The Outdated Trim Trend That's Coming Back In A Big Way (And How To Do It Right)

Have you ever wandered into an older home and been surprised to see a number of design choices that seem way more trendy than they should? There may be small ways that the décor is slightly off — such as using different shapes, colors, and sizes that do not align with whatever the current trend may be — but the overall effect is the same. One example you might see of this today is in intricate trim details. Home décor, like fashion, has a cyclical nature, and trends have a tendency to come back around over time. Right now, you may be surprised to learn that the outdated trim scattered around your grandparents' home is coming back in a big way. 

Trim is typically used to cover gaps and joints in various spaces throughout a home. For example, using wood trim between the wall and floors or walls and ceiling is incredibly popular, though some designs are more intricate than others. There are trim types that will improve the appearance of any room, and if you are a fan of small but impactful details, you will be excited that this vintage décor trend is gaining popularity. However, when trying to incorporate elements of a past trend into contemporary design, you need to do it right — and be careful to not accidentally date your home. So, before you start adding trim to your pillows, curtains, and everything else, you should learn how to implement this trend without changing your house's aesthetic from chic to dated or overly traditional.

In homes with more traditional styling, you can see trim nearly everywhere. Examine furniture, throw pillows, cabinets, curtains, rugs, and a number of other vintage home décor items to spot trim details. In modern homes, many designs steer away from intricate trim details and instead focus on clean, sleek lines when covering gaps. As home décor trends shift away from minimalism, consider adding in small finishing touches, such as fringe on pillow seams and curtains or other interesting features. Trim details make a space look more finished and add character, particularly when unique shapes and colors are used. Plus, you can get creative with how and where you add trim details, making it a good option no matter what the overall aesthetic of your home is.

The most obvious way to incorporate trim detailing in your home is to install wood trim along your walls to cover the gaps between the ceiling, floors, windows, and doors. If you already have trim in these places but want a bolder look, consider painting the trim in your kitchen to take the room from boring to HGTV-worthy. If you want to experiment without doing any renovations, shop around for some décor pieces that feature decorative trim. These can be more affordable than large changes, and can easily be moved around or even returned if you decide you do not like the look in your home. 

While home design trends will inevitably shift, there are some ways to make sure your home does not look dated too quickly. First, make sure that your trim choice will complement the rest of the décor and styling in your home. If everything is very sleek and modern, it might look strange to add an ornate wood trim to your cabinets. Instead, try to find a trim that works with the rest of your décor, even if it means accentuating sleek trim with contrasting color, rather than intricate shapes, to make it stand out. For example, these showstopping rooms will convince you to paint your trim black. Neutral colors are also a great choice. 

This same idea applies to smaller items like blankets and throw pillows. There are options with trim that can suit everything from farmhouse to bohemian design, so you can introduce the trim trend without throwing off the look of your home. It is also a good idea to start small when implementing trends. Adding a couple of pieces over time rather than attaching trim to every item in a room gives you time to style more intentionally, preventing things from looking outdated too quickly. Of course, if you love trim detailing, then you should not worry about it becoming outdated. Having a home you love is far more important than keeping up with various never-ending trends.