Federal Brace is ushering in a new era with their corbel styles, released today, that incorporate cutting-edge stainless steel trim and a supportive rib brace, which add both support and style. Elevating a traditional, passé look to something that is modern and fashion-forward takes forethought and planning. Often it requires thinking of a design element in a new, unexpected way, or combining elements you’d previously thought of as separate. In this blog, you can expect a little wild, a bit of ingenuity, and a whole lot of stylish design.

Unexpected Installations | These are not your grandpa’s corbels, so don’t install them like he would. Give your corbels a modern twist by including them in spaces and areas where they may not traditionally be used. Use it as a framing device in a hallway to break up a lengthy space and create a picturesque view of your foyer or living areas. Bonus: this could work as a supportive sconce as well!

Other ideas include supporting a modern headboard with the added benefit of shelving in a chic bedroom. Whether it’s books, personal items, or trinkets you need to display, these corbels are sure to be strong and versatile enough to match your style. Speaking of shelving, add some more of it in your living areas by using corbels to DIY shelves! Upcycle old shutters to make a farmhouse living chic meets modern rustic look or add a shelf under your living room or bedroom window to create-your-own indoor window box. Succulents and airplants are all the rage and everyone will be envious of your urban greenhouse.

Modern Commerce | Traditional often means formal, but one place where that doesn’t have to be true is in commercial spaces. Many offices, businesses, and retail spaces incorporate traditional elements to create an atmosphere of being trustworthy and long-lasting, while maintaining all the benefits of modernity. Incorporating a design element that is equal parts avant-garde and classic simply makes sense!

Use the modernized metal-meets-wood corbel as a wall-mounted standing desk in an office or computer lab for increased productivity. Less desk-depth will prevent clutter and allow for increased cleanliness. The supportive Corbel Rib will add strength, keeping electronics safe and your company accident-free. For a more client-facing design look, incorporate corbels into serving areas in restaurants or hotels.

The Final Bow | This is one design piece that doesn’t always have to be functional. With the added metal touch, sometimes a wood corbel is all that’s needed to tie together the rest of the space and—metaphorically—put a bow on it. This could be in the kitchen, where a mix of warm woods and cool metals can sometimes shockingly clash. Rather than mismatch, we’re proposing marriage—dark cherry with matte black metals, stainless steel on teak, cedar and steel.

The homely, coziness of beautiful maple (unfinished, so easily customized with a stain or paint) and the cool, modernity of stainless steel come together in a single piece—the corbel. Adding these under a metal range hood can tie together cabinetry and stainless steel accents all in one place. This has the same role in the rest of the kitchen, whether it’s supporting cabinetry, framing the kitchen sink, or, as tradition may have it, under an overhang.

Use corbels in an unexpected way, to build strength and confidence, or to tie together your completed look. Whatever your purpose, you can find your ideal support and design at www.FederalBrace.com.