy to work with. Visit Volterra’s online gallery to see more of these products in action.]]>

Revitalizing Your Patio Ceiling with Faux Wood Planks

Colors When you think of refreshing your patio ceiling, color is one of the first concerns that comes to mind. You don’t want a color that makes your patio ceiling look too close or too small, but you also want something that meshes seamlessly with your design taste. Faux wood planks are produced in a wide range of shades, so you will certainly be able to find an option which not only suits the height and size of your patio ceiling, but also its aesthetic.  

Textures

Choosing the right texture for your patio ceiling materials is key to creating an inviting outdoor space. Fortunately, if you choose to work with faux wood planks, you’ll have many texture options. Faux wood planks offer everything from the soothing curves of a sand blast texture to the authentic rustic look of a hand hewn option.  

Durability

As part of your outdoor space, your patio ceiling is constantly exposed to weather and other elements. Faux wood planks are built for longevity under any conditions, and they require minimal maintenance throughout their long lifespan. Designing a patio ceiling with faux wood planks allows you to create the aesthetic you’ve dreamed of without labor-intensive upkeep, so you can spend your time truly enjoying the outdoor space you’ve created.   Volterra Architectural Products offers a range of faux wood plank products that can give your patio ceiling a fresh new look. Our products are strong enough for outdoor spaces, and our wide range of designs ensures that you will find just the right product to tie together your exterior entertaining space. Visit our catalog today to see our full collection and get ideas from our portfolio. For more information, contact us at 602-253-7373.]]>

Dress Up your Vaulted Ceiling with Beams

Give the Room Definition While vaulted ceilings make rooms feel large and airy, they do pose one problem. If they are left blank, the ceiling can reach a point where it becomes hard to see clear lines. This can make the room feel empty, instead of achieving the inviting look you were going for. Enhancing your vaulted ceiling with beams can clearly help the peak of the vault and create direction and warmth in the room.  

Add Trusses

If your space still feels empty after adding beams, you can go one step further by adding trusses. Faux wood trusses come in many varieties, including partial trusses that attach along the walls and up part of the ceiling. These products are easy to install and add an extra touch of flair to a room that already has a vaulted ceiling with beams in place. Beautiful arched trusses can give your home that iconic cathedral look.  

Bring Back the History

Vaulted ceilings with beams are very popular in historic homes. If you are trying to renovate your home to bring back some of its original character and charm, ceiling beams are a useful option. Exposed ceiling beams were very common in construction for decades, and only recently have homeowners begun covering them. Whether you’re creating a rustic space or something more classic, a vaulted ceiling with beams can complete the look.   For more information about selecting faux wood ceiling beams and trusses for your home, contact Volterra today. We have a huge selection of truss styles and beam sizes to create the perfect look for your vaulted ceilings.]]>

How to Overlap Hollow Beams

beams can be a bit challenging if you are not used to working in all dimensions or if you’re worried about cutting in the wrong place. Fortunately, hollow beams are extremely easy to overlap with a few simple tools.

When to Overlap Beams

Interior designers and contractors alike are getting more creative with their ceiling beam designs these days, often creating patterns that involve boxes and grids at differing heights. These designs offer a complex, elegant look, but it also takes some planning ahead to get them right. If your pattern involves beams that cross, you will need to have a plan to either overlap them or cut them to fit the intended space.

Use Eye Bolts and Safety Cable 

If you don’t think you can notch your beams out accurately enough to fit together, the next best  solution involves using eyebolts and safety cables to achieve the grid look you’re going for. Using a hole saw, you can create a small hole in the beam closest to the ceiling wherever there is a block of wood supporting it. Then you can install an eye bolt in that support and loop a strand of safety cable through the bolt. Next, secure your second hollow beam to a block of wood in the space and install another eyebolt facing upward. When you lift the beam into place, all you have to do is loop the safety cable from above through the lower beam’s eye bolt and clamp it down. Now the beam is suspended tightly against the upper beam. When it comes to creating complex layered grid patterns on a ceiling, hollow beams are significantly easier to work with than real wood. They are lighter weight and they offer more flexibility with the placement of eye bolts for securing additional layers as you go. For more information about hollow beams, contact Volterra Architectural Products on our website or call us at 602-258-7373.]]>

Influences on Today’s Interior Design

architecture. Some of the earliest influencers can still be seen in our homes today, from the placement of our windows to the colors that we use together. Here are some of the biggest influences we see today:

Americana 

The Americana style is a revision of an early 18th century style known as Adam. Americana continues to be popular, bringing natural wood cabin looks into modern living spaces. You will see designed with the help of wood beams and planks throughout the home, accented by traditional copper fixtures that blend into the look seamlessly. Ornamented with rustic art, Americana styled homes can be found across the US.

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau was popular in the early 1900’s, pulling ideas from natural structures. Builders and designers hoped to mimic the miracle of design that happens in nature. This can be seen with some of the more whimsical fixtures and structures that look like interwoven tree branches, or buildings featuring a-symmetrical spaces.

