Architectural Detail...Defining the Whole
Architectural detail is the microcosm of architecture. It is indeed architecture in its smallest format. As an influential connection to the whole, it can define historical character, tradition, style and bring unique personality.
Fashion Forward Collection: Detailing This post is sponsored by Metrie
The details are fundamental to the spirit of a space. How wonderful it is to see a space unfold through its many intricate layers. Like a good story, a beautifully detailed home is nuanced with detail. It captivates and draws one in from one place to another.
The architectural envelope is powerful. Metrie, a North American supplier and manufacturer of mouldings, shares this philosophy. A believer in the details, this company, has dedicated nearly a century towards enhancing the architectural environment.
French Curves Rosette Detail
With the ability to customize profiles and with over 5,000 mouldings in their repertoire, Metrie opens the doors to a curated approach. It’s a concept that speaks to me, as a design professional.
Fashion Forward Rosette Detail
Metrie’s ‘Then and Now Finishing Collections’ consists of five unique styles and represents an intuitive selection process. Aligning the look with the profile, Metrie has assembled ‘Scenes’ to visualize each collection. By no means does this mean formulated, rather it allows for an exceptional space to unfold, based on individual style, finish preferences and budget. It's a practical and thoughtful sequence towards customization for both the designer and the homeowner. I encourage visiting Metrie’s innovate website. It features design planning tools and a unique “Style Quiz", all in the name of curating.
I love to detail openings so that they leave us with a memory upon walking through them. Substantive entryways can provide a feeling of quality. A classic architrave or pediment above an elegant casing and back band can provide extra visual height and depth to an opening. A layering of picture frame panelling around the inside can articulate luxury.
Metrie’s French Curves room, created by designer Andrew Pike, showcases classically profiled and panelled opening details. I particularly appreciate the panelled window valances that are integrated into the architecture with a buildup of a crown over an inverted baseboard. They act as modern and elegant entablatures that create a frame around the central feature of this room, a glorious custom bed of gilded profiles. They also draw a visual connection to a grand ceiling that employs the French Curves rosette detail.
The designer used poplar trim that may be either stained or painted. The trim is softly antiqued so as to give a slight wood grain quality. This finishing is a lovely and subtle way to highlight the profiles while still maintaining a sculptural effect.
A distressed patina with gilded detailing is featured on a unique screen of Metrie doors that are hinged together with antique brass hardware. What a beautiful composition of architectural elements. It adds another authentic layer to this classic room.
Nothing states superior craftsmanship more than a bespoke door. The Fashion Forward room as designed by Sophie Burke features one of Metrie’s exclusively designed doors with a classic circle panel. The entry detail has a distinctive character and makes a bold statement particularly as playing against the modern elements in this transitional space.
A contemporary and geometric layout of panel moulding on the ceiling strikes a counter-balance to traditional panelling on the walls below. I love this interaction. It’s fresh and spirited.
This space speaks a clean and no-fuss language with its one colour wrap of pale gray and a dramatic white ceiling. The envelope leaves plenty of room for sculptural modern elements and details in gold. The gilded mirror is an elegant custom piece made of door casing and square rosettes taken from the Metrie lineup. It’s imaginative and effective.
The saying, ‘it’s all in the details’, is a mantra that is embraced in the design and art world in our quest to define the whole. It’s part of a holistic approach and one that is the sum of all the small and beautiful parts. Layer upon layer, the story of a beautiful space continues to be told.
