We all admire a good piece of trim work. It elevates a room above the ordinary, and reveals a little more about the owner’s tastes. But good trim often gets sidelined in the process of designing and building houses. Most of us are stuck with bland, flat trim that does little to spark excitement.

If you’re in this boat, these design ideas will get you excited about your house's potential again! Gain some ideas and goals for your next project, be it small, like DIY bookshelf trim, or a major rework of your entry way. Either way, please let us know what you think!

Top photo: Ceiling trim in an arched hallway.

This deceptively simple look adds an extra layer of fancy to an arched ceiling. It frames the front door and puts a little space between the living area and the entryway.

Second photo: Dentil moulding and full wall wainscoting.

Smooth wainscoting on the walls balances the heavier mantelpiece and crown trim. Both wainscoting and dentil trim are old classics that help tie together the room’s other design elements. Painting them a neutral tone lets them harmonize with the modern lines of the coffee table, lamp, and light fixture.

Above, Custom cabinetry with moulding detail.

This bar mimics the clean lines of its glassware, slim and minimal, but obviously well stocked. It lets the drinks do the talking, but note the detail on the toe kick; it isn’t all plain!

Library with wainscoting and tray ceiling.

This library, painted in a calming shade of green makes great use of decorative trim around the bookcases and fireplace to soften the linear effect of the bookshelves. The wainscoting ties the three pieces together, creating visual harmony. A little detail is in the moulding on the tray ceiling, drawing the eye up and softening the transition from the wall.

Dining room with coffered ceiling and wainscoting.

Another pairing of wainscoting and ceiling trim, this one makes use of stained trim to add a strong visual element to the ceiling. Using the same trim on the windows and doors keeps it from being a one-off detail, and the wainscoting ties the whole room together. They get bonus points for a cool light fixture, too.

Bedroom with directional wainscoting.

This bedroom takes your typical vertical-horizontal wainscoting to the next level by rotating it 45 degrees. It creates a strong center of interest above the head board, giving a lift to what might otherwise be a bland room.

Bar and arched door trim.

More arches, but this time the emphasis is around the doorways and on the ceiling. The grey-blue of the trim unifies the cabinets with the slim coffering. Perhaps the neatest aspect, however, is the paneling under the ceiling trim.

Dining room with wainscoting.

This dining room only has one thing in common with the last dining room we looked at: the wainscoting. While some of the previous rooms have been trim heavy, this one uses moulding as a light detail to mimic the modern style of the furniture. It is best defined by the saying, “less is more.”

Mudroom with colorful millwork.

This mudroom plays with color as well as moulding style, painting the doors, cabinets and casing all same blue. The single color draws the eye, and adds a much needed pop of color to a usually drab room.

Inspired? Give us a call, and let’s start designing!

When your life changes, what was once your perfect abode may now be in need of a makeover. Whether you started working from home, got married, or started a family, your house will probably need a redesign to fit your new activities and better accommodate your and your growing family’s needs. Here are some ideas for transforming your living space into a great place for work, play, and relaxation.

If this sounds like you, let us know how we can help!

Room for Work

Over the past year, many of us have had to start working from home. If you don’t have a dedicated home office, den, or spare bedroom to work out of, you may have had to create an office space in your living room by rearranging the layout and furniture. If you don’t have an actual door or wall setting your office space apart from the rest of the room, you can add a partition such as a large screen or a tall bookshelf to define the space.

Putting out an area rug can further demarcate your working space. Tall plants may also be useful in keeping your work area well defined, and they have the added advantage of purifying the air inside your home. Moreover, a 2015 study found that interacting with indoor plants could reduce psychological and physiological stress, which makes plants all the more important in your home office—and in your life!

Room for Play

The arrival of a baby means new furniture (e.g., crib, changing table, high chair, etc.) and a myriad of toys and tiny clothes. Corralling all that extra kid stuff can become a challenge, especially if your child’s bedroom is too small to contain it all. And if you like to keep an eye on your little one playing while you’re making dinner, your kitchen might start to look like a miniature playground.

If you have some shelf space available, a few stylish baskets will provide great storage for toys and craft supplies that will stay hidden from view when not in use. Living room furniture can also double as storage space, such as ottomans and lift-top coffee tables. And thanks to the latest technology and streaming services available, you don’t need a massive entertainment center to hold a large-screen TV and your collection of DVDs. Make more room by mounting your flat- screen TV on the wall, and select comfortable seating options for a cozy movie night.

Room for Relaxation

Even if your home is now housing your office, you can still keep your business and personal life separate. If you don’t have a spare room to use as a designated home office, and if you want to be able to relax and unwind after a long day in front of your computer, find a storage solution that will conceal your equipment, office supplies, and documents; a desk with a hutch or an armoire desk may be ideal.

Take advantage of the natural light in your house or install some mood lighting of your own and create a cozy sanctuary by adding a plant garden to your interior. Choose fabrics and colors that inspire you and help you relax, and set some throw pillows and blankets on your sofa. And don’t forget to make your patio or balcony an inviting space, too! Outdoor patio furniture can be comfortable, stylish, and even offer storage solutions for extra pillows and blankets.

If you have a fireplace in your home, building a fire can add ambiance and help you relax, but you’ll need to ensure your chimney is clean so you’re not putting your home and family at risk. You can find dependable chimney cleaners by Googling “chimney services near me” and choosing the best-rated contractor. If you also need your chimney inspected, you’ll have to budget for the additional cost.

As our lives change, so should our homes. Today’s furniture and decorating options are endless. So, make your home a cozy spot for working, entertaining, and relaxing. Gather your family, invite your friends and share your new, redefined space!