To create a sense of spaciousness and elegance in a room, consider painting both walls and trim in the same color. This decision simplifies the process of choosing the right trim paint color.
A home trend on the rise is painting walls and trim the same color. It’s a beautiful – and a bit daring – design choice that has so many advantages. Painting can be a quick and easy update that can instantly brighten a room.
Nevertheless, we are aware that the task is not as straightforward as just painting your walls. It is also essential to take into account your trim, which includes baseboards, window and door trim, crown molding, and any built-in cabinetry.
The way in which you choose to paint your trim will influence the overall look of your space.
Using contrasting trim can create division within a space, while painting both walls and trim in the same color can bring unity. This can result in a subtle and calm ambiance or a bold and striking one, depending on the color you select.
Painting Walls and Trim the Same Color
Just recently, we painted our walls, trim, and doors Sherwin Williams Panda White. It instantly made our rooms feel larger, brighter, and more cohesive. (View designer Kylie M's review on Panda White and other colors on her YouTube channel).
When painting walls and trim the same color, I recommend painting trim one sheen higher. For example, we chose to paint the walls in a flat finish while the trim and doors we chose a satin finish. Or if you prefer an eggshell finish on your walls, then choose semi-gloss for your trim.
If you’d like to save time and effort, this is the style for you. Of course, I recommend still cutting in lines between trim and walls. Using painter’s tape helps keep lines clean. However, when painting walls and trim the same color, if you make a tiny slip here and there, no one will ever know!
If you want to use just one paint sheen for both, I recommend using a good-quality satin finish. It’s a middle of the road sheen and will be durable yet cleanable without being too glossy.
What Makes This Look So Desirable?
There are so many reasons why painting trim the same color as walls is a fabulous design decision. This simple design detail makes rooms feel larger, more open, and more seamless – even the cabinetry!
It creates an elegant, classic look, but not in a showy or fussy way.
It Increases the Level of Sophistication
At its core, this design trend is meant to be understated. Painting walls and trim the same color means that they will blend together, and that nothing will stand out.
In previous years, bright white trim against dark contrasting walls cried out, “Look at me!” It definitely wanted to be noticed. Painting trim the same color as the walls, however, is asserting that trim and molding can be beautiful without demanding attention.
And yet, it doesn’t quite slip into the background, either. Perhaps the trim is a slightly glossier sheen than the walls. Perhaps it has pretty curves or interesting architectural elements. Or maybe it’s simply because it isn’t demanding our notice – we are taking notice.
Rooms Appear Larger
It’s easy to see how painting crown molding the same color as the walls makes ceilings appear higher than they actually are. When trim is a contrasting color from the walls – especially if it is a stark contrast – it creates a harsh line between the walls and ceiling, essentially stopping the eye from moving up.
Contrasting trim around windows, doors, and along floorboards do the same thing – it stops the eye from moving around the room freely. Instead of being able to sweep around the room and take it all in, the eye sees the room in smaller sections and pieces them together.
With the walls and trim the same color, the eye can move around the room in one sweeping motion, with nothing to stop it. As a result, ceilings appear taller and walls appear wider than they really are. Everything seems larger and more open.
This is in part because having everything the same color helps to hide unwanted elements. An unwanted kitchen soffit, exposed pipe, awkwardly placed vent cover, drop-down ceiling – they all blend together and in a sense “disappear” when they’re the same color.
Cabinets Appear Built-In
Painting cabinets the same color as your walls creates a cohesive, built-in feel. Even after market cabinets can look custom when they’re painted well.
Painting cabinetry the same color as walls and trim makes it feel like a seamless, integral part of the space and not an afterthought.
Keeps Things Simple
The beauty of this trend is that it can fit seamlessly into any design style. It is right at home with the simplest of styles.
Painting walls and trim the same color would look just as beautiful in a home with ornate woodwork or in a Craftsman with thick, squared off trim. This simple design works with all home designs!
This trend lets other design elements in a room be the stars. Colorful artwork, textiles or furniture can take center stage because they have a visually uncluttered and neutral backdrop.
Adds High Drama!
If you want color, drama, and excitement paint your moldings and walls a dark and moody color! Think of emerald green, navy blue, or even black… the options are endless.This design trend can also be fun and exciting and over the top! It all depends on the colors you choose.
These “jewel box” rooms are becoming much more popular, and it’s easy to see why. They are gorgeous and a bit moody, with rich saturated color to make a statement.
ScottAJacobsRealtor.com is excited to provide you with inspiration and tips to elevate your indoor living and entertaining. Stay tuned for more home improvement ideas and expert advice on creating your dream space.
Comments