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Design Dilemma Paint Home Decorating

Need advice! Should I paint the trim white? They are painting now..

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

After- we just put in new doors and windows throughout the house. These walls will be SW White Duck. Should I paint the trim a white-white color to match the trim on the doors? I would greatly appreciate some advice.

Before-brown throughout...doors were brown. Now they're white.

Kitchen has reddish brown cabinets that do match the trim..

The first room they painted today. More tomorrow... walls SW White Duck! Love this color. Do you think I should paint the trim a bright white or keep it brown?

Featured Answer

PRO

Lori A. Sawaya

3 years ago

Should I paint the trim a white-white color to match the trim on the doors?

Yes. Because color hierarchy. When you use color to group like elements together, you're color-coding the environment. It makes the space easier to understand consciously and subconsciously. In other words, the envelope of the space is cohesive, congruous - it makes sense.

Some would call this a "design rule" and maybe they're right. If they are, then this is one color design rule I prefer not to break even if it's well understood.

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Comments (12)

cawaps
3 years ago
I vote for keeping it brown.
Denise thanked cawaps
Susan Davis
3 years ago
I like painted trim. if the doors are dark, then the trim around the doors can be painted white too as well as crown molding and baseboards.....look at pictures of rooms of both and see what appeals to you the most!
Denise thanked Susan Davis
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jjam
3 years ago
YES! It's gonna be gorgeous!!
Denise thanked jjam
Melissa R
3 years ago
yes, paint white
Denise thanked Melissa R
cat_ky
3 years ago
I vote to keep it brown too. It looks very nice brown, and adds a bit more character to the room.
PRO
Denise
Original Author
3 years ago
We're heading to Aruba on Saturday. I've decided to live in the space for one week. They will have it painted SW White Duck and leave it brown for now. We'll make the final decision by the time we leave.
Jilly
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
My vote is brown. Agree about it adding interest and character, and to me, it draws the eye towards the windows/beautiful views. It has that beachy, British Colonial feel I love when visiting traditional Caribbean hotels.

You definitely have enough bright light coming in ... the wood trim has a warm, organic feel to keep rooms from looking or feeling washed-out.
Denise thanked Jilly
PRO
Denise
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Thank you Jinx! I think I need to hire someone. I'm so confused at this point. :( I don't have to make a decision on the trim for a few weeks. Also, it will be good to put my house back together first to get a feel for the trim with my furnishings...I love this site, for all the different perspectives.
Jilly
3 years ago
That’s a great idea — living with it a bit. I hope you update us! Enjoy Aruba! :)
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
3 years ago
Do the white trim to unify everything. I would not do that slate accent wall, those have been 'out' for awhile. Obviously if you love it..
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
3 years ago
You mean the recess? Build it out with drywall, hang the tv, and put a piece of furniture under it.

Can that become a closet accessed from the opposite side?

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