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by Liz Thompson
Feel painting woodwork is a mortal sin? Wait until you see these stunning examples. Some mad trim inspo that’ll set you running to the paint store, pronto.
current mood
Glossy white woodwork creates a sleek look that complements modern interiors. Perfect paired with crystal and marble.
empty canvas
Use white woodwork to display your artwork and special artifacts. Brightly colored objects and fun mementos are the focus, walls and trim blend into the scene.
dark side of the room
Of course, trim doesn’t have to be white. Go to the dark side and add dimension to your interiors. In this look the door and shiplap ceiling are done in the same tone.
beam us up
Painted door frames, paneling, and even built-ins are a given. Add the element of surprise by painting underside of ceiling beams.
old meets new
A streamlined look, like this narrow trim painted a soft grey, creates traditional interest with contemporary feel. A nice background for mixing antiques with modern elements.
attention grabber
Make a statement with dark trim against white or cream walls. It’s the perfect way to make beautiful woodwork stand out and goes well with a neutral color scheme.
om out
Creamy white trim delivers on peace and serenity. Black and neutral pieces stick with the zen theme.
updated farmhouse
For a charming bucolic feel, paint trim in a dark neutral that goes well with wicker, woods, and metals. This country chic look has mad city style.
walk this way
Add interest, and give a small hallway depth and dimension with a dark grey on white. This old world vibe is polished and classic at the same time.
a shot of color
Black, grey, and white are always safe bets for painted trim. Love color? Go for it! This pale blue is unexpected and teams nicely with medium wood tones.
do your thing
Ok. This is intense and maybe a wee bit over the top. But hey, some of us roll that way.
artistic side
Another monochrome stunner. This grey on grey look is at once vintage and totally of the moment. Inspirational, to say the least.
triple up
Don’t feel you have to stick with all one trim color. White walls, grey cabinets, and black window trim makes for a stunning combo.
fade to grey
The just-right white adds depth. Look how this wall color takes on a deeper tone paired up with light trim. All the better to play up your bright décor.
stair appeal
Play up a pretty staircase with something other than white or black. A warm grey is clean and interesting.
on display
A super dark, almost-black navy makes walls and trim seem to fade away. Use this look to showcase colorful artwork, furniture, and a delicious rug.
go big
Let larger than life details speak, while white frames the scene. Oversized items, glimmering gold, bold patterns…don’t hold back.
mighty minimalism
Many minimalist homes don’t have a lot of woodwork. You can still get in on the painted trim scene by adding a hot splash of color to kitchen cabinets. Upper, lower, or both. Works in bathrooms and offices too.
not so plain jane
Who says white is plain? An all white bedroom is so elegant. Paint wainscoting, trim, and walls in the same white. A hint of black or gold seals the deal.
play favorites
Have a favorite color? Choose a room that is all yours and paint walls, woodwork, even bookshelves the same hue. Keep furniture and décor within the same color family to keep the look cohesive.
moody blues
A soft tone, like this powdery blue, gives off a blast of color while still managing to be sophisticated. Muted tones in a variety of hues co-mingle nicely.
little details
Fortunate enough to have gorgeously intricate woodwork? Hire a pro to paint it right and show that stuff off.
black and white, only better
A black and white color scheme doesn’t exactly scream funky, right? Wrong! To jazz up your BW space, paint below the chair rail black, above in white. Doors get a half and half look too.
go deep
Deep purple is mysterious and romantic. How fabulous is this wood paneling in eggplant? Risky but refined.
frame up
Amazing how light and airy dark woodwork can make a space. Moldings stay white while window frames get a coat of
. Navy, charcoal, or deep green would work as well here.
perfect pair
Painted trim is a great way to complement wall paper. This grey-white hue grounds the look and keeps walls from becoming too busy.
color cocoon
Slate blue creates a cozy backdrop for patterns and fresh hues. Balance it out by choosing lighter colors for the rest of your scheme.
blush or bashful
Ballet slipper pink paired with a warm, neutral greige? Too cute!
fine line
Edgy, dramatic, yet oh so simple. Glossy black on matte white walls is a humble thing of beauty.
sweet surprise
Go for a bit of the unexpected. Pale yellow trim against lavender walls? Absolutely dreamy.
icy inspiration
All white on trim and walls isn’t boring. It means you can go kind of crazy with furniture and artwork. Emerald green, peacock blue, fuchsia…the choice is yours.
blend in
Painting trim and walls in the same matte hue is a minimalist take on saturated color. Sparse furniture and sleek lines let the floor do the talking in this fun scene.
stand out style
Make pretty woodwork stand out in an understated way by using a slightly darker shade than walls.
bright is right
Nothing makes a room pop like brilliant white on white. Use this look to update an older interior, bring a dark space to life, or highlight bold design elements.
color block
For a super fun look, paint each room a different color with matching trim. Leave just door jams white for contrast.