By Jodi Murphy

[tweetmeme]

Two press releases arrived in my inbox announcing new architectural woodcarving collections by Enkeboll. The Tribeca Collection, for those wanting a more modern aesthetic, features a well-edited selection of moldings, corbels, turned legs, and textured panels. The Hearst Castle Collection is adapted from the artisan details of architect Julia Morgan’s original renderings, is reminiscent of the great golden age of California yet refined for a more current functionality.

My first impression? Both collections beautiful! I began to wonder about how they could be used, and decided to ping my friend, Shelly Amoroso, an interior designer known for her “twist on tradition,” and who I can always count on to come up with great ways to add architectural detailing to a home’s interior.

“Mayan” Molding from the Enkeboll Tribeca Collection

“Florentine” Molding from the Enkeboll Hearst Collection

For the Linear moldings:

1. Frame a cork board or mirror.

2. Make a picture rail shelf. If the profile is not deep enough, attach it to wood blocking for a thicker ledge to rest pictures and trinkets.

3. Upholster the center of a bed frame.

4. Embellish plain slab furniture or kitchen cabinets. Create an inset frame. Perhaps frame favorite photos you have taken or color copy a page of hand-rendered watercolor images of bugs (or your favorite insects) from a book of zoological images. Or flora and fauna.

5. For the modern Tribeca Mayan crown molding: paint the walls first, all the way up to the ceiling line. Paint the crown molding separately. Attach to the wall. Let the wall paint color contrast with the molding paint color. The wall color will pop through the openings of the fretwork.

6. For the modern Tribeca Mayan crown molding: Paint it a hot color like a Chinoise Red, super gloss lacquer for a high glam look

7. For a unique application of Hearst Castle Florentine molding: Use a simple base board and crown molding then use the a highly decorated molding in the center of the wall as a chair rail. Paint all the moldings the same color as the wall (although use a glossier finish for the wood moldings and a matte finish for the walls) to emphasize texture over contrast.

8. Make a window valance. Create a box out of the moldings. Attach window treatment panels to hooks for a stationary look. Use a linen fabric for a soft draping that is a wonderful contrast to the hard lines of the valance box.

9. Apply to walls for instant paneling. No need to attach a recessed panel for the center of the panel. Just paint the center of the panel (sheetrock or plaster in most cases) in the same glossy paint finish as the moldings. The molding frame and center panel will read as one unit. For a bold look… paint the walls a strong contrasting color.

10. Add to ceiling to emulate molded plaster work.

“Perception” Panel from the Enkeboll Tribeca Collection

“Rosette Trumpet” from the Enkeboll Hearst Collection

For the square panels:

1. “Perception” modern square: Apply to entire wall for a sculptural feel.

2. Apply to the center of slab cabinet faces.

3. Paint 12 or so in four different colors. Attach to the walls as you would a plate collection. Display as art.

4. Create an updated Shaker look: Screw in a hook and attach three to five in a row.

5. Add a block to each corner of the four corners of a dining table or cocktail table. Top with a thick piece of glass (don’t forget the glue!). You’ll have an instant display cabinet for postcards and collectibles.

Shelly, you never cease to amaze! : )