Classic, old school panelling and trimwork is a thing of beauty and it is such a shame that so much of it has been lost. Luckily, the folk who covered the hardwood flooring with linoleum and wall to wall carpet preserved the hardwood floors they were tired of looking at, though. Mostly nowadays, if you want that sort of detail you have to recreate it. It really does add punch to a home’s decor. In modern times, the fireplace mantel, flanked by open or closed cabinetry makes excellent use of space, as providing an enormous boost to the finished look of the room. in the past, the mantel tended to be marble or wood and tile. 
As interior design home decorating projects go, adding built-ins and moldings can be one of the most rewarding projects to undertake. The advantages to the looks and character of your home, as well as the storage advantages that you will gain are enormous. Modern day cabinetry and trim tends to have a different flavour from that of times past. The style of the finished built-in can vary from light and airy contemporary style to richly detailed traditional. Variations and gradations of these extremes are designed into the scheme to create the desired finished look. The finished product may be painted white in many cases, but it is useful to consider a more dramatic look. Black painted cabinetry is stunning. The overall look of the room is not dark and oppressive. Rather, it is rich and interesting, not to mention cozy and restful to live in.
Storage elements are often incorporated into the built-in cabinetry in a room, and they are a mixture of open and closed storage. We simply do not want to see all of our possessions every day of the week. They are tucked away below until we need them. You can gain storage and display space, make much more efficient use of your home, and add impact to your room design. The addition of classical moldings such as ogee moldings, flutes, and capitals create a more formal look. Difficult areas of the home that are otherwise merely used to pass through can become more useful as well as better looking by the addition of built-ins and decorative molding details. In a more transitional home, there is significantly less detail in the moldings. The overall look is less formal, but still upscale. 
Many homes have fireplaces as a feature in the main room or rooms. They also have quite a large flat screen television these days as well. Many times the two features, the television and the fireplace are combined into a single focal point. Sometimes the television is above the fireplace but many people want to view the television looking straight ahead, rather than up, as that is much more comfortable. The design of fireplaces has also become much more creative. Linear fireplaces look much more contemporary than the old style firebox, and they do look good in combination with a modern television. built-ins are not only wood these days. In the room below, the face of the media centre is tiled, rather than wood. Lighting in niches is a terrific way to add drama to the area. 
Trimwork in many homes is less than inspiring. Three inch baseboards are the norm in a new home unless the buyer specifies an upgrade. It is well worth upgrading trimwork in an older home that has skimpy trim. It often is painted white but, surprisingly often, home owners do opt to paint trim something other than white. It can be varnished wood or an interesting deeper neutral, or even black. Black trim looks wonderful. Crown moldings are often added in more traditional style homes.
Coffered ceilings are a way to add a luxurious feel to a formal room. They often accompany other built-ins in the room, such as storage and shelving alongside a fireplace.A coffered ceiling is a series of indented boxes on the ceiling surface. The result is that the ceiling feels higher as there is an illusion of added height. They can also disguise ceiling imperfections and they do add a dignified, formal air to a room. They also add value to the home. The original ceiling should be at least nine feet high, and the room, overall, should be large or the room will end up feeling cramped.
Along a traditional theme, there are many styles of trim work to choose from. Trim can be painted or stained as opposed to just sticking with traditional white, as the client prefers. Painting trim in a light shade avoids the traditional dark look of moldings of the past. Fireplace walls are particularly conducive to the use of built-ins. In a large room, large moldings can be used. For a formal look, fluted, classical columns can be used either side of the fireplace and flanked with tall cabinets to draw the eye up, thus making the ceiling feel higher. The ceiling may remain unadorned or it may be elaborately embellished by moldings or even coffering. Simple crown molding in every room lends an air of formality and grace to any home, large or small.
Awkward areas such as under stair space is a great opportunity to use trim work to add storage, style, or even a reading nook. Mudrooms are often difficult ares to keep looking good and work efficiently. Footwear and coats pile up along with sporting gear and duffle bags. The addition of concentrated storage gets these items off the floor.
Foyers, as well, often fall by the wayside because they are busy pass through areas. It is important to embellish the foyer because it is an opportunity to give a pleasing first impression and a welcoming message to guests. Doors do not have to be solid, but could have beveled glass instead for an interesting look. In a room with a low ceiling, it may be desirable to keep molding treatments should be more subtle, so as not to overpower the room and appear oppressive. This is not a hard and fast rule, as all this is in the eye of the beholder. Many small homes look lovely with elaborate decor and moldings. The paneled wall in the foyer below looks dramatic and interesting while functioning efficiently with the slim black console table. This room has taken on an entirely more formal character due to the darker wall colour. It would be much less interesting with white walls.
Large windows provide an opportunity for window seating with storage beneath. This arrangement also looks wonderful on windows that are properly dressed with elegant window treatments. Even where there is no large window, molding detail can add interest in surprising ways.
In bedrooms, space is often limited and possessions are many. Bedroom built-ins can greatly alleviate the storage issues while also providing display space. Space under dormers or slanted ceilings also can be made more efficient and usable with built-in cabinetry for storage. Ceiling embellishment may simply be a series of parallel exposed beams, extensive crown moldings, inset coffering or circular molding or elaborate ceiling moldings. Dining rooms are also often small rooms which tend to hold large furnishings. These rooms also benefit from overhead interest. Simple moldings can be made to look much more dramatic by painting them with deeper colours. This also provides a flat display surface and moves the occupant away from the ceiling. Entire walls of storage can be created and look stunning while concealing a wealth of possessions.
Call Mulberry Interiors now at (905) 849-6423 to book a consultation. We look forward to working with you to increase your enjoyment of your home.
Full Décor Service Fine Furnishings
Custom Window Coverings Area Carpets
Paint Colour Consultations a Specialty Space Planning
Lighting Accessories and Wall Art
Window Coverings including Draperies, Shutters and Blinds
