Hi there! Happy Wednesday.
There is a relatively recent trend to paint walls and trim the same color. I’ve seen some rooms done this way that are very appealing. I confess, I’m old school and appreciate a distinction, no matter how subtle, between the two.
Houzz gave the trend press in early 2013, with a quote from architect Treff LaFleche who states that matching trim and walls “emphasize the functional purpose of architectural trim and creates a more understated and contemporary composition.” I agree, but my traditional leanings probably balk at the “contemporary” reference.
There is something modern and soothing about trim painted the exact same color as the walls. It creates a seamless look and works well if you plan to leave your walls bare or cover them with a thousand pieces of art. -Houzz
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This butler’s pantry is striking—slate walls, cupboard fronts and trim.
The wood beadboard, crown moulding, window trim, and casing, match but the toile breaks up what could be too much of any one color. A lively example of contrast between wall and trim.
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All white kitchens are always beautiful to me. Maybe the variance found in the counter, the stainless steel appliances, and the tile backsplash over the range give it the added pop of contrast.
What do you think? Would you paint the trim and walls the same color?
♥ Karen
Kris Moore said:
I personally like a contrast. I believe the trim system should be accentuated by a different color…white or cream.
Karen B. said:
Hi Kris,
Same here. I have seen some striking examples of trim and walls painted the same, but I still prefer the cream or white trim with wall color, no matter how slight the contrast.
Thanks for stopping by.
Karen
After Orange County said:
In every example you gave with trim painted the same as the walls it seems to work and looks very dramatic. In certain rooms, like the library or butler’s pantry I think it makes a statement. I’ve never done it but I’m often drawn to photos of rooms where the designer has taken the plunge. You’ve got me thinking now…should I try this in my next renovation project??
Karen B. said:
Celia, I do like the look in certain rooms but I’m basically a coward when it comes to deviation of the traditional looks. 🙂 I still like the look of white (no matter the shade) and a contrasting wall color (no matter how subtle). Its fun to see the trends and think about them but I’m usually lacking the stamina to make it happen in my own house. lol. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 6:14 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
Hello Karen,
Another thought provoking question. On first instinct I’d say “no” but looking at the splendid pictures that accompany your post, I’m now smitten.
On first purchasing our house, we noticed that every room had the same color scheme – smoker’s yellow walls, trim, and ceiling. All the wonderful millwork was lost on the fact that the former owner had painted everything the same color. When we painted we made a point of picking out the millwork in a shade of white, and the plaster walls in saturated color. For us it works, but again, those pictures in your post look pretty fab too.
Karen B. said:
CD, I’m with you, even if the paint variation is only slight between trim and wall, that is my preference. But it’s fun to look at new ideas, right? 🙂 Traditional wears well and never goes out of style. Karen
On Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 7:58 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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leslie carney said:
I do like the seem-less look but I understand your desire for what you’ve grown accustomed to;) When we re-built the house we went with WIDE borders (top and bottom) and painted them pure white ~ the walls are a gray/white. We just put wainscoting in our bedroom and went with all white and I totally love it .. so I guess I’ll go either way! Enjoy your day:)
Karen B. said:
White would probably be the exception to my preference of contrast…I could love all white. But all navy blue, as pretty as it is in one of the rooms I’m sharing, would possibly get old for me. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 12:19 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
Isn’t this a very Colonial look, too? Some of the rooms at Mount Vernon are painted this way. (Let’s not tell Trent LaFleche, lol.) I can understand why you wouldn’t want to “stop the eye” if you were using such strong and beautiful colors. I’m with you, though- there’s just something so fresh about white trim. Guess it really depends on the room. Fun to think about!
Karen B. said:
Vicki, Sometimes I’ll see something trending and think, oh, I wouldn’t do that. Then the idea grows on me and I go for it. We’ll see if that becomes the case with this detail. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 7:05 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
All of these photos look good to me, Karen! Interestingly, when I first painted my cream-of-mushroom living and dining room 30+ years ago (walls and trim the same color), I used a taupe with slightly mauve undertones (sounds horrible to me now) and I intended the trim to be the same as the walls. The trim turned out to be just a bit different (and in semi-gloss), and it looked good. Since 2003, though, I’ve gone with contrasting trim. I have a LOT of woodwork in my bungalow, and I think I do like the contrast best.
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, That is exactly what happens to me. I prefer one way and after seeing some really great rooms with something done I wouldn’t think about, I end up loving it. 🙂 You have been so true to the historical details with your home. Since I live in a tract house I am always trying to dress it up with details that I believe enhance an otherwise plain setting. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 7:47 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
I really like all the detail that casements and moldings give to any room. When everything is painted the same color I think the details of the moldings get lost. I’m with you, contrasting trim is more my style. I have to admit that I liked the butler’s pantry and the living room with the dark blue walls, I just wouldn’t have the nerve to do something that daring!
Karen B. said:
You and I think alike…we have to be true to who we are—big and bold aren’t adjectives I’d use for our style! lol. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 8:54 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Jayne said:
I would not paint the trim and walls the same color. Why bother with trim? I can’t say I get behind the idea to paint rooms bright blue or black either. And I am old enough to be done with any Williamsburg blue. I especially dont understand a room of black cabinets. A black accent is exciting, but all black is Too zombie for me.
Karen B. said:
Jayne, You cracked me up. I loved your honesty. I agree, I can’t imagine painting crown and base the same color as the walls. I do love black pieces when used sparingly, but an entire black room? It might seem zombie like. xo, Karen
On Thu, Sep 22, 2016 at 11:11 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Diane said:
Very nice. I love the blue, the only thing I live in Canada and that would look to cold for me. It would be great in the south.
Karen B. said:
Hi Diane,
Yes, I think most of my readers agree that while it’s pretty, the dark color and trim might not be ideal.
Thank you for stopping by.
Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
Since my house doesn’t have any crown molding in it, paint color has never been an issue for me. After looking at the pics in your post, I found that some of the rooms looked great with walls and trim painted the same color. However, I think there are notable exceptions where contrasting trim is the way to go. Loved that breakfast room picture!
Karen B. said:
I agree with you, I think the contrasting trim is my favorite way to go. xo, Karen
On Fri, Sep 23, 2016 at 11:06 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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debra @ 5th and state said:
well ms karen, what a wonderful, inspirational and thought provoking post! i always thought i preferred the contrast but with these images could be swayed. thanks for so many pinnable images, great future references
xxx
debra
Karen B. said:
Thanks, my friend. As you may have read from the comments, most think the traditional contrast trim/walls is best. I confess I agree, but you just never know when that certain room in a house needs to be different! xo, Karen
On Sun, Sep 25, 2016 at 1:45 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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