Completing the arch
<p>Cheryl Bower, owner of Themed Millwork in Rathdrum, distributes a variety of wooden keystone complimenting themed decors.</p>
RATHDRUM - Clint and Cheryl Bower were not content to rest and retire after selling their Braided Accents and Mountain Moulding manufacturing business they had owned and operated in North Idaho for several years.
Instead she started up a new enterprise in their former plant in the city's industrial park. Themed Millwork offers several dozen carved alder keystones.
"A keystone is a very old architectural element, mostly used in stonework," said Clint, who uses his 40 years of experience in moulding and millwork to design and market the products.
Typically used as an interlocking piece in the center of an arch, window, door, or entry way, the keystone is often embellished with decoration.
Although keystones originally began as a functional support, they are becoming increasingly popular for design and decor. Carved wood keystones are wedge-shaped, plain or ornate.
Keystones are not limited to traditional structures. Today's design techniques allow keystones to be easily attached to new and existing cabinets, furniture and decor items for a unique and personalized accent.
Themed Millwork themes depict designs such as pine cones, or personal interests such as golf, fishing, waterfowl, sports and more.
"Very few people have put an emphasis in historical keystones," Clint said. "Nobody has really taken keystones to an awareness level to the public, and the next step, carved with some kind of image."
Keystones can be customized with a company logo or branding, and clients with an idea for a theme can take their idea to Themed Millwork for possible production.
One of the latest products recently introduced is themed mirrors with keystones that adorn and depict an individual's interest, decor or hobby.
The mirrors measure 24 by 36 inches and the overall, finished dimensions, including the beveled glass and the hardwood frame, are 31 by 44. This size will fit with many applications. The mirrors are finished in either a natural, medium earthtone brown, or can reflect the elegance of natural woods such as alder, cherry or maple.
The basic keystone is five inches by one inch thick. They can be vertical or horizontal, in any of the wood tones. Corbels, brackets, crown moulding and other products are also available.
Production of Themed Millwork keystones are outsourced. The retail distributor for the products is Idaho Lights in Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint and Spokane.
"Our goal is to distribute them nationally," Clint said.
Information: www.themedmillwork.com