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by Sean Hill on Mar 27, 2025
At RISE Design Studio, we understand that the finer details of interior architecture - skirtings, architraves, cornices, and even floorboards - play a crucial role in shaping the character of a space. These elements not only provide protection to surfaces but also add rhythm, proportion, and elegance to interiors. From traditional mouldings to minimalist, contemporary treatments, the choice of materials and detailing can transform a home’s aesthetic.
A Brief History of Architectural Mouldings
Historically, mouldings served both functional and decorative purposes. Skirtings were introduced to protect the base of walls from wear and tear caused by furniture, foot traffic, and cleaning. Architraves framed doorways and windows, covering unsightly junctions between plaster and joinery while adding a layer of sophistication. Cornices were used to conceal cracks where walls met ceilings, doubling as an ornamental feature in classical and period homes.
Over time, these elements evolved to suit various architectural styles - from the highly intricate embellishments of Victorian and Georgian interiors to the clean, restrained lines of modernist design. Today, mouldings can be reimagined in a contemporary way to complement minimalist, low-energy, and Passivhaus-inspired designs.
Renovation of a house in Notting Hill, West London, with carefully refurbished skirting, architraves, cornices and wall panelling.
Skirtings: To Use or Not to Use?
Skirtings remain a key feature in interiors, offering both protection and aesthetic cohesion. There are multiple approaches to incorporating skirting into a design:
Flush Skirting with a Shadow Gap
For a sleek, contemporary look, we often recommend flush skirting with a shadow gap detail. This approach creates a seamless transition between walls and floors while maintaining a crisp, uninterrupted aesthetic. It works particularly well in modern homes, reducing visual clutter and enhancing a sense of openness.
Flush skirting and flush architrave with a 10mm shadow gap on our Harvist Road Glazed Envelope project in Queen's Park, NW London, with a flush bronze bar inset threshold detail
No Skirting: A Gallery-Like Approach
For an ultra-minimalist look, skirtings can be omitted entirely. In spaces designed with this concept, walls meet the floor with absolute precision. This approach, while sophisticated, requires high-quality craftsmanship to ensure durability and prevent wear along the base of walls.
We applied this method in the garden studio at our Harvist Road Glazed Envelope project in Queen’s Park, where Marine Grade Plywood was used for the walls, floor, and ceiling - eliminating the need for skirtings and architraves, creating a seamless, monolithic effect.
No skirting at on our Harvist Road Glazed Envelope project in Queen's Park, NW London. Marine grade plywood was used for the finishes for floor, walls and ceiling meaning no skirting was required.
Architraves: Framing Doors and Windows
Like skirtings, architraves have evolved from their classical origins into a more restrained, modern-day application.
Flush Architraves with a Shadow Gap
For a clean and contemporary look, flush architraves with a shadow gap provide a subtle transition between walls and doorways. This design, similar to our approach to skirtings, ensures continuity and allows the architectural form of the space to take center stage.
Flush skirting and minimal architraves with shadow gap at our Douglas House project in Kensal Rise, NW London. The solid wood floorboards were used for the architraves and painted mdf was used for the flush skirting
Plywood Architraves and Reveals
In our Plywood House project in Regent’s Park, we used Birch Plywood for the architraves, window reveals, and skirting, showcasing how timber can bring warmth and tactility into a modern space. The material was also used for a stunning spiral staircase, demonstrating its versatility in architectural detailing.
Wall fixed Birch Plywood skirting and architrave at our Plywood House project in Regent's Park, North London. A shadow gap was routered into the skirting and architrave
Hidden Doors for Seamless Interiors
For a truly seamless interior, doors can be designed to blend into the walls, eliminating the visual interruption of a door frame. In our Harvist Road Glazed Envelope project, we designed doors that disappear into the wall, reinforcing a sense of continuity and fluidity throughout the space.
Concealed fire door at Harvist Road Glazed Envelope project in Queen's Park, NW London.
Cornices: Traditional vs. Contemporary Aesthetics
While cornices were historically used to decorate the junction between walls and ceilings, they are often omitted in contemporary designs to maintain a clean, crisp aesthetic. However, in homes where period features are being restored or celebrated, cornices can add a touch of classical elegance.
Spiral staircase in Notting Hill renovation, retaining the existing elaborate wall panelling, skirting, architraves and cornices
If a home embraces modernist principles, foregoing cornices in favour of clean junctions between walls and ceilings allows the architecture to speak for itself.
Stainless steel kitchen and long timber floorboards with clay plaster walls an a minimal cornice in this Notting Hill contemporary renovation
The Role of Timber in Contemporary Interior Detailing
The choice of materials is just as important as the detailing itself. We are committed to using responsibly sourced timber supplies to ensure that all the timber-derived products in our projects have minimal environmental impact. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) plays a vital role in sustainable forestry, and we ensure that the timber we use is FSC-certified. View our FSC listing on the FSC website to learn more about our sustainable approach to wood sourcing.
Dinesen Douglas Fir: A Signature Flooring Choice
In our Douglas House project, we used solid Dinesen Douglas Fir floorboards throughout, bringing a natural warmth and seamless materiality to the interior. The same timber was also used for the balustrade in the Reading Nook on the third floor, where an oriel window offers views towards Wembley Stadium. This consistent material palette helps to create a unified, harmonious interior.
Dinesen Douglas Fir floorboards used for the stairs with shadow gap and balutrade lists up to the third floor Reading Nook
A Cohesive Approach to Interior Detailing
Ultimately, the decision to use skirtings, architraves, and mouldings depends on the desired aesthetic and functional needs of the space. Whether it’s a flush shadow-gap detail for a minimalist effect, the warmth of Birch Plywood for a tactile feel, or the classic charm of traditional mouldings, each choice contributes to the overall architectural language of a home.
At RISE Design Studio, we carefully consider every element of an interior, ensuring that detailing is not only beautiful but also sustainable, functional, and timeless. If you’re embarking on a renovation or new-build project, get in touch to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life with carefully curated interior detailing.
Ready to Elevate Your Interior Architecture?
Whether you're renovating a period home or designing a contemporary, low-energy house, our team at RISE Design Studio can help you create beautifully detailed, sustainable interiors that reflect your values and lifestyle.
If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at architects@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3947 5886
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