Decorative wood beams offer a distinctive way to add architectural detail to your room and/or ceiling, as well as create warmth and depth. Including wood beams in your new custom home design will add both form and function.

Thinking of remodeling? Due to the innovative construction of these beams, they can also be added to existing homes. The results will enhance your space and give it new life!

The beams come in a variety of specialty woods and styles. A custom stain can be applied to match any existing décor. For additional detail, rustic hardware (clavos, strap hinges and decorative nails) can also be incorporated.

Contact us for more detail on adding decorative wood beams to your home.

Post and beam application with brackets

Post and beam application with brackets - custom home Westfield, Indiana

Truss beams and corbels

Truss beams and corbels - custom home Fishers, Indiana

Ceiling beams

Ceiling beams - custom home Carmel, Indiana

Ceiling beams and reclaimed flooring - Midwest Living Idea Home

Ceiling beams and reclaimed flooring - Midwest Living Idea Home

Q: A family member has a lot of allergies - how can I make sure the material I use in my remodeling project is safe for them?

A: The best place to start is by talking with your allergist. Details on your specific allergy (or allergies) can help determine where to focus your time, energy and money.

Find a professional remodeler, like Gradison Building Corp., willing to work with you and your precise needs. An experienced remodeler will listen to your requirements, help you find solutions and make your home a healthier place to live.

There are many areas to consider from the foundation to the fabric on your sofa, so ask questions and do your homework. Flooring is a key component in allergy control since carpet can be a source of many allergens. Hard floor surfaces are a must - especially in bedrooms and closets.

Below are just a few of the many items to consider when remodeling for a healthier home:

  • Minimal carpet (none in the basement, because it could draw moisture). If carpet is necessary, use 100% synthetic carpet or polypropylene - no wool fibers.
  • Use only solid wood flooring, no MDF or engineered products.
  • Incorporate porcelain sinks in the bathroom (less wood cabinetry, less chance for mold to grow and easier to clean.)
  • HVAC - no flexible duct work and use special micro filters. HEPA/Ultraviolet Air Treatment systems are available if your budget allows.
  • Have duct work professionally cleaned after the project is complete
  • Control the humidity - reducing humidity decreases dust mite and mold growth.
  • Use low VOC paints.
  • Control moisture by monitoring the storage of all remodel materials - make sure materials stay dry during the construction process.
  • Contact a home inspector that specializes in air quality. They can perform moisture checks as the remodel progresses and also serve as a resource.
  • Use environmentally-friendly construction materials, your contractor will be able to help with this step.

Finishing touches to think about, once the remodel is complete:

  • Purchase washable bed linens that can withstand hot water and use allergen covers.
  • Use non-upholstered furniture, leather is best.
  • No fabric on window treatments.
  • Choose surfaces and finishes that can endure bleach cleaning or the cleaning product your allergist recommends.

The American Lung Association website is an excellent place to gather information.

They also have a specific section dedicated to healthy homes.

Tip: Replace carpet with hardwood flooring. Pictured: Distressed hickory, wide-planked, hardwood flooring

Tip: Replace carpet with hardwood flooring. Pictured: Distressed hickory, wide-planked, hardwood flooring

1. Make your kitchen feel more like living space by adding furniture-style details. Add corbels and decorative legs to an island or details at the base of cabinets to give the kitchen character.

2. Enhance wall space with wainscoting, V-groove paneling or beadboard. This durable and classic look will give your home a cottage feel.

3. Define doorways with detailed door surrounds to create tasteful entrances. Arched doorways are especially appealing and lure people into the room.

4. If your staircase needs an update, consider replacing the balusters. A simple baluster change-out makes a huge impact without having to do a full remodel. It will open the space and change the look and feel of your entry.

5. Don’t forget the ceiling when designing your space. Hand hewn barn beams add warmth and make rooms with high ceilings feel more inviting.

6. Glass-front cabinet doors are a great way to dress up a set of cabinets and show off your favorite serving dishes. There are numerous glass styles available, bubble effects, crackled glass, ribbed, faceted, slag or colored glass. For a French country style try using tin, copper or even chicken wire.

7. Make the space behind your range the kitchen’s focal point with a unique backsplash design. Kitchen backsplashes can be created from a variety of different materials; including marble, granite, ceramic tile, glass or stainless steel. The possibilities are endless and can accommodate multiple styles and budgets.

8. Pendant lights provide both task and general lighting. The shades or globes help avoid glare, and when suspended from the ceiling over kitchen tables, game areas or kitchen counters they provide the perfect amount of light. They can also free up space occupied by table lamps when used over an end table.

9. The mantel helps define the fireplace wall as a focal point. The mantel can also direct the eye and attention to the stone or tile surround below.

10. Place interior shutters on the lower half of the window in the bathroom. This offers the right combination of privacy and sunlight.

11. The area beneath a window is often unused space. A window seat offers a place to relax and connect with the outdoors as well as providing extra storage space.

12. Built-in storage spaces such as open book shelves, media centers and alcoves hold items without taking up additional floor space.

Decorative legs on island, cabinet fronts with chicken wire and tiled back splash

Decorative legs on island, cabinet fronts with chicken wire and tiled back splash

Built-in window seat

Built-in window seat

Room accented with Beadboard

Room accented with Beadboard