The Staying Power Of Wood How The Classical Style Of Architecture Has Held Fast For Centuries


 


What’s an interior decorating style that really speaks a lot to the modern American?

Believe it or not…it’s not very modern at all. When it comes to colors and shapes that invoke countless positive emotions, classical is where it’s at. This can take the form of cherry branch molding on a kitchen cabinet or a decorative trim on a coffee table. The style that permeated the Victorian era and bled over into the Old West holds strong today in the hearts of many. Providing this to your clients and customers is all a matter of recognizing this simple fact through your materials.

It’s time to talk architectural wood carvings and why they remain an indispensible part of the classical fabric.

Classical Architecture Over The Centuries

You can see so much of human history in everyday objects and abodes. It’s hard to believe what used to be only found through trade routes can now be browsed at the click of a button. The ancient Greeks and Romans classified classical orders of architecture by Doric, Ionic, Corinthian. Public interest in the classical style started taking off in the latter half of the 18th century, with Scottish architect Robert Adam using it often in fancy homes. Flash forward many centuries later and you have a plethora of illustrious styles readily available.

The Staying Power Of Wooden Materials

No matter how times change, wood remains a beloved material for many. It’s sturdy, beautiful, and can be used in a wide variety of applications. Even better, it lasts a long time with minimal upkeep (and for many, that just adds to the appeal). According to recent figures a little over half of all hardwoods in North America are oak trees, cementing it as the most commonly used wood type in home furnishings and accessories. Cherry, mahogany, and birch are also seen quite often, particularly among refurbished wood products and cherry branch molding.

Classifying Your Wood Products And Carvings

Due to the sheer variety of wood and all the appearances it can take on, several classification systems have been designed to give both customers and designers a break. You can find wood sorted by whether or not it’s refurbished, with this particular title coveted by many restaurants and bars today for its eco-friendly nature. Wood’s relative hardness is made simple through the Janka Rating System, calculating the force required to drive a steel ball into the wood until half of it is embedded.

Popular Types Of Wood Carving

Wood can be kept smooth and shiny or filled with all sorts of lovely details to really make it sing. Cherry branch molding is a popular choice for many, but far from the only one available. A recent NAHB study showed a strong preference for crown moldings, with over 60% of respondents rating them as the third most essential decorative feature in their home. Fluted molding, fireplace corbel designs, and resin crown molding are all subtle additions with long staying power. It’s expected the classical style will hold fast for some time yet.

The Future Of The Custom Architectural Wood Carving

Any business that deals in crafting, carving, or shipping wood furniture would do well to keep wood onlays in mind. Customers today are weary of sleek modern styles and bland manufacturing more interested in speed than style. They want to be reminded of times long since past, surrounded by rich colors and textures. The classical style is a straightforward way of bringing out the most in a home while offering other benefits like longevity and flexibility. Not only does the classical style pair well with many color schemes, wood can last for hundreds of years without rot or wear.

Modern Americans and classical times. Cherry branch molding is one of many old-fashioned features that’s here to stay.