When most people think of drywall, they think about how they are going to cover it up. To most people, drywall isn’t an architectural feature worth highlighting; rather, it’s like the studs, the concrete foundation and HVAC ductwork: nothing more or less than essential building material.
However, there’s a way to do more with drywall. Using drywall beads, accessories and ingenuity, you can transform your space into an architectural phenomenon. Here are a few artists and ideas to get you started.
It’s possible for people to make artwork in any medium, and drywall is no exception. Hanging drywall in full sheets to form a flat wall isn’t the only way to use drywall, and drywall artists prove it. Every year, architects and sculptors craft wonder out of drywall (and other materials) by forming the stuff into unbelievable shapes, installing it in unique ways and generally transforming boring rooms into one-of-a-kind works of art.
Admittedly, it isn’t advised that you, someone inexperienced with construction, architecture, design and high art, try to accomplish a similar work in your home. However, if you have some spare cash and a potentially grand room, you might consider hiring a well-known drywall sculptor to create something magnificent in your home. It’s not an inexpensive endeavor, but it is one that will make your house stand out. And if you do attempt to make your own drywall sculpture, remember that Chicago drywall repair is just a click away.
Crown moldings instantly class up any room. They create a frame with the baseboards that makes your normal walls look like art installations; they draw viewers’ eyes upwards and give the ceiling structure without any gaudiness or distraction; and crown moldings can even increase the value of your home because they look so upscale. There are a few different styles of crown moldings, from simple and modern to ornate, and moldings come in a variety of materials, as well. Unlike with more intricate drywall art, you can install crown moldings yourself — but that doesn’t mean you should. To ensure they are even and level, your crown moldings are best installed by a qualified professional.
If you are a fan of modern design, you’ll be a fan of reveals in your drywall. Reveals create strong, crisp lines in a wall to break up the flat expanse and add visual interest. Typically, reveals are made from unpainted, eye-catching material like aluminum. Shadow bead is similar to a reveal in that it creates a crisp line, but in this case it does so with a straight, thin depression rather than a different material.
Both reveals and shadows are a relatively new innovation in architecture, which is why they are most often found in newer office spaces with a modern feel. However, if your home has an expansive wall that leaves you bored, you might consider installing a one or the other types of drywall bead to create an artistic finish that breaks up the space in an interesting way.
In carpentry, you can chamfer a piece of wood to create a symmetrical, sloping edge instead of a sharp corner. In construction, you can do the same with your walls to blunt the harsh, pointed corners and create a more intricate look. Chamfer doesn’t take all the angle out of your walls — for a rounded appearance, you’ll want to read about bullnose, which is next. Still, chamfer beads on the corners of your walls look striking and unique, helping to set your home a bit above the rest.
As mentioned above, bullnose corners are totally rounded, without any pointed angle to them at all. This can make your home safer for young children or advanced seniors who are at risk of falling, and it provides a smoother, more organic feel within your home. There are two types of bullnose bead: a metal, nail-in kind and a metal, paper-face kind. While the latter tends to be more expensive, it is faster to install, easier to install and more resistant to chipping, which occurs to all wall corners over time. Regardless, both chamfer and bullnose drywall beads need to be installed with the walls by professionals, who have the tools and expertise to ensure the bead stays on the corners and looks good, too.
There is more you can do with drywall than hang it flat. By looking into the types of bead you can install or being creative with shapes and angles, you can create a masterwork out of your walls.
Achieving a truly minimalist aesthetic requires a disciplined approach to clutter, but one essential element often refuses to blend in: your HVAC unit. These bulky, utilitarian appliances are vital for comfort, especially during sweltering summers, yet their industrial appearance can notoriously disrupt the serene, clean lines of a carefully curated room. While you cannot simply […]
This is a curated list of books on Indian Architecture, 15 Must Reads for architects and design thinkers by the editorial team of The Architects Diary. The selected books bring together seminal voices, regional narratives, and critical perspectives, offering a layered understanding of Indian architecture. This collection serves as an essential reference for architects, students, […]
If you purchased your home around 2019 to 2023 with a mortgage rate of around 5%, you’re likely holding your breath waiting for interest rates to drop. However, they’ve actually gone up to over 7% making refinancing very unrealistic for many homeowners. Interest rates have eased slightly so in the hopes that they’re continuing to […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Looking to make a lasting first impression? Your main door design is more than a point of entry, it’s the gateway that reflects and enhances your home. In this blog, we dive into 50 stylish door design concepts that blend style with functionality, from innovative materials, classic styles, and intelligent lock systems that provide convenience, security, and refinement straight to your front door. 1. Fluted Wooden Doors A combination of smooth fluted surfaces and deep wood grain, this modern door brings subtle drama to the entrance. Upgraded with a clever lock, it combines modern security with classic style. 2. Geometric Patterns The geometric element of the safety grill and […]