Timeless Millwork and Casework in DC Homes
Here on our website, we often look at some of the design and construction elements of kitchens and bathrooms that include a combination of historic elements with contemporary or modern type of design finishes. In some cases, Washington DC properties are renovated so extensively that, on the inside at least, they almost look brand new. In other cases, where a historic property has been treated with care, it can look incredibly beautiful to preserve some of the historic details.
Historic details occur in a variety of different types of finishes. Ornate plaster work with original crown moldings can look beautiful, original tile work or stone or even historic wood flooring can also look incredible. It’s not often though that we find these older finishes and very well preserved or very well protected from the typical conditions of life and normal use. Today we’re going to look at a few examples of wooden millwork, casework, and decorative trim boards that have been installed throughout a historic building. Some of these details are surprisingly well preserved and really look almost new yet with a late 19th century style.
There are elements of this building that had both Edwardian and Victorian elements of style and design. The curved and flared head at the top of this installation is often referred to as a pediment and the substrate support below is often referred to as a cross head.
The design used here with a segmented arch uses a curved profile which is built with less mill processing then most types of straight boards or planar elements. A multi-panel inset is built into both sides of the mirror and into the area surrounding the fireplace below. However, there are corbels set below the fireplace mantle which provide functional support but are also intended to provide a architectural detail that adds a degree of visual interest.
These corbels are set at a curvature or radius in the length of the horrible which changes curvature and direction of curvature midway similar to the header design. Repeating the same radius or curvature creates a degree of continuity in the overall design of the installation. The repeated use of similar elements in the design together throughout the house and even in different rooms.
There’s several aesthetic and architectural elements at the stairway, as well. The newel post introduces new design styles in the woodwork and inlays. The wainscotting at the side of the stairway also has a different type of panel treatment. Instead of using sticking such as a ogee or ovolo, set with a flat panel, here, there is a raised panel instead.
Each of these panels is set against a board of running trim, the angle cut at each of these boards requires a higher level of craftsmanship than a wainscotting at a typical wall. The board that runs near horizontal at the bottom and top are referred to as a rail and the boards that run vertically between and at the ends of each of these panels is referred to as a stile.
Each of these boards or the openings left between the individual running trim boards allow a space for the panel. The panel though is basically set loosely or fastened in place in an opening between the running trim boards. The edges of these panels are then treated with a sticking that overlays the edge of the panel to create a visual continuity that looks almost seamless. The angles at the edges of the sticking and the trim boards creates or adds to a aesthetic of ornature.
Where the stairway transitions, from a relatively consistent dimensional pattern of risers and treads at each of the individual steps, to a midlanding, the stairway turns in direction. The skirt boards and the cap trim boards make a transition to follow the horizontal line of the extended landing. The interesting detail here is that instead of creating a miter such as would be done in most typical types of woodworking, they used a radius, at the skirt board which reflects the radius used at the stairway corbels and the stairway pediment.
In a adjacent door, which also uses a similar pattern of sticking as the inlaid panels between the sections of the stairway wainscoting, another pattern is repeated.
Dupont Kitchen & Bath Can Help
As dedicated and local DC metropolitan kitchen and bath builders and installers, we pride ourselves on turning your visions into reality. Your kitchen and bathrooms can reflect your unique style and be designed with personalized aesthetics. It can be a process from creative designs to the realization of your dream space. Specializing in kitchen and bath construction, we bring expertise and skills to every project. If you’re contemplating a renovation, upgrade, or modernization in the local market, we’re happy to be your team. Consult with us, and we can start together on a path to redefine and elevate your DC living experience.
You can visit our company website at https://dupontkitchenbathdc.com/
Here at our website you will find a simple and convenient web form that you can fill to contact us quickly.
