What are these doorway elements called?

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/51c87d080f307-.jpg

A friend just bought a home in Crown Heights, on the parlor floor all the doorways and fireplaces have these fancy wood pieces on top. I’ve seen some decorative touches on old houses but never this kind of thing. Does anyone know what these are called and when they were popular? More photos in this album: http://imgur.com/a/dOVZC

JimmyLegs

in Decorative 12 years and 1 month ago

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dawndew | 12 years ago

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My house built in 1889 has them too. It is a version of Eastlake design.

marie-helene | 12 years and 1 month ago

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They’re called pedimental door frames.  They have them in Mount Vernon, they are neo-classic details that were in vogue in Great Britain in the 18th century, and were exported to the colonies.  The style came back at the end of the 19th century, along with many others (second empire, Georgian, eastlake, neo-classical, baroque, tudor, etc..), when most of brownstone Brooklyn was developed. Think of it as the 19th century architectural equivalent of sampling in contemporary music, as we borrow liberally from different genres and artists.   Whomever built your friend’s house really went to town.  What is the facade like?

nalusurf | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Beautiful!  Not sure of the architectural or design name, but simply they are decorative touches to the crown moldings above the entry ways and fireplaces.  My neighbor has these and they are a feathered wing design (perhaps a signature of different architects of the time?).  I have the crown moldings but the ornamental pieces that you and my neighbor have are gone.  I really love the  gas line under the ceiling medallion!  MontrosMorris, please help!!!