The moldings around the ceilings in Hillforest are made of plaster. There are similar moldings throughout the house. In the vestibule, is a grape and leaf design, a common symbol of hospitality in the Victorian period.
In the Central Hall, the cornices and medallions around the central light fixtures are cast plaster, made on-site from hand-carved molds. These molds and extra castings are in the wine cellar. The plaster work at Hillforest was reportedly done by Asa and John Shattuck, a local father and son team of craftsmen. The center ceiling medallions probably were placed when gasoliers were installed.
Although all of the plasterwork in the house is original, the castings and molds in the wine cellar exceed the number and type found throughout the house. Originally the molds were stored in the carriage house.
Moldings and medallions have gone through an intricate testing process called photomicrographs to determine paint colors from earlier times. These have shown evidence of gold leaf, bronze powder, and at least two color tones. In the spring of 2023, Terry Wullenweber restored the plaster in the Central Hall. Kristina Lemmon followed by painting the appropriate gold on the plaster.
