Introduction: Elevate Your Home’s Aesthetic with Easy Interior Installations
Transforming your home’s interior can be simpler than you think. Winter is the perfect time to dive into DIY projects that will enhance the look and feel of your space. With the right products, you can achieve high-quality, stylish results without hiring a professional. This guide will explore easy-to-install products like thermoformed PVC ceiling medallions, pre-mitered crown moulding, faux wood beams, and decorative hardwood brackets and corbels, all available at Architectural Depot.
Why Winter is Perfect for DIY Interior Projects
Winter often encourages us to spend more time indoors, making it the ideal season for interior upgrades. By focusing on installations that are DIY-friendly, budget-conscious, and visually impactful, you can give your home a fresh look that’s ready to impress for holidays and the new year.
Thermoformed PVC Ceiling Medallions | Best DIY Project
Overview
PVC ceiling medallions are easy to install and add elegance and dimension to ceilings, drawing attention to lighting fixtures and enhancing a room’s overall aesthetic. Ceiling medallions can seem like an extra step; however, the addition of a ceiling medallion can elevate the room aesthetically and provide an extra layer of style that didn’t initially exist. They are a fantastic solution as they are budget friendly and can be an easy weekend project that will change the feel of your room forever.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight and Easy Installation: Their lightweight design simplifies handling and placement.
- Budget-Friendly: PVC is affordable, providing high-quality looks without the high cost.
- In Stock and Ready to Ship: Get started without delay, thanks to Architectural Depot’s in-stock availability.
Installation Steps (Installation Guide)
- Preparation: Sand the installation surface to remove any bumps or texture. Wipe the area clean and apply a primer to ensure proper adhesion.
- Adhesive Application: Apply adhesive to the back of the medallion on the outside of the groove. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
- Placement: Press the medallion firmly in place on the ceiling.
- Finishing Touches: Once installed, you can either leave the medallion as is or prime and paint it to suit your décor.
Customer Testimony: Adding Elegance with Ease
We have seen many ceilings come to life after a ceiling medallion is installed. We even had one customer who shared how easy it was to elevate their dining room by installing our PVC ceiling medallion around their chandelier. They loved how it added so much value for such an affordable price.
Crown Molding with Pre-Mitered Corners | Molding has Never Been Easier
Overview
Crown molding adds a polished, architectural touch to any room. Pre-mitered corners simplify the often-challenging installation process, making it a fantastic choice for DIYers. Normally crown molding comes with the added difficulty of cutting the angles and corners to perfectly frame a room. However, with our pre-mitered corners you never have to worry about getting the angles just right as we have done it for you. So now you can add the detailed elegance of crown moulding with a professional look without the time and hassle of trying to figure it out.
Key Benefits
- Flexible Urethane Material: Urethane offers a slight give, helping first-time DIYers achieve a snug fit.
- Simple Seam Finishing: Caulk and paint over seams, eliminating the need for perfect miter cuts.
Installation Steps (Installation Guide)
- Prepare the Area: Trim and match up universal corners and moulding pieces as needed. Clean and mark the walls where moulding will be installed.
- Apply Adhesive: Apply a 1/2” continuous bead of construction adhesive along the top and back of the molding lengths and corners.
- Mounting: Press the moulding into place. Use finishing nails to secure it.
- Caulk and Paint: Fill remaining gaps with caulk and smooth with a finger or putty knife. Touch up as needed.
Mitering Corners
- Place the moulding in a miter box with the wall side against the opposite side of the box and the ceiling side against the bottom.
- Cut miters and butt joins prior to installation.
Tips for First-Time Installers
If it is your first time installing crown moulding we always recommend you start with the smallest room as this will allow you to get comfortable with the material without feeling overwhelmed by the larger areas. You will also be able to see the finished product quicker as that room will take less time to complete.
Faux Wood Beams | Lighter than Real Wood but Just as Beautiful
Overview
Ceiling beams are normally extremely difficult to install, however can not only be signature pieces but can be the focal point of the room or even bring the room together. Although real wood ceiling beams are heavy, that’s where faux wood beams come in. They are light weight and provide the rustic appeal of natural wood without the cost or maintenance, making them a great fit for DIY home projects.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight and Affordable: Faux wood beams are easy to handle and install, costing significantly less than real wood beams.
- Realistic Wood Textures: Available in various finishes to suit your décor style.
Installation Steps (Installation Guide)
- Preparation: Measure the width of the faux beam and mark where the beam will be installed. Use a chalk line to connect marks across the ceiling.
- Install Blocking: Secure wood blocking every 3-6 feet along the marked line to support the beam. Use molly bolts or toggle bolts if necessary.
- Pre-Fit and Adjust: Place the beam over the blocking without adhesive to check the fit. Make any necessary adjustments.
- Apply Adhesive and Install Beam: Apply construction adhesive to the blocking and press the beam firmly in place.
- Secure the Beam: Use finishing nails or screws to fasten the beam securely.
- Fill Gaps: Use caulk or wood filler for any visible gaps, then paint or finish the beam as needed.
Custom Options for Unique Projects
Architectural Depot offers faux beams in both standard and custom sizes, allowing you to personalize your space. Choose from a variety of textures, from rough-hewn to smooth, to complement your room’s theme and match your personal aesthetic.
Decorative Hardwood Brackets and Corbels | Perfect Accent Pieces
Overview
Hardwood brackets and corbels add a touch of timeless elegance to your home. Perfect for accenting doorways, shelves, and countertops, these pieces showcase craftsmanship with intricate designs. With the perfect stain or paint these pieces can perfectly blend into your home adding personality and design to every feature.
Key Benefits
- Detailed, Historically Accurate Designs: Each piece is crafted to reflect traditional architectural elements.
- Variety of Wood Species: Options like oak and maple allow you to choose the finish that best fits your decor.
Installation Tips and Choosing Wood Species (Installation Guide)
- Prepare the Bracket/Corbel: Lay it face down on a soft surface. Apply wood glue to the installation areas of the corbel.
- Position and Press: Place the bracket against the wall, pressing firmly to ensure adhesion.
- Secure with Screws or Nails: Use one of the following methods:
- Toe-nail from the sides,
- Screw through the corbel,
- Screw from the back, or
- Use a keyhole hanger if provided.
- Finish as Needed: Apply paint or stain after installation for a completed look.
Historical Design Inspiration
Incorporating brackets and corbels can add a sense of history to your home, connecting classic architectural styles with modern décor. One couple recently shared that they loved adding brackets to their stove vent, creating a charming, vintage feel, while maintaining the sleek modern aesthetic.
Architectural Depot’s Product Advantages
Product Quality and Durability
Architectural Depot is known for quality materials and precision craftsmanship. Products like urethane moulding and faux wood beams are made to withstand the test of time, offering an investment in style and durability.
Customer Testimonials
At Architectural Depot we are proud of our 4.5 stars as our customers consistently praise the easy installation and realistic appearance of our products, which allowed them to achieve professional-grade upgrades on their homes.
