Adding Charm with Trim

It's all in the trimmings...

One of the most loved attributes of what gives those historical style homes that character we love is the intricate attention to trim detail. Trim and millwork details are often found at the baseboard and crown molding of our walls, the transoms above the door frames, the exposed beams and built-in cabinetry, wall wainscoting and other trim and millwork opportunities - all giving any space instant character, texture, and depth.

Whether you’re reviving an older home or hoping to bring forward some charm and character into a new build, what kind of trim and millwork details could you bring to life? In me personal opinions, I find trim and millwork to be an undervalued and overlooked opportunity to give a space story and charm. Look for the opportunities in your spaces to incorporate ways to add charm with trim to your home.

Different Ways to Add Charm with Trim

01: When you can build it in, BUILD IT IN

Instead of an “end of the hallway linen closet,” do an end of the hallway build-in cupboard to hold your extra blankets and linens.

Burts Brees Please has the CUTEST space at the end of her hallway that would make me smile and stand at the end of the hallway longer than anyone would normally stand in the hallway.

Obviously, this route is ideal if you are building your home and not renovating your home. But don't think for a second you can't find some hollow wasted space in your home?

Have I knocked down the back wall of a closet underneath my staircase to find unused potential? Absolutely.

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02: Wainscoting and Paneling

Wainscoting. Back in the day, it protected the walls from scuffs and daily wear and tear. That’s what it’s so charming! We see it in ALL the fixer uppers. …and the ledge of the wainscoting, if trimmed with enough depth, could also serve as a cute shelf space for small knick knacks and such.

03: Transoms

Transoms above the door ways. Prior to Central A/C, these transoms were operable and provided a way for wind to enter the homes and cool off the rooms. Bless it to anyone who lived in Louisiana. I wouldn’t have survived back in the day. But they sure are charming.

Step 4: Deep Window Sills

Deep window sills. If you’re building, think about your window sills. I grew up in an old home and the window sills were deep enough to set a coffee cup on. I’ve always loved that. Those deep sills give you a space for books, trinket, or your english ivy to thrive on (unless your like me, then the window sill is it’s last place before visiting the plant afterlife).

05: Furring Out Walls & Ceilings

VOCABULARY LESSON: to "fur" out

To "fur" out a wall or ceiling means to bring out a wall or a ceiling to make it "flush" with another finish material. This can be done for aesthetic purposes or to create space for insulation, run wires or pipes, or to adjust wall or ceiling depth for aesthetic reasons.

Bookshelves and built-ins that are TRULY built into the wall make all the difference in the world. I’m not talking about having a cabinet maker build a shelf and nail it to the wall. I’m talking about book shelves or built-ints that are truly build into the wall - where the drywall meets it, it’s trimmed out, and was intentionally included as a member of the room. Here’s an example from my “shelf space” board on Pinterest. Yes, I have a shelf space board - judge only if you must judge.