Transform Your Space with Bold Trim Colors Recommended by Experts

Homeowners looking to refresh their interiors are increasingly turning to vibrant trim colors to enhance their spaces. Designers recommend a range of dynamic shades that can transform a room’s atmosphere, helping to create a more personalized and inviting environment.

Expert Insights on Choosing Trim Colors

According to designer Elizabeth Cross-Beard of Palm Henri in Baltimore, the trim in a room acts like a statement accessory, complementing the overall design. She emphasizes the importance of selecting timeless colors that endure over time. “I love choosing trims that are timeless colors that last generations,” she explains, often opting for a high-gloss finish to add elegance.

Contrary to popular belief, white may not always be the best choice for trim. Joy Williams, a designer based in Chicago, believes that opting for colors other than white can add character to a room. “Trim is meant to ground a space,” she notes, suggesting that unexpected choices, such as a deep hue, can elevate a room’s aesthetic.

One such daring choice made by Cross-Beard involved an “almost a merlot eggplant” color for a wallpapered mudroom, illustrating her philosophy of selecting a side—either bold or subtle. “Just don’t go in the middle, right?” she advises.

Guidelines for Successful Trim Color Selection

While changing wall colors can be relatively simple, painting trim requires more commitment. Max Humphrey, a designer from Portland, Oregon, emphasizes that choosing a unique trim color is a more significant decision. “It’s a bigger swing when you choose a funky color,” he explains, highlighting the need for careful consideration.

Humphrey provides guidelines to avoid buyer’s remorse. For homes with historical architectural features, he suggests that white trim can enhance ornate molding. “It makes you notice the molding more than the color,” he states. Conversely, in modern homes lacking decorative details, incorporating color can add interest and character.

When selecting bolder trim colors, Humphrey recommends drawing inspiration from existing elements in the room, such as wallpaper or drapery. “It can be a way to make the space feel cohesive and not kooky,” he adds.

Several professional designers have shared their favorite trim colors, demonstrating the diverse options available. For instance, Cross-Beard describes a deep blue-gray that she used to contrast with a bright white kitchen, creating a “moody moment” that grounds the space.

Designer Krystal Reinhard from Old Soul Design Studio in Philadelphia highlights the versatility of Sherwin-Williams’ Balanced Beige. This neutral tone, featuring both warm and cool undertones, works harmoniously in various settings. “It has warm and cool tones, which is going to work in a lot of spaces,” she notes.

In a child’s room in Portland, Humphrey opted for Southern Comfort by Benjamin Moore, a dusty pink that strikes a balance between playful and sophisticated. “White is boring, and this pink is neutral enough,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of selecting colors that maintain a vintage charm.

Cross-Beard also emphasizes softer tones, using London Stone to create a warm contrast in a dining room. “There isn’t any white moment in that dining room — purposefully,” she states, asserting that white would have felt jarring against her design choices.

Bold options such as Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black appeal to those seeking a dramatic effect. Williams describes it as “a true deep kind of solar system black,” ideal for high-gloss finishes or pairing with metallics.

Designer Arianne Bellizaire utilized Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue to instill a sense of sophistication in her Chicago home. “It creates a strong architectural frame that grounds the space,” she explains, highlighting the dramatic impact of rich colors.

In a powder room, Humphrey chose Benjamin Moore’s Antique Pewter, a sophisticated gray-green that brings a touch of the outdoors inside. “It’s a good green when you’re trying to bring the outdoors in,” he notes.

For those who prefer traditional aesthetics, Sherwin-Williams’ Pure White remains a favorite among designers. Williams describes it as “a true white” that complements any color scheme without appearing cold or sterile. Hannah Goldberg, a designer based in Washington D.C., affirms that Pure White “pops beautifully against any color you pair it with.”

In conclusion, the trend towards bold and unexpected trim colors offers homeowners a chance to redefine their spaces. By choosing dynamic shades that resonate with their personal style, individuals can create environments that are both inviting and reflective of their unique tastes.