Refreshing Trim Trends

In a world that is constantly moving and changing, often so fast it is hard to keep up, we find ourselves craving simplicity. Particularly when it comes to our homes, which should be a place of calm refuge, quiet reflection, a place where we can relax and retreat. One way to achieve this is to bring these qualities into our homes intentionally with our design choices. Today’s trim trends offer the perfect way to frame your home with simple beauty.

Overdone is done. Current interior design trends tend to focus on simplicity, clean lines, and minimalism. But there is plenty of room for visual interest, color, texture, and personality. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite trim trends.

Clean and Simple

If you hear “minimalism,” and picture a house without heart and soul, be prepared to be delightfully wrong. Well executed minimalism is about stripping away the extraneous to allow more room for… room. It’s focused on a sense of airiness and light, unobstructed by heavy ornamentation. This is seen in top trim trends.

Crown molding, for example, has been a staple for generations. Its popularity, however, is on the decline. We don’t expect it to go away — it is a classic, after all. But we are seeing a move towards streamlined craftsman and industrial farmhouse (more on that in a moment) trims. These styles emphasize clean, straight lines in larger four to six inch sizes rather than the more corniced edges of crown.

The Age of Industrial Farmhouse

Modern farmhouse style is as popular as Fixer Upper, a home design show that certainly loves this trend. It features lots of whites and shiny appliances. (Would anyone else be afraid to make spaghetti sauce in these showpiece spaces!). Industrial farmhouse is a little different — and completely on trend.

It fuses the rustic, rugged, textural, and practical appeal of a farmhouse with the smooth, straight, clean edges of industrial design. Think rough edge kitchen table, concrete kitchen sink, and matte black features. So, what about your trim? Wood beams work wonders here. For example, doorways can be trimmed with authentic wooden beams, and you can integrate industrial style elements for beautiful contrast, such as tin tiles for the ceiling or open shelving with thick planks and supports made from pipes.

From the fireplace mantel to built-in cabinetry, wood accents are a perfect complement to any room. They capture the desire for simplicity and warmth. This trim trend ties in perfectly with minimalism. It doesn’t mean stark; it means simple, warm, and comfortable.

Crown molding has been a staple for generations. We don’t expect it to go away — it is a classic, after all. But we are seeing a move towards streamlined craftsman and industrial farmhouse trims.

Paint Works Wonders

Why not paint the trim? This is a great way to transform your space. And it does not have to be white! Consider painting your trim the same color as the walls to create the sense of expansion and height or choose a complementary shade to work with your color palette. The point is that your trim doesn’t have to be a separation point or border between wall and floor or ceiling… They can work together to create a cohesive look.

Frame It

Another way to create a picture-perfect effect is to choose windows with black lines. This essentially creates a picture frame effect that allows the beauty of the exterior to shine through — and the beauty of the interior to be reflected back into your space. Black is versatile, and while in keeping with the clean minimalist mantra of 2022, it also serves to highlight the elegance of your decor.

That Shiplap Has Sailed

Shiplap has been a dominant force in interior design in the past few years. We love it. It’s simple and clean. Again, this is a trend that isn’t going anyway because it’s so “at home” in many styles, such as coastal, Scandinavian, or period-style houses. At the same time, we’re evolving, if you will. You could move to a black shiplap for a dramatic touch, use this material in selected areas (e.g. wainscotting on an island or in a smaller guest bath), or simply go vertical with the shiplap for a more dynamic look.

The 5th Wall

The ceiling is not an afterthought. It’s being called the “5th wall,” meaning that there is an excellent opportunity to highlight this space to enhance your overall design. Think about those beautiful, rustic exposed wood beams, incorporating shiplap or wood planks on the ceiling and more:

  • Coffered Ceilings. Inspired by Baroque and early Renaissance design, conferred ceilings feature indentations that are framed by beams. You achieve a three-dimensional effect that also increases the sense of spaciousness. They work best in rooms with high ceilings (i.e. over 9 feet), and they can add just the right touch of flair. The finish can be white, wood, complementary colors, etc. The sky (or ceiling) is the limit!
  • Barrel Style Ceilings. This is another great option for homes with higher ceilings. Barreled ceilings feature a curved arch effect, as if a barrel were cut in half lengthwise. They have a sleek appearance that can be enhanced with curved beams or accentuated with wood planks. You can also create contrast by edging it with sharp lines.

Trim is an integral component of your overall interior design. It’s not an afterthought; instead, it’s the element that can tie your entire look together. If you, like many of us, want to create a calming, soothing, stunning space for relaxation, calm, and coziness, the right trim can help you accomplish these goals. And, most of all, it can welcome you home every time you walk in the door.

It is never too early to start working with your interior designer; explore your options, discuss your visions, and get the guidance and insight you need to make the right choices for your home. To learn more about our inclusive design services (trim and all!), contact G&G Custom Homes.

Connect with the G&G team today to get your custom home conversation started.