Eye-Catching Ceiling Design Ideas

Beams One of the most popular ceiling design ideas is adding beams to transform a flat ceiling into a dynamic three-dimensional element. Adding faux wood beams can mimic the look of exposed beams and transform a basic room into a unique architectural space. 

Planks

Planks add visual interest to ceiling design ideas without making your space feel too cluttered, and they come in a range of colors and textures that suit any aesthetic. One recent popular trend is shiplap effects. Normally found on exteriors of buildings such as barns and sheds, when used in interior spaces, these planks create a cozy, rustic feel. 

Trusses

Truss systems are one of the most striking ceiling design ideas, especially in large spaces with high ceilings. These multi-beam frameworks fill the empty space beneath your ceiling with intriguing angular elements, and emphasize the size of your room by drawing the eye upward.  These ceiling design ideas are just a few starting points to spark ideas for exciting updates to your interiors. Volterra Architectural Products offers a wide range of faux wood products that make it easy to explore and execute new ceiling design ideas. Check out their gallery to explore your options or give them a call at 602-253-7373.]]>

Finish Your Bathroom Redesign With Volterra

Crown Mouldings Crown mouldings add elegance to any bathroom redesign. Not only do mouldings make a bathroom appear more refined, but they also add visual interest to walls that may be bland or bare.  

Shutters

Many bathroom redesign projects seek to create a space that feels private but not cramped or closed-off. Adding shutters to your bathroom windows creates an additional layer of privacy without cutting off natural light.  

Window and Door Trim

Like crown mouldings, window and door trims make rooms feel more elegant and finished. Incorporating trims that are similar to the architectural products you already have in other rooms can lead to a bathroom redesign that ties your whole home aesthetic together.  

Ceiling Beams

Adding ceiling beams can be an exciting bathroom redesign project for expansive spaces or attic bathrooms — especially if you love a rustic or traditional design aesthetic. Faux wood beams replicate the look of natural wood with less maintenance and greater durability.   Volterra Architectural Products offers a wide range of architectural products that can help you create the unique, luxurious bathroom redesign of your dreams. With mouldings, shutters, trims, and beams for any size space, Volterra can help you create a bathroom aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the rest of your home. For redesign ideas for any room of your house, visit their online gallery.]]>

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.]]>

Faux Truss Installation Tips from Volterra

Know How Many Beams You Need While the design of your trusses is ultimately up to you, most installations space trusses about 4-6’ away from one another. In addition, some people like to have an end cap truss at each end of the room, although this is not strictly necessary. You may need to measure your room to determine how much spacing will look appropriate and use blue painter’s tape to mark the locations so you can visualize where the trusses will be.

Use Blocks of Wood to Secure Your Beams to the Ceiling

Since the center of your beams are hollowed out, all you need to do is secure a small block of wood to your ceiling every 12-18” along the line where your beam will be placed to support the beam. The block of wood can be installed using long screws, and you can slide your faux beams directly over the block and secure them with shorter screws. Just make sure not to overdo the screws through the faux wood to prevent causing cracks.

Don’t Forget to Cover Edges

If you have to make any cuts to your faux trusses and beams, you will want to make sure the edges are covered. Pick up a little bit of extra stain for paint that matches the shade of your trusses to cover any raw edges. This should only take a few minutes, and won’t be highly visible to most people, but you don’t want any unfinished surfaces to stick out like a sore thumb. The hardest part of installing faux trusses is deciding exactly where you want the beams to fall. Once you have it laid out with tape, it should take no time at all to secure mounting blocks to the ceiling and install your brand new faux trusses over them. For inspiration and installation tips, visit Volterra Architectural Products online or speak to one of our team members today.]]>

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.  ]]>

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 Should You Invest in Architectural Beams?

architecture, it does not mean they don’t have a place in the modern day.

Why Architectural Beams?

Versatility

Using architectural beams allows for the perfect opportunity to create something unique. The beauty of these architectural beams is that they give you an opportunity to get creative and express yourself in many ways. Once you decide to invest in these exposed architectural beams, the possibilities are vast. Experiment with horizontal stripping or try more prominent crisscrossing patterns. However you use your beams, your home will make a statement to your guests that will earn you a reputation that will stand out in the neighborhood.

Longevity

Architectural beams offer excellent longevity and give full value for the money paid for them. If you choose lightweight, dense foam, as opposed to natural wood architectural beams, you are assured of excellent longevity with little maintenance required. The beauty of these beams is that they come ready for installation and there is little hassle involved in getting them into position. You can choose from whichever color you want or to stain them, but  you will be assured of the ambience that the architectural beams will create in your home. If you are looking for the best faux wood architectural beams to transform and make your home stand out from the rest, look no further than Volterra Architectural Products. We have the best quality architectural beams, at an affordable rate.]]>