Ornamental Iron in Houston

Exterior Worlds recommends ornamental iron, also called wrought iron, for our clients who want a timeless beauty in their landscape design. Ornamental iron displays both strength and delicacy in its many and varied uses. Its elegant details—whether in hypnotic geometric shapes, fanciful medieval renditions or scrolling and sensuous movement—convey a sense of history and a timeless beauty, authenticity and strength.

We think iron pieces work in almost any landscape, but because of its historic roots, especially in European history, wrought iron goes particularly well with gardens that have a certain theme, such Mediterranean landscape design, classic landscape design, formal landscape design and English garden design. Ornamental iron emerged as a decorative art about 1,000 years ago and certain iron pieces, styles and forms continue to give a nod to those early roots. Examples include:

• From Italy and Tuscany. Elaborate iron lanterns from Florence. Torch holders in the shape of winged gargoyles in Milan. Tuscan wrought ironwork in rectilinear shapes clearly derives from Mediterranean antecedents while maintaining an air of elegance. Truly, it is the Italian way.
• From Spain. The major regions of Spain each put their own imprint on wrought iron. In Catalan—the balcony railings and distinctive gothic door-knockers. From the Castilian area—window screens and cathedral grilles. The Andalusia region, also called “Europe’s Orient” is fascinating for its contrasts. Moorish and Christian cultures lived side by side there, producing fabulous ornamental iron art.
• From France. In Paris, the wrought iron art nouveau entrances to the Metro are the second most famous wrought iron structure there. You can also find plenty of examples of more functional pieces, such as guardrails, balustrades and grillwork. Plus plenty of samples in the Louis styles—XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI.
• From England. Nearly as famous for its gardens as for its kingdom, England has contributed a wealth of style and charm to the landscaping vernacular. Items include antique tree surrounds, scrolled benches and wrought iron garden arches.

Inspired decorative flourishes, finely detailed artistry, painstaking designs—these phrases well describe the various wrought iron pieces that Exterior Worlds has either integrated into clients’ landscapes or seen used to good effect. Various applications and motifs include:

• Structures and other architectural features: outdoor water fountains, outdoor gazebos, doors, banisters, handrails, screens, door panels, window grilles, balustrades, balconies, running friezes, copings and finials, pilasters, column capitals, balcony supports.
• Functional ornamentation: Gate ornaments, wrought iron garden gates and wrought iron fences, landscape lighting fixtures, door knockers, door handles, hinges, andirons and fireplace tools, curtain rods, wrought iron flower boxes and planters, gratings, benches, partitions, outdoor tables, wrought iron driveway gates.
• Accents and accessories: Antique wrought iron rosettes, gargoyles, clothes hooks, signs, sculptures, mirror-frames.

Today we may use mild steel instead of true wrought iron in our landscape products. We may use electric welding rather than a fire and anvil. But, still. Ornamental iron is wondrous. Heat transforms metal rods into spirals and rosettes, trefoils and quatrefoils, songbirds and dragons. The bar bends and the circle appears.

Exterior Worlds has provided high-end landscape design and services for the greater Houston area since 1987. 713-827-2255. www.exteriorworlds.com.