All things considered

Quality woodwork is a long lasting source of complements, but economy trim is often discarded. By putting up cheep 2 1/4” casing, whole trim package cost, as a percentage of total building cost, is not that much less than using a distinctive trim. The initial cost is less, however, standard trim will not be an exceptional selling point because trim, of some sort, is essential. A custom home with basic trim is like a fine dinner served on paper plates. When remodeling occurs, little care is taken to preserve stock trim. Economy trim goes quickly into dumpster and landfill. Contrast above with a homeowner who looks at his higher quality trim package as an investment. Added cost for this trim is minimal when one considers value afforded by upgrade. The value of an exceptional trim package, as a selling point, will be far greater than its cost. Well trimmed rooms will feel more substantial and pride of ownership will be obvious to prospective buyers. High quality trim is much less likely to be thrown out during remodeling. Subsequent owners often go to great lengths to preserve or match distinctive woodwork when they remodel. Quality mouldings are preserved to point that matching them creates an industry of custom millwork shops. All things considered, relatively small initial investment will add value over and over throughout life of home. More than color, mouldings set style and atmosphere of a room. There will be years of personal enjoyment because quality woodwork is a long lasting source of complements. Imagine hearing "Wow, You have amazing woodwork!"

Copyright 2005 C. Hegler

Now, consider your furniture and accessories. What colors do you see? If you have a lot of black or navy you may wish to choose a beige with orange or pink undertones to keep look warm. If you have browns or reds in your furniture, select a cooler beige with ashy tones to avoid 'overheating' your room.

If you prefer a cooler, airy look - chrome, glass and shades of icy blue - then select gray tones. Some stores will have a 'true gray' color swatch which you can use to compare with their designer selections. On comparison you will notice that each gray has undertones. Some will have blue or lavender tones, others may have green or even a hint of pink.

Using same guide as stated above, identify main colors of furniture and accessories in room. Use green or pink toned greys with cool toned furnishings to avoid it from feeling like an ice box. Use blue or lavender undertones in rooms with warmer colored furnishings.

If you are really torn between beige or gray, than easiest color to work with is green. Keeping it in a muted tone will make it very easy to live with, and will work with most color palates.

Painting rooms with color will bring finishing touch to your home - don't you deserve it?