Considerations for Choosing Hardwood Moulding

Hardwood Moulding Materials The first thing you’ll find as you shop for hardwood moulding products is a wide range of base materials. For instance, hardwood mouldings may be made from knotty alder or popular, as well as a range of other options that offer flexibility and improved strength. Some types of hardwood have striking grain patterns which are meant to be sealed or stained, while other moulding materials are better off when they are painted. This is especially true of the more flexible mouldings that are made by splicing sections of wood together. If you are set on painting or staining your mouldings a specific color, you should definitely ask about which products will handle these processes best. You don’t want to overpay for mouldings with a dramatic grain pattern only to end up painting over it.

Choosing a Profile

The profile of your hardwood mouldings is the area most likely to impact the feel of your room. A large, exotic profile can make a room feel smaller if you have low ceilings or small spaces. You will want to choose a profile that adds a hint of luxury to the space without feeling gaudy. This not only applies to your crown moulding, but also to base board moulding. Keep in mind that more detailed moulding requires more maintenance and cleaning. If your lifestyle does not involve weekly wipe downs of your baseboards, you probably don’t want an extravagant moulding that will collect dust in all the nooks and crannies. There are dozens of hardwood moulding options available, and many profile designs can be customized to better fit the unique needs of your home. You can view a full gallery of available profiles and wood options at Volterra Architectural Products. We can answer all your questions about how to choose the best moulding for your needs. Contact us at 602-258-7373.]]>

Casing installation

Casing Strictly speaking, casing is used to refer to the woodwork that is used specifically around doors and windows. This includes the sides, footer and header piece. All of the parts collectively are the casing. Window casing installations can range from very plain to extremely ornate depending on the style of the building. Typically door and window casings match throughout an entire house or building.

Trim

Trim is more of an umbrella term which includes not only the window and door casing installation, but also the crown moulding, baseboards, chair rails and any other millwork in your home. Depending on your home’s design, you may find that window and door casings are notably thicker and heavier than the other trim work throughout the home. This lends itself to a more intentional look which  highlights the openings in your walls. Other types of trim, such as baseboard and panel moulding, tend to be lighter and thinner in appearance. If you are in the process of remodeling your home or  having your home custom built, knowing these two terms can simplify the process. Be sure to ask questions when a contractor is using the two terms interchangeably. This can also help you plan a DIY project. Volterra Architectural Products can help you find the perfect trim and casings for your whole home. Speak to one of our experts today at 602-258-7373 to learn more about casing designs for your windows and doors, as well as matching trim for all of your other rooms.]]>

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.

Interior Mouldings and Trim Make A Dramatic Impact

Baseboards Baseboards are the moulding pieces that are closest to the flooring.  While we take them for granted,  they make a huge difference in keeping the room from looking naked.  Just by adding baseboards you can significantly change how a room looks.  Depending on the height of the ceiling, your baseboard can be anywhere from 4 to 10 inches high.  If the room has hardwood floors, consider adding shoe moulding.

Casings

A great way to differentiate rooms is by placing casings on doorways between entryways. The status quo in terms of size for casings is usually around 2.25 inches wide and 1.75 inches deep from the outside of the edge.  But, you can change this up depending on the look you like.

Crown Moulding

As with baseboards, these little details make such an impact. Crown moulding helps draw your eyes upward which can make a room seem higher than it really is. It goes at the top part of the wall and comes in all kinds of colors, shapes, design details and more.  Even an 8-foot room can become so much more dramatic with a simple 5 inch base addition of crown moulding.

Finishing Touches

Beyond just paint, there are also optional features you can add to interior mouldings such as tongue and groove products that can be added to corners to make the room look even more drastic. For more information about interior mouldings or optional features visit Volterra Architectural Products to view our catalog or call 602-258-7373.]]>

Ideabook: Incorporating Moulding With Textured Wallpaper

Traditional Dining Room If you want to make a dining room a little more cozy, luxurious, or more traditional you can add wood mouldings to the entire wall space and use the moulding to create panels on the walls. These can be stained as a neutral color that goes well with a lighter ivory textured wallpaper.

Dramatically Modern Living Room

On the other hand, if traditional is not your style, you can also go with a more modern look. Try a few darker tones such as heather grey and black. Stain the flooring hardwood planks in heather grey and paint the walls in  a similar shade, while the millwork pieces should be stained in black. Inside the millwork frames include a very light geometrical textured wallpaper pattern.

3 Panel Moulding As A Backdrop

If you have something like a large table in your living room and the space behind it seems incredibly plain or boring, you might think about painting it.  Instead, why  not add something a little more creative?  One idea is to create three separate panels using hardwood moulding and then add textured wallpaper. inside of the panels As you can see from the limited examples above, the sky is the limit when it comes to hardwood moulding and textured wallpaper. If you are looking for ideas on how to implement hardwood moulding into your home design, contact Volterra Architectural Products at 602-258-7373.  ]]>

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.]]>

Why You Should Use HDF Corbels in Your House

foam corbelsSince time immemorial, corbels have been used as not just support structures but decorative elements which add life to otherwise lifeless construction. Over the years, corbels have undergone massive changes in both the composition of the corbel material and the decorative details on the corbels. We moved from the medieval stone corbels to wooden corbels, and we are now seeing a dominance of high density foam corbels. Although not as structurally strong as stone or wood, foam corbels are just as effective as the two, and they have their advantages which have seen millions of people fall in love with them. If you are in the market for corbels, here are reasons why foam corbels should be your go-to option:

Authentic Beauty

Whether you are looking to achieve the rustic look of natural wood or want a contemporary personalized style, foam corbels will help you achieve the look of your dreams. Foam corbels are highly customizable to help you achieve the elegance your house needs.

Durability

Foam corbels are very durable and will withstand the elements for years. Corbels are very solid and structurally sound. Whether you intend to use them as door corbels, window corbels or even wall corbels, they will stand strong for many years.

More Versatile than Wood and Stone

Foam corbels are more versatile compared to wood and stone. Foam is very easy to work with, and you can customize it into different designs and add more elements to the corbels. With their versatility, you can use foam corbels in a range of spaces without them looking out of place.

Economical

Foam corbels are more affordable than their wooden and stone counterparts. For all their versatility and beauty, you won’t have to break the bank. You can buy them at very affordable rates and use them to build your dream home. Want the best foam corbels for renovations or building a new home? Give us a call here at Volterra for the best foam corbels in the market.]]>

Is Exterior Crown Moulding Right for You?

Hide Plain Soffits The area where a roof overhangs the exterior walls of the house are often left plain or simply covered by a simple plastic trim which doesn’t enhance the finished look of the roof line. This oversight can be remedied with the help of exterior crown moulding. Exterior crown moulding can be applied just beneath the soffits and gutters to create a gentle transition into the sides of the wall instead of a harsh line.

Breaking Up Long Lines 

Many roof lines and the length of a home is made up of long, uninterrupted lines which fail to draw the eye. By adding exterior crown moulding which includes some vertical elements, you can break up long flat stretches and add intrigue. If you have flat, painted walls with relatively little texture, a strip of exterior crown moulding can help break the look of the house into top and bottom sections, while adding contrast. There are many ways exterior crown moulding can give your home a fresh new look. The most important part is the knowledge that crown moulding isn’t only reserved for interior use. Volterra Architectural Products carries faux wood crown moulding which can stand the test of time in all climates without becoming badly weathered. To see more of our crown moulding products, check out our online catalog today or contact with your questions by calling 602-258-7373.]]>