Paint and Trim Guide

A friend emailed me recently and asked me to give her some advice on painting trim and how to pair it with the wall color. I thought this would be good information to share with the rest of you. As most things go in the world of design there is no set RULE on paint colors and trim colors. However there are always colors that compliment each other and work better than others. 

I've always approached the rooms that I've painted with the same trim color carried throughout the house. Again, this is not a rule... it's just my taste, to have at least on color connecting all the rooms. (I will post later about how to make a home flow)

Here are some great examples of pairing trim and wall colors.

I love this look of painting the walls and trim the same color. Looks best when its a warm neutral color. 

Okay, when painting trim darker than the walls, it looks best when the walls are a neutral color so the trim and walls aren't competing with each other. Again.. not a rule, just more pleasing this way. (and you don't have to do every room in the house this way.. see how the entry way beyond is painted white?)

Wood trim...my in-laws have a lake house and the wall colors are neutral and their trim is a natural stained honey colored wood..and it looks great. It gives it a "rustic" look.

You can also go with neutral walls with a slightly darker neutral trim. Love this look as well. Its subtle but it does make a statement. (Again, notice that the trim in the next room over is lighter)

You don't always have to resort to white trim. This room has beautiful sunny blue walls with a champagne color trim. And it works! 

images courtesy of House Beautiful, Domino Mag, Traditional Home 

I hope this helps! If you have any questions about exact color matching for trim and wall, just send me an email, I'd be happy to help! ntmdesignblooms@gmail.com