DE, Bradford
If you are restoring a property, choose a design that is appropriate to the period of the building. Nothing looks worse than new work that is out of keeping with the style of the house.
If the original mouldings were ripped out, then talk to your neighbours and see what they have. Alternatively, there are plenty of books available on dating your home.
If you are refurbishing a more recent property and want to add detail, keep the cornice profile or ceiling rose as simple as possible. Anything too fancy will look naff and out of place. If you are a purist, you could trawl architectural salvage yards. For more information, visit www.salvo.co.uk.
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The Classic Cornice Company (020 8874 0221, www.classiccornice.co.uk) is dedicated to restoring and preserving plaster architectural detailing. As well as having a large selection of cornice designs, it accepts commissions and repairs. Cornices are sold in 3m lengths and prices vary depending on the complexity of design. The CP66 is a simple Victorian moulding for £27.50; the grander Kensington is £69. For ceiling roses, the CC34 (VE) has a 29in diameter and costs £56.80. The company can also supply corbels, brackets, pilasters, columns and fireplaces.
Another company worth looking at is Fine Art Plasterwork (020 8679 2533, www.fineartplasterwork.co.uk), which has cornices, columns, corbels, ceiling and panel moulds, roses and mantelpieces. It offers a full fixing service. Cornices are sold in 3m lengths, with prices starting from £26.50 plus Vat. A classic Adam-style fanned ceiling centrepiece costs £50.72 plus Vat. Both companies are based in London, but will deliver further afield.
Andrea Maflin is an experienced designer, based in London