MODERN WALLS // ARCHITECTURAL TRIM WORK

I've long admired the way designers pair up classic inner trimmings of a pre-war building with modern fixtures and furnishings. It's one of the things I gravitate to when I'm traveling through Europe - something about the longevity of well built, beautiful buildings of yesteryear living on in the modern age.  But when I'm home, I prefer unfussy architectural details - clean lines, uncluttered walls amidst a mix of both vintage and modern furnishings. Luckily, there are quite a few design options for newer builds these days that give a nod to the trim work of old, but play still play it clean, contemporary and cool.

With my thoughts turned to incorporating some architectural interest onto the blank state walls of Holtwood House, I've chosen a few modern takes on trim work that are helping to guide my design plan.

Collecting samples can be such an arduous task. Between style and dimensions, there are many decisions there.  I find I'm leaning towards more minimalist options with a single, edgy raised profile.

Then there are additional decisions to make around pattern. A picture frame layout is a favored classic look. But designers are taking a more modern approach with bold graphic patterns that become a focal point in the room.

I've been playing with scale and repetition in my own design scheme and have already faced inevitable obstacles when working around vent and socket placement. My well measured layouts have already been derailed several times.

In the end, several walls at Holtwood House will be tricked out in various styles and degree of detail. Clean, classic trim will be juxtaposed against modern fixtures and finishings - a step towards building a more eclectic feel within the walls of our home.

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Chalk it Up

With my Sister and her family finally all moved into their new home, our thoughts have already turned toward the various "projects" we've lined up, that will not only breathe new life into older furnishings, but add a little whimsy and spice through new decor that the kids will appreciate. One of the things that will probably make an appearance somewhere in the house is a custom chalkboard wall. Because they are leasing, we will likely opt not to paint the actual wall, but rather hang or lean a large framed chalkboard against a prominent wall in the house.

In the meantime, there is lots of chalked up inspiration to be had.

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I love how the graffiti essentially became abstract art in these spaces. How much fun my nieces and nephews will have getting creative in their own home!  The second image above utilizes a folded screen and is another idea for the less permanent solution we're after.

We've been tossing around a few thoughts about where the chalkboard should be placed. In all likelihood, it will probably end up in the kitchen where dust clean up over easy-to-wipe floors is possible.  But I love the idea of doodling while lounging around in other areas of the house, as seen below.

UK Elle Decoration Via

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Stay tuned as I blog my way through this project, as well as others for the space including custom upholstered headboards, colorful refinished furniture, a gallery wall and new draperies- all on the list of eventual to-dos.