curb appeal

Cupolas are ornamental and impressive; their elegant design creates curb appeal. Adding the right accent transforms buildings and enhances value for years to come.

These dramatic architectural accents have enchanted us throughout the centuries. Originally built dome shape, they now come in different geometrical shapes, according to the design of the roof which it will be placed upon.

Cupolas add stateliness and a focal point to the buildings upon which they are placed. Built to provide a view, to ventilate, or provide light, while others are strictly ornamental. Although all cupolas are ornamental, some are very functional by circulating air to naturally ventilate the structure they sit upon. These architectural accents also provide an inexpensive light source and scenic view.

Functional cupolas are designed to naturally ventilate the structure they sit upon. Our forefathers understood the importance of ventilation and that heat rises, so by placing cupolas on the roof, the hot stagnant air is released through the louvered sides. This flow of air eliminated wood rot, mildew and musty odors. By doing this the structures had a longer lifespan. Did you know the heat on the roof is 30-35 degrees warmer than on the ground?

In the 19th Century, cupolas on barns were important, as they provided ventilation for drying hay, removing stagnant air as well as a light source. It was during this time, window cupolas became very popular, especially among homes along the coast as they provided a 360 degree view of the ocean and country side.

An ornamental structure with windows is called a lantern as it admits light. In some cases the cupola forms a room that can be reached via an interior stairway. Such a structure is called a belvedere. This is an Italian name meaning, “beautiful view.” It can be roofed but open on one or more sides, creating a summer house on a height. This architectural accent forming the entire top floor can provide a meditation room, a secluded place to read a book, a retreat for painting, star gazing or just enjoying the scenery. It also can be a high perched sunroom with a magnificent view.

Cupolas, Functional, Plus Create Curb Appeal -Article

Architects describe cupola as small structures that sit on top of a roof, in the center of a building, at the highest point. These architectural accents, with their impressive design provide a focal point, while creating curb appeal. Cupolas are often a landmark on commercial buildings, a personal finishing touch on a home or country property.

These architectural accents are still being used, a design that goes back to ancient times. They provide a finishing touch similar to the globe on a flag pole. A ventilating cupola can save you money, as they provide a natural flow for warm air to exit through the louvered or window sides. An entire top floor formed by a cupola provides a panoramic view of the ocean and country side.

The exterior of your buildings demonstrate your personality to all. The addition of these architectural accents improves not only the quality of your look, but the value of your property for years to come. Creating curb appeal with pizzazz!

Candles sconces tend to conger up images of dark castles and candle sconces lining the wall every so often. The picture presents a woman is a flowing dress or a man in medical attire grabbing a candle from the wall and walking to the bedchamber or going through a secret passage. All fancies aside, what the history of the candle sconce? Some people would suggest that the first candle sconce wasn’t a sconce at all and that a cave dweller made a torch to light his dwelling and pushed the end of in between a couple of rocks or a crack in the cave wall. But wall brackets or candle sconces were a permanent fixture of Old English Anglo Saxon castles and medieval castles before then. They may have been torches, but they were dipped in tallow and that is a kind of candle. As time moved on into the beginning of the 17th century candle sconces become very popular. Elegant sconce lit ballrooms where high society danced and the boudoirs were decorated with elaborate candle sconces that were made of gold and shaped decorative flowers and leaves. Experts say the first true candle sconces came from Italy, these sconces were backed with a shiny piece of metal or a mirror that helped to reflect the light of the candle. The French named these sconces bras because of the fancy embellished corbels. Fashion, art, architecture, culture, many things have affected the development of different kinds of sconces. Though not elegant to some people, wrought iron has been used to make sconces and have been quite popular; these wonderful candle holders have also been made out of tone, metal, Tiffany glass, crystal, wood, gypsum, ceramic, resin, brass, pewter, and polymers. The reason some materials are suitable for sconces today is that most today are electrified. Some of the styles are modern, contemporary, and Victorian. Considering the practical side of using a candle sconce, fire isn’t a worry. Remember the shiny plate it is affixed to the wall and not only reflects the light but protects from starting a fire. If you hang a candle sconce in your home make sure it is far from curtains or drapes and works of art. Hang it with hardware that is used for heavy objects. This type of light fixture directs the light towards the ceiling.