8.19.2009

.design question number one





So I have been thinking. I am no interior designer. I know what I like....usually. I always know what I hate. But sometimes there are decor and design questions that might be obvious to those in the industry, but not so obvious to innocent bystanders. Not things really taste related, as in my opinion, no one person can tell you what you fancy is right or wrong. I mean, they can cringe or gasp in delight, but you are the only one who matters. Your space, right?

That said, there are some things when renovating, picking fabric, measuring, in which a consensus often helps. Not like your mom saying you will regret Belgian linen 20 times. That is not consensus, that is annoying. But where the more the merrier approach is helpful when you sort of feel you could go either way. Make sense? So I thought posing some of these design questions could be helpful.

That there are thousands of real designers who blog and can help us mortals does not hurt.

So, without further explanation, here is design question number one:

Do you prefer to paint the molding in a room the trim color or the same color as the wall?

28 comments:

  1. Hmmm.... for me it depends. I currently only have molding in one room. This room is small, so I added the trim to make the eye go upward and painted it white to match the trim, since the walls are slightly dark. Going forward when I find time and attempt to paint again. I think I will go light all the way and paint the trim the same as the walls. Enjoy! xoxo

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  2. I am saying No, only because it can add texture to the room and change the energy,.. I love color but i need something stable as well, I say no but I am just a SAHM

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  3. The more modern and elegant look is definitely painting wall molding the same color as the walls.

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  4. where are these images from? i linked to a previous post of yours but i don't know the original source:(

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  5. Sassy Pants-What is a SAHM?
    Down and Out Chic-I am sorry. I don't understand your question.

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  6. oh sorry, i'm wanting to know the links to where the photos are from (you know, website, magazine, designer etc.) i used one of your images in my post today and i link back to the original source but i don't know who it is (and of course i linked to you too:)
    does that make sense?

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  7. I think it's cleaner and more modern to paint the molding the same as the wall color. Glossy finish for the molding and flat for the walls. There are tons of exceptions though... Sometimes contrast is best.

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  8. Down and Out Chic-thanks for the email. Got it. I do not know the source. Way before I began blogging, I kept a folder with images that inspire me. Given I had no thoughts of sharing them, I did not record where I found them. Since I began blogging, if I do not credit a source it is because there was none given,when I found it, or I truly have no clue where I got it many moons ago. Wish I knew! Sorry!

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  9. I am certainly not an interior designer, and I am pretty free spirited in decorating my own home. I for the most part like the trim the same color in most rooms. I think contrasting trim is less formal and gives a more country cottagy (sp?) feel. I love nothing more than an English country room with white walls, wood trim and exposed wood ceiling beams. Does this help you? Of coarse not, but it's got me thinking...
    xxx kim

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  10. I like it the same color as the wall, add high gloss. But I am in the exact same boat as you when it comes to putting together my space!! Or maybe worse, like paralyzed. And I'm laughing so hard at your Belgian linen/mom allusion!

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  11. liza-which tells me you have been there in some capacity? xoxoxox

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  12. Now, first let me say, I am just a mere mortal, most definitely not design glitterati. But I am in the moulding same as trim color camp. That said, I tend to vacillate. A lot. So I could go either way and I think both ways can be beautiful when done right. Ha, now that wasn't very helpful, was it?! ;0)

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  13. Oh, and g., SAHM= stay at home mom.

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  14. nkp-well, I am with you. this is meant to help everyone. So I bet your comment did help those that are on the fence because, as a mere mortal here, too, I feel that it depends on the room and light.

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  15. nkp-hahahaha! Thanks! I am that as well as a DORK, as I had no clue.

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  16. We paint the trim the same color, but use a high gloss paint versus the matte we have on our walls.

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  17. oh god. i am a renter, so i have never had to make such decisions. sadly i am living in a place with mint green walls -- EVERYWHERE. just try and make that work. in every single room.

    did i mention that i live in a pink duplex (i love the pink) and the landlord has painted the front door grape soda purple? as soon as she asks me if i like it, i have my response ready to go: IT IS YOUR PROPERTY.

    sorry. i know this is of ZERO assistance.

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  18. droll girl-I love pink, TOO!!!! And you are always assistance.

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  19. I'm an interior designer and I have no preference. It's up to the client and the look/mood/style she wants.

    How very not helpful, huh?

    Generally, I tend to think of matching trim as more fashion forward and contrasting trim as more traditional.

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  20. The turquoise blue bedroom is Kendall Wilkinson in Traditional Home. I have posted on it several times on Chinoiserie Chic.

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  21. Style Redux 2-Thanks so much! I so appreciate it!

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  22. I'm a same colour as the wall kinda girl, but that's just me. Whatever takes your fancy, that's what I say.I'm not sure about the gloss side of things. Here in the U.K. it's 'fashionable' to have it all the same in chalky emulsion. Hey, but what do I know!!! XXXX

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  23. I think I am the only one that is going to say... different colors. Are we talking crown molding and baseboards trim? Shouldn't it be white and the walls a different color of choice??
    I don't think I have ever seen trim the same color as the walls ever...
    xo's

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  24. Painting the molding in the same color as the wall will make room looks taller...
    But the best thing; it's only paint & we can always re-paint?!

    xo*

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  25. hmm, based on these photos: yes, i do! and i love that turquoise room. :) xoxo

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  26. if i owned, i would totally do it all one color. right now, i don't have much control over the trim. i think all one color is more minimalistic. i'm such a sucker for that.

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  27. Good question! For my right now (and this could totally change!), I am favoring walls, trim, and molding all in the same color so that it creates a clean canvas for the rest of the room. That way the furniture, fixtures, fabrics, etc. can really steal the show :)

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  28. that room in turquoise is just stunning! i think i have a picture of that same room from a different angle. love it!
    xox

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Yes, yes, tell me!