Looking around your home and thinking you would like a change? Then you look at your budget and are thinking about a challenge?
Well, we have some thoughts for you that won’t break the bank. Our ideas go beyond simply painting walls a different color, although that is always a worthwhile option. We want to look at ways we can frame the components of our home differently to add accent and style to the fabric of our house, home, castle or cabin.
Basic Trim Work
Most of our homes have some basic level of trim work. Whether it is the base moldings at the junction of the walls and the floor, walls and ceilings or around our doors and windows, swapping the standard blah for something more “WOW” can really transform your style. Trimwork has many profiles, sizes and shapes to choose from.
Hopefully, this will pique your curiosity into the wide world of molding design possibilities.
Base Trim
Standard base trim used in most builder homes is either 2 1/4- or 3-inch tall baseboard. There are two basic styles.
- Streamline: A smooth trim that tapers from the floor to the top in a continuous surface.
- Colonial: This style has horizontal fluting or folds in the surface, adding some minimal texture to the trim’s surface.
Changing these baseboards out for a deeper or taller trim board, such as a 1 inch by 3 inch base or even a 1 inch x 6 inch base for larger rooms, and adding other pieces can enhance the connection between the wall and the floor.
Traditionally, trim has been made from wood, but there are also several trim styles that have a sculpted profile manufactured from composite materials. They can save time and money over the old-fashioned adding on different pieces to develop molding profiles.
Base trim sets a stylistic tone for any room. Consider it as a frame for your furniture.
Ceiling Trim
Ceiling molding, referred to as crown molding, is installed where the ceiling and the wall meet. Crown molding serves several functions, adding interest to the room, hiding any drywall flaws and providing a decorative flair. This type of molding is popular in traditional architecture and is available in many styles and materials.
Door Trim
There are two parts and three sides to door trim. The head, or the top of the door, and the two jambs. Those are on either side of the door frame. Doors are portals from one space to another. Think about how you would like to frame that portal.
- As with other molding options, you will need to choose from the hundreds of profiles and designs available.
- Door jamb trim and base trim often reflect a similar pattern in classical applications. This means that the two can have similar patterns that complement each other or even be identical.
- Consider trim work on a passageway that may not even have a door. Look at it as an opportunity to frame a piece of art or sculpture that is in the next room.
Window Trim
We talked about a door being a passage or portal of sorts. Well, our windows give us the opportunity to frame the outside view.
- As with door frames being complementary to base trim, window moldings follow as well.
- Windows that do not go all the way to the floor have a sill at the bottom. This gives you an opportunity to create a shelf. Depending on the depth of the sill, you might be able to use this surface to further decorate your home.
Installation
If you have carpentry skills and know how to cut simple miters, you can undertake the installation of trim yourself. Rochelle Horn, designer at Rosie on the House, says the key to crown molding and trim is the installation, as it is an art form.
- These links can help you through the steps to refresh your memory on cutting and installing moldings.
Designers can utilize special accents for walls and doors
There are companies like Art for Everyday that take molding and accents to the next level. Their products are only available to interior designers, architects and cabinet shops. The products come unfinished and can be custom-finished.
Their sculpted wall is a great alternative to a traditional painted wall. Consider a sculpted panel section to add interest and provide an elegant backdrop for other artwork or your furniture. Wood is always a warm addition to any space.
Doors and cabinets can be enhanced with custom sculpture pieces.
Other ideas
Other products to look for include corbels to use under a countertop or pair with decorative shelving, decorative legs for the end of countertops, molding for the top of cabinets, wood insets for glass doors and more!
If you are feeling inspired to make architectural components a DIY project and want to find some interesting retail products, check online at places like Architectural Depot or Osbourne Wood at your local full-service hardware store or wood shop.
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