Trim & Millwork: instant character
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 an added layer of personality with trim and millwork.
FIVE PLACES TO INCORPORATE TRIM, MILLWORK, AND BUILT-INS
for added charm and character
01.
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. It really is that charming.
02.
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 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.
04.
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.
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.
Call my partial, but wallpaper over wainscoting or built-ins …ahhh that texture.
