Wood trim serves two main purposes in our homes. The first is utilitarian; it covers gaps between other materials. The second is aesthetic; it accentuates and helps to create the design of the space. Simple trim allows the space to speak for itself with a subtle hint of support for the design.
Craftsman Woodwork
Craftsman style bungalows built around the turn of the 20th century were a departure from the excesses of the Victorian architectural style. Featuring plain, rectangular profiles, much of the craftsman woodwork had stain finishes to preserve the natural beauty of the wood. One detail of the craftsman style lies in the tall baseboards typically finished with a simple round along the top edge.
Window trim in the craftsman style was wide and flat to the wall with even the sills only protruding a little. This style layers the moldings. Rather than one ornate piece, multiple moldings might be seen on the same wall, such as a simple crown molding with a picture rail just beneath it.
Modern Millwork
Many modern architectural styles take a minimalist approach to trim in favor of large geometric shapes that flow uninterrupted into one another. Wall trim in modern architecture sometimes takes a harsh, angular approach with crisp edged rectangle molding in starkly contrasting colors framing such features as doors and windows.
Kitchen cabinets in industrial and contemporary styles are frequently wood veneer. They are in the European, or frameless, style without crown moldings, or drop panels typical in more mainstream cabinetry. Built-in features such as book cases and fireplaces are no exception. Many have unusual shapes, such as curves, or unexpected angles incorporated into their designs. Most are devoid of edge detail and moldings, sticking to clean uncluttered lines.
Rustic Wood Trims
Country-style decorating often trends toward the simple. Beginning with the inspirations that are born out of the do-it-yourself spirit of the American frontier, where fancy tools and leisure time were both scarce, rustic trim is typically simple.
Split logs can create simple wood trim for a cabin-like effect. The bark is stripped or even left on in places, depending on how rustic the designer intends to be. Barn wood and rough planking can become trim in country decorating, allowing the scars, saw marks and nail holes to become a part of the design.
Reclaimed painted woods with faded, worn finishes can give an authentic "antique" look to interiors. Sanded to remove loose chips and sealed with a coat of clear sealer, reclaimed, painted lumber can bring a down-home effect.
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