With popular trends such as the country club aesthetic and bookshelf wealth taking center stage, it’s clear that refined, high-end-looking interior design is prominent. Those wanting to achieve a more upscale style on a budget should look no further than molding.
Molding offers many ways to elevate a room, is inexpensive, and easy to install. Take inspiration from one of these ten ways to add molding to your house for a designer look.
Create a Focal Point with Panel Molding
Let your fireplace take center stage by DIYing custom panel molding above it. You can use inexpensive trim to get this look. Apply it to the wall to create square of rectangle shapes, caulk the gaps, and then paint for a seamless look.
Freshen a Room with Beadboard
While inexpensive, beadboard offers an easy way to make a room feel custom. These bathroom designers ran wide plank beadboard two-thirds of the way up the wall and topped it with trim and a peg hook for hanging towels. The paint pulls it together and gives this room a fresh look.
Get a Traditional Look with Crown Molding
For a traditional style, you can’t go wrong with crown molding. Add it to the top of the wall in any room you want to have a more formal look. When painted white, it looks crips against darker-toned walls.
Add Unexpected Details to the Ceiling
The wall isn’t the only place to add custom molding — it works on the ceiling, too. The designers of this eclectic living room draw the eye up with a unique chandelier surrounded by trim. Those who want to highlight a light fixture can consider this idea.
Go for a More is More Look with Wall Molding
Skip the wall decor and use molding instead. The designers of this dining room covered the entire wall in molding panels and topped it with crown molding, offering a vintage look. The paneling fits the style of this Tudor home.
Exude Luxury with Metallic Trim
Forget classic white — make a statement by painting your trim a champagne metallic like these designers did. The metallic crown molding gives this sunroom a regal look, especially since it’s paired with lush greenery and whimsical wallpaper.
Make Your Own Design
The best part of decorating with molding or trim is that you can create a custom design to fit your style, space, and budget. The homeowners did a simple accent wall behind the TV in this living room, adding diagonal trim.
Get a Unique Look with a Custom Plaster Mold
Those craving a whimsical or unexpected design flair should consider the ceiling. In this home, the designers created a custom plaster mold that draws the eye up and gives the minimal space some pattern.
Add Interest to a Wall with a Chair Rail
Another classic molding option is the chair rail. Chair rails create visual interest by dividing the wall into sections. You can add wallpaper or a different color above the chair rail for a varied look or keep the wall all one color.
Trim Out a Room’s Focal Points
Add some style to your room with custom trim work that highlights the room’s focal points. In this bedroom, trimmed-out artwork highlights the beds. You could even use this idea in place of a standard headboard.
