Need help with crown molding layout (fireplace, ceiling, texture, family room)

[00molavi]

We have a kitchen, dining area and family room that is L shaped. We want to put crown moldings for all the house. The L shaped area is a problem. There is an I bar in the middle of the long arm of the L, which is the dining/family area. The bar is 5 inches wide and 4 inches lower. The problem is that this bar is right in the 1/3rd area of the family room, so in reality it is not separating any spaces. Do we skip the two sides of the bar, or just put molding on both sides?
I know the question is not very clear, I don't have pics, so ask any questions if it would help clarify.
To ask in a different way; are the molding supposed to separate the spaces under them, like a frame for the room if you will?

[K'ledgeBldr]

Generally, you would run the crown along this "beam". However, I understand you want to de-emphasize the beam by running the crown along the "outer perimeter" of the spaces.
My suggestion would be to run the "outer perimeter"- caulk, paint, etc. Then if you like the result, great. If not, and you want to add the addition crown it's just a matter of coping the ends of the crown to install.

[00molavi]

Thanks for the response. That is an idea. I am probably paying someone else to do this, so it might not be the best way. On the same topic, part of the house that will have molding has very high ceiling. It is a 2 story house. I have looked online and they recommend 1' per foot of ceiling height for the molding. That would not be possible for the 18 foot high ceiling. So should we just go with the 6" and call it a day or are there other options out there.

[goodgal]

I have 9 pc crown molding in my 18 ft foyer. Looks great. just remember the scale of the room.

[00molavi]

I think I should have mentioned that I am a novice. What is 9 pc crown molding?

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by 00molavi

I have looked online and they recommend 1' per foot of ceiling height for the molding. That would not be possible for the 18 foot high ceiling. So should we just go with the 6" and call it a day or are there other options out there.

I think you meant to say- 1" per 1'. In otherwords(in your example), measuring down from the ceiling you would want 18" of crown moulding (which would be very elaborate).

Originally Posted by 00molavi

I think I should have mentioned that I am a novice. What is 9 pc crown moulding?

Crown moulding is usually described by the number of different pieces or profiles that make up the "crown moulding".
As you said- "just go with the 6""- that would be 1 piece. 2 piece is generally crown and picture mould.
3 piece would normally refer to (starting from the ceiling down) crown, apron, picture mould.

[00molavi]

Yes I meant 1" per foot of ceiling. The many pieces sound complicated and probably pricey. We are on a budget, so I guess I will go with the 6". I have wanted to check other houses in the 'hood (track homes), so that I am not very off with what I do but don't have the time.
Thanks for the response.

[mrpeatie]

Not sure if you alredy started- but you could simply replicate that with a soffit of the same size to mark of the dining space. Then trim out the living space with two separate runs and the dining with another.

[00molavi]

Originally Posted by mrpeatie

Not sure if you alredy started- but you could simply replicate that with a soffit of the same size to mark of the dining space. Then trim out the living space with two separate runs and the dining with another.

Thanks for the response. No I am not even close to starting, only ruminating so far. The walls are textured, so any manipulation to them is a PITA. After a lot of thought we are not even sure that the eating area should stay at the same place. The fireplace is there and the space seems to fit better for TV. SO we are thinking to move the eating area to the current TV area. The oddity would be that the eating area would be farther from the kitchen, but I guess we can use the exercise!

[texdav]

I think you need to get someone who does good crown molding. These guys liike a freind of mine have prices that they can block for you to show you waht it will look like and of course make recommedations to guy you.Many make their own shape blades and will have a huge selection to choice from but remmeber that a new set of custom blades is expensive to make ;so I suggest ones he has made already.If hes good he will know what is done on different circumstances as to room shape and beams etc.