round the edges

THE SECRET INGREDIENT | CORNICING NOT ONLY COMPLETES A ROOM BUT SETS THE TONE, TOO

- OONAGH TURNER

Typically found in period homes, cornicing has been used throughout architectural history to embellish the top of a wall where it junctions with the ceiling but they are more than a purely decorative flourish. ‘The purpose of cornicing is to introduce order into a room, laying the groundwork upon which interior decoration can build,’ says Max Rollitt, whose interiors projects consistently reference and reflect the heritage of a home. In this sense, getting your cornicing right can set the stage for your interiors to follow. For those looking to introduce this artful flourish into their home, these are the factors to consider.

Cornice periods can be divided up into classical, Georgian, Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, art deco and contemporary. The classical era is derived from the principles of Greek and Roman architecture. ‘Within classical buildings, cornices are based on the four classic orders: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Tuscan,’ says Max. Georgian and Regency cornices are softer in style, while in Victorian and Edwardian houses the cornices tend to be floral and decorative. Art deco cornices typically consist of geometric shapes. ‘There has always been taste involved and so you might be surprised how wide the choice might be while remaining true to period,’ says Xana Haley of George Jackson, specialists in interior architectural decoration.