Art Deco

Interior design underwent a major change following the first World War. Due to changes in the economy and lifestyles of people around the world, home design became more of a practical matter than an aesthetic one. Art Deco was characterized by long, clean lines and fluid movement between the pieces of a home. Much of today’s minimalist design calls upon principles of art deco to organize spaces.

Modern

Now we are looking at a whole new era of modern design that continues to change the way we think of space. We have seen a resurgence of open-concept builds that welcome sunlight in and help us feel connected to nature. These designs are often accented by using wood-looks to bring pieces of the outdoors inside and blur the line between our living spaces. All of these influences continue to play a part in design today. Volterra Architectural Products has a portfolio full of examples of these design elements in play with our very own faux wood products. You can see for yourself how you can create a perfect visual based on your favorite design themes and styles by calling us at 602-253-7373.]]>

Give Your Restaurant Design a Makeover

faux wood beams and planks, you can change up your restaurant design to meet this trend. Here are few ideas for improving the look of your restaurant both inside and out.

Create a Dreamy Patio Space

Patio spaces are highly desirable for restaurant guests these days. They offer an opportunity to enjoy some sunshine while sharing a meal with friends. However, most guests prefer a patio that is partially covered to a completely open patio. With faux wood beams  you can dress your patio space up with grand pergolas that look super modern or you can go for something that is more rustic and authentic.

Wood Ceiling Designs

Captivate your guests with an exotic wood ceiling design that makes the room glow. Faux wood planks and beams can be used to create a range of intricate patterns that draw the eye upward. When used with recessed lighting, you can give your restaurant space a warm, welcoming feel that radiates elegance. Choose beams in a variety of different colors and patterns, including regal moulded shapes that look like they were hand carved by master woodworkers.

Accent Walls

Change up your wall spaces with interesting textured planks featuring looks like reclaimed barn wood and more. You can easily create an eye-catching pattern on a section of wall that breaks up paint colors. The planks are easy to mount to the wall and they feel real to the touch so your guests will never know the difference! Volterra Architectural Products offers a range of faux wood products that can give  your restaurant space a whole new look. Whether you are hoping to renovate inside or out, our products are durable and easy to use. Their lightweight foam makes it possible to create complex designs without struggling under the weight of real wood beams. Visit our catalog online today to see our full collection and get ideas from our portfolio. For more information, contact us at 602-253-7373.  ]]>

3 Tips To Make Small Space Living Seem Bigger

Add Depth To Your Ceiling One of the best ways to make a small space living area look bigger is to add that something extra to your ceiling space.  It can be a new coat of paint that is a different color than the walls or: – Wood Planks:  They add that extra style and depth you need to make a room look bigger.  Planks come in a variety of colors to choose from. – Beams:  Faux wood beams are lighter than regular beams and easily self-install.  These beams can also add depth to a ceiling and are u-shaped and hollow, which means you can hide any unsightly wires or pipes. – Truss Systems:  If you have a high ceiling these decorative systems will really work well for you.  These range from  basic design styles such as Huntsman to more complex designs like Hawkeye.

Add Texture To The Walls

Another great way to make a small space living area look larger is to add depth to the four walls of the room.  You can do this pretty easily with paint, but paint won’t add texture on its own.  Instead, try: – Textured wallpaper – Plain colored paint with decorative panels – Or both!

Add Height To The Room

Lastly, a really nice way to trick your eyes into thinking the space is bigger than it really is: add some height to the room.  This can be as easy as adding some tall flowers to vases or tall interior trees and placing them in pots around the space.  But, you can also use mantels to create shelving up high.  While mantels are primarily for fireplaces, they, as well as any other wood you can get your hands on, work really well for bookcases and it helps draw the eyes upward which in turn makes the room seem bigger than it actually is. To learn more about how Volterra Architectural Products can help you with your interior needs, contact us at 602-253-7373.  ]]>

Flooring and Ceiling Ideas For Your Rooms

When it comes to interior design, both the ceiling and floor play crucial roles in setting the tone and style of a room. Often, these areas are overlooked, but with the right enhancements, they can transform any space from bland to stunning. At Volterra Architectural Products, we offer a variety of solutions to elevate the look of your ceilings and floors. Here are some ideas to inspire your next home improvement project.

Ceiling Enhancements

Wood Planks

Wood planks can add depth, luxury, and a touch of natural elegance to any ceiling. Available in various sizes, colors, and styles, wood planks offer a versatile solution for creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you opt for a rustic charm or a sleek modern look, wood planks can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your room.

Faux Wood Beams

Another fantastic option for your ceiling is faux wood beams. These beams are U-shaped with removable sides, making them both decorative and practical. They not only add architectural interest but also help conceal unsightly elements such as pipes, wires, and sprinkler heads. Faux wood beams are an excellent choice for adding a touch of sophistication to any room.

