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.  ]]>

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.]]>

Commercial Design with Volterra Architectural Products

1.     Trim the Doorways – A quick way to spruce things up is to add trim around your doorways and windows. As guests enter your business their eyes will be drawn to the doorways and it will give the vision that beyond those doors is a private, professional space. 2.     Draw Attention to Your Reception Desk – If you have a reception desk at the front of your office, you can use corbels, faux wood beams, and paneling to create a more up-scale finish. These warm, natural looking materials help build a sense of welcome and inviting that is often left out of modern, cool office spaces. 3.     Adorn the Hallways – With the help of crown moulding and faux wood corbels, you can make long barren hallways appear less intimidating. These accents will break up the walls and help lift the ceiling so the walk back to your office feels short and comfortable to your clients. The perfect commercial design is a balance of elegance and thoughtful planning. You don’t want to overdo your space by adding too many accents, but you also don’t want a dull and uninviting office space. With a few simple faux wood accents, you can strike this balance just right. Your guests are most likely to notice when you highlight your reception desk and dress up your doorways. Volterra Architectural Products offers faux wood beams and accessories to fit any office space or lobby. You can choose from a wide selection of colors and finishes that look and feel just like real wood. These products are affordable and easy to install in any space. Visit us online to learn more today!]]>

Renovate Your Home with Architectural Beams

Updating The Look of Your Home Thanks to the revolution of modern design and the love for faux wood architectural products, the preference for traditional architectural beams has gone down. Perhaps this explains why many homes lack the rustic sophistication that classic homes once had. Architectural beams offer great versatility when it comes to design, because they can be utilized both within and outside of the house. They can also be used in conjunction with nearly any style of architecture without looking out of place. Whether the preferred style is Old World or Contemporary, architectural beams can be used to add long lasting and authentic beauty to literally any style of architecture. The architectural interest, along with the airy and lofty style accompanying these beams, makes them must haves. They are an essential element that should be considered when designing your house or business space. The uses of architectural beams include adding warmth and ambience in the kitchen or giving the living room the rustic ruggedness that tremendously increases its aesthetic value. When coupled together with white bright colors, architectural beams add texture to any space giving the room a warm tone and a classic look. The gurus and astute interior designers will choose the same color of beams as the floor for a well-coordinated look. Renovate the look of your home and upgrade its status from average to classic high end ambience by using architectural beams. Volterra Architectural Products offers architectural beams in many colors and styles. To learn more, visit us online or call us at 602-258-7373.]]>

How Faux Wood Beams Can Add Resale Value to Your Home

Are you looking for a way to easily increase the resale value of your home while also enhancing your interior spaces? Investing in wood beams for your home can help add to its resale value and give your interiors the pop they need to really capture a potential buyer’s attention. Faux wood beams from Volterra Architectural Products are an especially attractive option because they offer the look of wood without the extra fuss and maintenance requirements. Here are six ways that adding faux wood beams to your home can pay off:

a living room with a large French door and an arch window on top

 

Eco-Centric Style

The newest generation of homeowners has a taste for construction that brings them closer to nature. Gone are the days of popcorn ceilings and plain white paint. These days, faux wood beams are all the rage – and for good reason. They add an instant sense of warmth and character to any space. They are easy to install and can completely change the appearance of an enclosed patio or great room with a high ceiling.

Imitation Structural Support

If your home has a large room with a cathedral-style ceiling, faux wood beams can break up the blank space and add extra visual interest. You can use faux wood to create imitation structural supports that divide the room with intriguing designs and detail. This method is commonly used to cover up imperfections in your ceiling, such as seams or cracks in the drywall. Since the beams themselves are not actually structural, you can feel free to make them as intricate or as simple as you want without harming the integrity of the beam.

dark base boards in a white modern bedroom

Two Tone Design

Your creativity doesn’t have to stop with just one type or style of faux wood beams. Many homes now feature two-tone designs which include a lighter base wood to plank the entire ceiling accented by dark walnut or other darker color beams. When prospective buyers walk into your home, their eyes will immediately be drawn to the patterns on your ceiling. Two-tone designs add depth and dimension to otherwise bare ceilings.

Affordable and Effective

There are many reasons to choose faux wood beams over real wood, but one of the most important is the cost. Real wood beams can cost thousands of dollars, while alternatively, installing faux beams made from lightweight materials costs very little. The savings don’t stop there – faux wood beams are also much easier to install than their wood counterparts. You can achieve the same dramatic change in your home’s appearance without the hassle or the expense.

Enhance Curb Appeal

Faux wood beams can add curb appeal to a home, which is an essential factor in determining a home’s resale value. They can be used on the exterior of a home to add character and charm. Faux wood beams can be used to create a unique porch design or to frame the entrance of a home, making a significant impact on first impressions. This unique design element is sure to catch the eye of potential buyers and add value to the home.

Accentuate Architectural Detail

Faux wood beams can be used to enhance the architectural detail of a home, making it stand out in a competitive real estate market. They can be used to create coffered ceilings or to add visual interest to a plain ceiling, making a significant impact on the overall design of the home. Faux wood beams can also be used as decorative elements on walls, adding a unique and sophisticated touch to any room.

a long hallway with trimmed windows and family pictures

If you’re looking for an easy way to add value to your home, high-quality faux wood beams are a great option. Faux wood beams from Volterra Architectural Products offer the look of wood without maintenance requirements. With a variety of styles and colors available, you’re sure to find an option that fits your taste and budget. So what are you waiting for? Browse the best faux wood beams today!

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