Urban Revivals

Inset Architectural Ornament and Appliques    

Appliques, raised blocks and plaster ornament can be set within your wall, with the finished appearance being much like a bas relief. Insets are an ideal way to complement your drywall, plaster, or faux plaster walls. Insets are made of fibrous plaster or inexpensive polystyrene, typically range from 3" to 15" in size, and are placed into a cutout in your wall's drywall. Insets are normally plastered in place. Most insets celebrate the human form, motifs such as sunbursts, or items from nature.

Painted ornament in drywall

A Spiralcut saw electric handtool was used to trace the outline of this ornament, so it could be inset within ordinary drywall.

More on creating faux plaster walls

Painted ornament with faux aging

A nice effect can be creating by putting a glaze of off-white or grey into the details of painted ornament This gives the effect of age, and looks great with walls that have been ragrolled or stippled.

Ideal for foyers or hallways

Multiple insets can be used to create a pattern, or even a story, as you walk down a hallway or foyer, as in this home where floral motifs sit under Asian art.

Surface mounted appliques

While inset ornament is particularly attractive, a simple stained wood applique can set off a door nicely, in lieu of a pediment.

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