Decorative Moulding

Decorative mouldings can add an extra visual dimension to your ceilings. Whether you want to create a seamless connection between rooms or simply enhance the comfort and completeness of a space, mouldings offer a refined touch. From simple profiles to intricate designs, decorative mouldings are an effective way to elevate the aesthetic of your ceiling.

Floor Enhancements

Baseboard Moulding

Baseboard moulding is an essential element for framing your floors and adding character to your room. It acts as the trim between the floor and lower walls, available in various sizes and profiles, from simple to complex. Baseboard moulding not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a finished look to your floors.

Floor Moulding (Quarter Round/Shoe Moulding)

Floor moulding, often referred to as quarter round or shoe moulding, fits perfectly between the floor and the wall with its distinctive quarter-moon shape. To make a bolder statement, combine floor moulding with baseboard moulding to create a striking and cohesive look. This combination can add depth and definition to your flooring, making it a standout feature in your home.

Transforming your ceilings and floors can dramatically enhance the overall look and feel of your home. At Volterra Architectural Products, we offer a wide range of options to suit any design preference. Whether you’re looking to add wood planks, faux wood beams, or decorative mouldings, our products can help you achieve your desired aesthetic. Visit our catalog online or call us at (480) 937-0243 to explore our offerings and start your next home improvement project today.

What is Mid-Century Architecture?

Mid-century architecture is a distinctive style that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and integration with nature. This architectural approach focuses on creating uncluttered, organized spaces with sleek lines and a blend of organic and geometric forms. At Volterra Architectural Products, we appreciate the timeless appeal of mid-century design and offer products to help you achieve this iconic look in your home.

Key Elements of Mid-Century Architecture

Mid-century architecture encompasses several key elements that define its unique aesthetic:

Functionality is Important: Spaces are designed to be practical and efficient, minimizing unnecessary ornamentation.

Minimal Ornamentation: The focus is on clean lines and simple forms rather than elaborate details.

Variety of Materials: Traditional materials like wood are used alongside non-traditional options like faux wood.

Uncluttered and Organized: Interiors are kept tidy and streamlined, promoting a sense of order.

Organic and Geometric Forms: Designs incorporate both natural and geometric shapes, blending the indoors with the outdoors.

When incorporating mid-century elements into your home, remember that achieving an exact replica can be costly. It’s perfectly acceptable to use similar or reproduction pieces to capture the essence of the style without breaking the bank.

Common Materials Used

Wood is a hallmark of mid-century design, providing warmth and natural beauty. However, non-traditional materials like faux wood can also be used to achieve the desired look while offering greater durability and ease of maintenance. Faux wood products, available from Volterra, can replicate the appearance of natural wood, making them an excellent choice for both interior and exterior applications.

Famous Examples of Mid-Century Homes

To truly understand mid-century architecture, it helps to explore some iconic examples designed by renowned architects:

Farnsworth House: Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1951, this home exemplifies the minimalist approach of mid-century design.

Stahl House: Designed by Pierre Koenig in 1960, this house is known for its sleek lines and stunning views.

Neutra VDL Studio and Residence: Originally designed in 1933 by Richard Neutra and rebuilt in 1966, it showcases the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Philip Johnson Glass House: Designed by Philip Johnson in 1949, this house is a testament to the innovative use of glass and open space in mid-century architecture.

Mid-century architecture remains a beloved style for its clean lines, functional design, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re looking to incorporate traditional materials like wood or innovative options like faux wood, Volterra Architectural Products offers solutions to help you achieve your mid-century vision. For more information on creating a mid-century look in your home, contact us online or call us at (480) 937-0243.

Coffered Ceilings and Their Benefits For Smaller Homes

beams look and they are meant to blend in with the homeowner’s style. Here are a few of the benefits of adding coffered ceilings to your dream home.

An Illusion of Space

Not everyone can afford or even wants a really large home, but if you want to create an illusion of space, coffered beams are the best way to go about that.  Boxed beamed ceilings, especially when they are installed closer to the ceiling, can create an illusion of space.  Make sure that you paint the beams a different color than the recessed panels.  This works a lot like painting a room – by painting the walls vs the ceiling 2 different complementing colors, you can create an illusion of space that fools your eyes.

They Absorb Sound

Coffered ceilings can also absorb sound in a way that a regular ceiling cannot.  In fact, if you plan to have wood floors in your dream home – which bounce sound around and are not good at absorbing echoes, coffered ceilings would balance it out.  For this reason, coffered ceilings would work really well in a living room, media room, theater room, etc.

Aesthetic Appeal

You can easily transform a plain looking room into one that is visually appealing with coffered beams.  They add a touch of class and elegance to living rooms, kitchens, even den’s.

Types Of Materials

Depending on the style of your dream home, you will want to choose a material for your coffered beams that complement your style.  Thankfully, these beams come in all sorts of wood types such as maple, red oak, poplar, and oak.  The type of wood you choose will also depend on your budget.  The more expensive, but durable option would be cherry. If you would like more information about coffered ceilings or other architectural features, visit Volterra Architectural Products to view our catalog or call 602-258-7373.]]>