all of these terms are used to describe the designs and decorations that adorn the roof peak at the gable ends.
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They are also used to describe the designs of the barge- or vergeboard. In combination these two decorations make up gingerbread.
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It seems everywhere you look, particularly in 40's and back, you will find a detailed roof and nestled in the peak is a gable decoration.
Stretching back to the temples of ancient Greece and floating through american architectural history the gable treatment has a rich history. Endearing to look at it is a signature of fine architecture and a statement of craftsmanship.
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Another component of Gable End Gingerbread is Bracketing.
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Brackets may be used as either a decorative or structural support to any interior or exterior area of a home.
The size of a gable bracket can vary greatly depending upon location, function, or design. Generally, either creating the illusion of or providing support, Gable brackets create an entirely new atmoshere when painted with multicolors.
click to enlarge image Where they are placed under an entry door overhang they can help define the exterior style or curb appeal of a home.
Gable brackets, like so many other ornamental architectural features, can become the main design element of the home and can coordinate the interior or exterior with the use of scaled brackets or mimicking a particular design feature of a bracket and using it in the archectectural trim package.
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Gable Decorations will significantly add more curb appeal than anything else you can do for your home!
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There are many traditional Gingerbread and bracketing styles available but any idea can be developed into a design and as with the display of fine art it will provide a statement and enhance the character as well as the value of your home.
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They can be as simple as an elongated cross or 'y' tucked tight to the peak of the roofline
or a fancy design with wood turnings and fretwork covering the entire gable.
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A properly selected gable decoration will be the focal point of your home from a curb appeal standpoint.
Gable end gingerbread can have a wonderful impact on first impressions and most often will delight a visitor and provide a warm, welcome feeling.
There are very view applications you can add to your home that will be as highly visible and give you as much "bang for your buck" as a carefully selected gable trim.
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Choose the gable(s)that are highly visible. The use of porch, window, door, and railing accents will also enhance the statement and from an art standpoint are the embellishment of the gable end gingerbread.
You want to be sure to select a high quality product. There is a tremendous difference in the products that are available today. There are polystyrene, resin caste, and wood. All have their own advantage and research will be important.
Wood will require a primer and finish paint, or stain if you prefer. The plastics may come primed but will require a finish acrylic paint.
For example
Hi-Density Arch-Polymer (high-density polyurethane)
Architectural Polymer is a high density lite weight synthetic product with the same density as white pine.
It will not split, crack or rot. It is water and insect resistant.
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Accentuate your dormers with gable decorations. The charm these treatments add to an area is unbelievable.
Often homeowners feel there is nothing that can be done about the exterior, other than a fresh coat of paint, and reluctantly accept a blase' exterior. With the emphasis on landscape and garden design (very similar to the Arts and Crafts period) a coordination of exterior decoration and gardens go hand in hand and will reap abundant rewards in visual satisfaction.
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Houses are complex. And over the years, as owners add rooms, raise roofs, move doors and change details, various aspects of the building can become contradictory. This reshaping may very well add to a blurring of the original intention of the design.
Remodeling usually involves an exterior transformation and a decorative gingerbread can emphasis the new corners, overhangs, windows, doors, and such. In most cases the additional cost will be offset by the increase in value to your home plus the enjoyment of living in a property that is visually appealing and loaded with character!
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So what style is your house? Look at the American Architecture pages , I hope it will help.
If these pages don't help you identify your house's style, then it's probably a mix of tradition, a dash of dreams, a cup of necessities, a pinch of aspirations and a salting of vanities.
Filigree, gingerbread, columns and moldings bring an ornate sense of charm to some traditional houses, particularly those influenced by highly-crafted, decorative architectural styles such as Victorian or Arts & Crafts.
There are many different types of moldings and architectural details used on houses.
The traditional material for architectural detailing is wood-typically pine, fir, redwood or cedar. Ornate patterns of molding and millwork are made up by combining a variety of simpler wood molding profiles.
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With sunbursts, fish-scale, 3-leaf clovers. 4-leaf clovers, brackets-and-globes, scallops, circles, diamonds, Maltese crosses the elegant ambiance of classic Victorian style is achieved.
Utilizing gingerbread indoors and out to create visual interest and gives your home a charming appeal.
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