In residential construction the largest challenge a sophisticated home buyer faces is balancing the qualities of marketable value and architectural features. An approach that we have used to address this situation involves using common materials in "uncommon" ways. The most obvious example is the use of unique drywall elements. Columns, colonnades, partial height walls, soffits, interior fenestrations or windows, niches, shelves wall banding and detailed ceilings can all add a dramatic effect and distinctive quality to any home. These individual elements are created using the same wallboard that covers every wall in your home and can be added without much extra time or expense. 

Columns and colonnades (rows or series of columns) are ideal for separating today's open plans, without removing the critical visual access that is growing more synonymous with todays modern home. 
Partial height walls are a natural compliment to columns, and can separate a hallway from a larger area without creating a narrow feeling corridor. 

Soffits and interior fenestrations require more skill, but can be used strategically to compound both the interaction and intimacy of adjacent rooms. In many cases these items offer the best opportunity for adding curves or other geometric shapes into the interior of a home. 

Drywall niches can be created at focal points in hallways or across a large wall area. In addition, niches can extend from floor to ceiling with or without a vertical resolution. drywall shelves have been used over front doors to extend the second story wall of a foyer area to create an exterior overhang. Today, we are exploring a similar effect across rear elevations. In these cases we have used the upper level shelf to accommodate plants and vegetation while providing an offset for swing-out french doors on the floor level and preserving usable interior space. 

Wall banding is perhaps the rarest of these elements, but when used wisely can add visual impact to any home. Detailed Ceilings can be designed to provide recessed cove lighting, vaults, coffers and other shapes to add definition to any space. 

The most important thing to remember when selecting these elements is to always relate their size and scope to the human scale, i. e., wall banding is most effective when used to denote the height of a second story floor in a high ceiling area. 

Ultimately, the look, touch and feel of these sculptural items will dictate their success, but with careful consideration and a trained eye, they can add years of enjoyment and a distinct difference in resale value to your home.