In New England, crossover trim blends classic charm with modern style. I am fortunate to live and work as a remodeling contractor in the Northeast, where the towns and cities are museums of classical architecture, especially in civic buildings. However, there is also an abundant number of residential homes that would be classified as modern, which would be classified as minimal traditional, ranch, split-level, contemporary, and shed.
Most customers I work with prefer classical architectural millwork details, but they live in architecturally classified “modern” homes. A millwork detail that can successfully bridge this gap is crossover trim, such as Chippendale handrails.
Chippendale railings became popular in Western cultures from successful craftsmen such as Thomas Chippendale, a cabinetmaker in England, and designers like Thomas Jefferson in the American Colonies. From the mid-Atlantic, Chippendale railings grew out of their regional popularity and can be seen on exterior railings from the deep South to the Northeast.
One of the reasons why crossover trim like Chippendale rails can be used in a traditional or contemporary setting is that there are a variety of Chippendale designs, and the Chippendale design doesn’t have to be used on every inch of railing.
In the past, I have used the “Southern Cross” on traditional homes and the “Diamond” pattern on contemporary homes. Overall, the Chippendale rail design is a crossover trim millwork detail and can achieve a timeless millwork detail. Chippendale railings can be used both on the interior and exterior, which makes it a versatile millwork detail.
Please consider American Building & Design for your next remodeling project.
